E/S gearbox switch

[Robby]

What do E and S on the gearbox switch stand for?

 

[lookskyward1]

Economy and Standard.

I use the economy setting the most, I feel it gives me smoother gear shifts.

 

[Satch]

What do E and S on the gearbox switch stand for?

Economy & Sport/Standard. May also be W (winter) & or C (comfort) but do the same thing. E or W will start you off in a higher gear to limit wheel spin and box will change up through gears sooner.

But a car with traction control does not in theory need this, so it tends to be rebranded C but does much the same thing. Gives a smoother but more gutless pull off and the box shifts less.

However, some will tell you not to use E, S or C as a habit in traffic and not in hot climates because it causes more heat stress on the transmission fluid. The higher fluid shear effects in the torque converter (like clutch slip in a manual if you start off in second) will always tend to create much more heat.

 

[Shude]

This should have been posted in the engine section, moving...

 

[scotth_uk]

Definitely (S)tandard. Many MB sales people all over the world pulled up in the 90s for mis-representing the setting in the car. Lots of customer complaints.