I have a 2000 E320. I want to use the W mode (winter/wet snow and ice) in South Florida because I want the comfort of stately smooth and unnoticeable shifting into second and third. I have driven a 2007 C230 for some time and have used the C(omfort) mode instead of the S(port) mode with no apparent downside.
Is there any downside (other than performance) to using the W mode (winter/wet snow and ice) in South Florida all the time?

 

Yes,the car is always starting out in second gear,with reduced torque that will take longer to get into proper rev range for the best fuel economy and put a strain on the transmission always trying to move almost two tons of machine with less torque than desirable.Just use s and ease off the lights a little slower.
ohlord