anxx3

There's probably a thread about this somewhere deep in the forums, so sorry if I bring this up again. But I was wondering if it's better to leave your ECO on or off? Every time I release my foot off the brake, I can hear the engine turn back on. Isn't that bad for the engine to turn back on and off every time I'm at a stop? I'm driving a 2013 C350 by the way. I appreciate your guys' inputs.

vic viper

Of course its not harmful for your engine, a tip, press your brake pedal hard to activate the hold function, then you just have to push the throttle to restart and get going.

Drazil

Also if you don't lead foot the brake and come to a stop, if you just lightly hold the brake enough that the car doesn't move, the engine won't shut off. Once you apply more pressure to the brake, then it will kick in.

guitarplayer

I always turn it off. I find it irritating for the motor to stop at lights. If I'm feeling frisky, I'll hit the sport mode.

BenzManNy

I hate it.

JaredP

Why would MB implement a feature that would detriment your engine? There is obviously a system in place to handle on the fly starts and stops without harming your engine.

My opinion on it? I leave it on because it is absolutely not noticeable. If I have music on, I don't even hear/feel the engine turn off, and it turns on faster than you can press the pedal to the floor.

Knightmare69

Probably because it's more money in their pocket gained from replacing an easily worn item/system?

I've read conflicting thoughts from other owners, some like JaredP note there really is no issue, others question if this puts more strain on the starter, not engine itself. As to whether it really saves gas I'm not sure, not to mention, how much gas do you really burn at the stop like and how much carbon do you really produce at the same light?

vic viper

Of course it saves gas and pollutes less, the engine is turned off! and the eco engines does not use the same starter as the non eco models.

Why would a manufacturer implement a feature that would wear down and brake on purpose? that would be murder for marketing and brand publicity.

Almost all newer manufacturers utilize this function, so why shouldnt Daimler?

Knightmare69

In the span of time you spend at a red light, how much are you really saving? Both gas wise and pollution wise.

Jmcintire217

Please note the reason for the eco button is due to the increasingly stringent CAFE standards and the EPA emission standards. There was a case last year heard before the district court in D.C. and they found in favor of the government as well for emissions at the source, in the instant case the tail pipe of cars. However, the eco is defeatable and can be turned off. It annoys me as well and I always turn it off prior to pulling out of my drive way.

stratman1954

Very annoying, OFF

vic viper

You only stop at red lights?, never in a traffic jam, intersections, crowded parking lots and so on?

I cant understand why this feature causes that much of a concern, if you hadnt heard it you wouldnt notice it at all.

BenzManNy

If that was the case, I would get a Prius.

Knightmare69

It doesn't cause me any concern, I'm not the one posting about whether or not to leave this on or off. How bout you ease off my *** there, you got a problem with me take it to pm.

vic viper

Who said that sentence was aimed for you?

Knightmare69

Considering you quoted my post in your response why wouldn't I?

Mikephinney

Wait, what? i Just bought a '12 c250 sport last week, haven't had much oportunity to drive it much as of yet. But are you telling me that with the eco left on, that the engine turns off at a stop? hadn't noticed...

Drazil

I heard that MB did a study years ago and found that idling for 60 seconds, you can start/stop the engine over 100 times and burn the same amount of fuel. Personally I don't mind it, but there are times when it starts rougher than others, and in the summer it's almost always off if I need A/C.

sege

Agreed!!!

guitarplayer

It's a total pain in the ***.

anxx3

Is there a way to have the Eco button automatically turned off when you start the ignition?