Winter Mode

[benzonline]

In the city I like to drive my C230K smoothly and let if shift softly.

But I do it in S mode...the gears are too jerky for city driving as supposed to when I tried driving it in W (winter mode)...it was nice and smoooth...felt like a total different car.

Is it safe to drive the car in W mode in the summer esp with city driving or will this put more wear on the kompressor (I think its used more in this mode) aswell the engine/tranny?

I just like how it drives in this mode.

[c55m8o]

From what I've heard, yes. As a matter of fact, previous gen mercedes used to always start in 2nd unless you floored the car off a standing start. Companies like (the now defunct) BergWerks sold a special module that would force those cars to give 1st gear starts. (bummer they're gone)

[coolin]

You won't have any problems. You just start in second gear and can't rev as high.

I use it when I'm stuck in traffic all the time. I've always been curious about whether or not I should be changing modes while rolling.

[unHookt]

good point. can you make the switch while in gear and/or while the car is underway?

[Denlasoul]

If I am not mistaken, the info you are looking for will be in the owner's manual.

[davis449]

As far as I can tell you shouldn't cause any problems switching modes on the fly, they just tell you not to do it because the change in shift patterne could cause a change in driving characteristics you aren't prepared for and therefore leading you to lose control of the car or something. I do it and have no problems. I use W in traffic and switch on the fly into S when traffic gets flowing again.

[unHookt]

at nearly $3 a gallon, this may also be a way to improve fuel economy and save a couple of bucks...