michail71

When I found out about the hold function I thought it wasn't that interesting or useful for an automatic transmission. However, I've found I really like using it. There is just something fun about the way the car surges forward from a stop.

However, I'm wondering if it is bad for the brakes. It seems like some throttle gets applied before the brakes release. Does the hold function cause any brake wear?

MB Marko

I was thinking the same thing. i don't know but i love the feature hahaha!

michail71

Yeah, it saves about 200-300 milliseconds reaction time and makes a nice launch like kick forward. Tried it at a red light today. I cleared the intersection before the other cars barely got moving.

Rodpwnz

I'm not familiar with this "hold" function, is it a feature implemented in newer w204's? Or are you referring to launching by holding down the brake pedal and gas pedal together?

michail71

No, it's activated by doing a double press of the brake while at a full stop. It locks the brakes in place. The primary purpose is for stopping on an incline. Secondary purpose is just for convenience.

xEryx

Wait, I thought it only worked on inclines/slightly elevated surfaces?

LouZ

I engage it nearly all of the time when I'm at a light. I set it and don't have to keep my foot firmly on the brake pedal all of the time.

michail71

Nope, works while stopped in D or R. You also have to have the door closed and seat belt on I believe. They don't want people mistaking it for park.

It's kind of fun because you can get a hard launch like start.

MB Marko

I've actually tried this while in drive i hit the hold took off my seat belt and opened the door an alarm goes off and beeps like hell but it stays in hold on the dash it says PUT IN PARK lol.

xEryx

Ah good to know. I thought it only worked on slight inclines even though I have accidentally set it before on almost flat ground.

ghlkal

Is this something different than "Hill Start Assist?" The manual indicates that only works on inclines. You can set this "hold" by double tapping the brakes?

MB Marko

yup double tap and it holds the car even at flat red lights ect.

jbt56

I discovered this feature accidentally- on a couple of occasions I inadvertently stepped harder on the brake (engaging 'hold'), and mildly panicked when the car refused to move upon removing my foot from the brake pedal. Apparently, I pushed the pedal hard enough again to disengage hold (without realizing it), and the car was fine. The third time, I noticed the "HOLD" on the dash and then looked it up in the manual!
BTW, one doesn't have to press the pedal twice- just push it harder while stopped (in gear, etc.) and 'hold' engages. Press the pedal again to release it (or press the gas, sounds like?).