C Class (W205) C 180 BlueTec,C 200 BlueTec,C 220 BlueTec,C 220 BlueTec BlueEfficiency,C 250 BlueTec,C 300 BlueTec Hybridplus,C 180,C 180 BlueEfficiency,C 200,C 250,C 300,C 400 Plug-in Hybrid,C 400

Auto Start/Stop Stupid?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 10:02 AM
  #1  
Bmarcinczyk14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 163
Likes: 14
2016 C300 w/ sport package
Auto Start/Stop Stupid?

I've been noticing my start/stop already functioning after 1 minute of only driving out of my neighborhood and coming to a stop. Considering the engine was just started cold in the morning, there is absolutely no way the oil temperatures have reached optimal operating temperature. Therefore I can't see any other outcome other than this causing premature wear on the engine. I know you can turn the function off, but were the engineers really that clueless when they designed this feature to not let the oil temperatures warm up more before functioning? Unless this engine has some crazy magical design I'm not aware of to heat the oil.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 08:06 PM
  #2  
fabbrisd1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Whatever - in the Summer with outside ambient temperatures "warm" - yes ECO will activate/Go-Green faster - and in Winter month's ECO will activate/G-Green later.

So the ECO operational algorithm - to meet EU requirements - is a International Conspiracy on the part of the 3rd largest auto/truck makers in the world to accelerate the wear on your C-Class ?

So that you know the operating temperature of 10W40 is -30C to 100C - so what is your beef that engine technology has changed since the 1970's ?

Stupid Is What Stupid Does - you should get out more buddy...
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 08:10 PM
  #3  
Bmarcinczyk14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 163
Likes: 14
2016 C300 w/ sport package
Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
Whatever - in the Summer with outside ambient temperatures "warm" - yes ECO will activate/Go-Green faster - and in Winter month's ECO will activate/G-Green later.

So the ECO operational algorithm - to meet EU requirements - is a International Conspiracy on the part of the 3rd largest auto/truck makers in the world to accelerate the wear on your C-Class ?

So that you know the operating temperature of 10W40 is -30C to 100C - so what is your beef that engine technology has changed since the 1970's ?

Stupid Is What Stupid Does - you should get out more buddy...
Lol so why is it you took my thread personal? Sounds like someone's a bit insecure.... A bit immature to come out with personal insults wouldn't you say? Grow up, buddy...

My 02 Corvette z06 I don't gun until the oil temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, because it's widely understood this will cause premature wear on the engine. It takes a good 10 minutes of driving in warm temperatures to get there. It's a big 5.7L v8, it's also not a 1970's...

Operating temperature means the oil will function in those temperatures, not that its the optimal operating temperature. Would you really feel comfortable if you were turning your engine on and off with oil at -30 Celsius??

I'm all ears and if there's something I don't understand about something I love learning new things. But your response come across like you've got something to prove and you're an *******. Just saying

Last edited by Bmarcinczyk14; Aug 6, 2020 at 08:22 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 09:32 PM
  #4  
superswiss's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
5 Year Member
Community Influencer
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 5,453
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
For me I turn off ECO stop/start pretty much immediately after start, but I occasionally forget and whenever I get a 4-cyl loaner like a CLA I tend to leave it on, because the silence is more pleasant than the sewing machine sound of these engines at idle. I have noticed that they do stop the engine very early into the driving cycle when the engine hasn't fully warmed up, but I highly doubt it's because the engineers don't know what they are doing. Nowadays they have supplemental pumps to keep the oil circulating and other measures. Operating temperature of the oil these days is 140F(60c). That's reached relatively quickly. Takes me less than 5 minutes even in my C63S at 70F+ ambient temperature. Even so it seems to allow the engine to turn off before even reaching 140F. I know that MB has one of the best start/stop systems. For example, they actually keep track of which cylinder is at the firing position once the engine comes to a rest, and in order to restart it, they inject fuel and ignite it in that cylinder to immediately and smoothly restart the engine. My understanding is this not only results in a smoother engine start, but also reduces wear. I'm actually amazed at how smooth the 4cyl engines in these cars restart compared to some of MB's competitors where the whole car shakes when the engine restarts.

Last edited by superswiss; Aug 6, 2020 at 09:35 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 09:45 PM
  #5  
Bmarcinczyk14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 163
Likes: 14
2016 C300 w/ sport package
Originally Posted by superswiss
For me I turn off ECO stop/start pretty much immediately after start, but I occasionally forget and whenever I get a 4-cyl loaner like a CLA I tend to leave it on, because the silence is more pleasant than the sewing machine sound of these engines at idle. I have noticed that they do stop the engine very early into the driving cycle when the engine hasn't fully warmed up, but I highly doubt it's because the engineers don't know what they are doing. Nowadays they have supplemental pumps to keep the oil circulating and other measures. Operating temperature of the oil these days is 140F(60c). That's reached relatively quickly. Takes me less than 5 minutes even in my C63S at 70F+ ambient temperature. Even so it seems to allow the engine to turn off before even reaching 140F. I know that MB has one of the best start/stop systems. For example, they actually keep track of which cylinder is at the firing position once the engine comes to a rest, and in order to restart it, they inject fuel and ignite it in that cylinder to immediately and smoothly restart the engine. My understanding is this not only results in a smoother engine start, but also reduces wear. I'm actually amazed at how smooth the 4cyl engines in these cars restart compared to some of MB's competitors where the whole car shakes when the engine restarts.
Now this is an excellent example of a useful response! Thank you sir for your valuable input!
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2020 | 10:53 PM
  #6  
diamondsilver16's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 286
Likes: 140
From: Bay Area, CA
2016 C300W4 (W205), Luxury Pkg, Diamond Silver Met. and Silk Beige\Espresso Interior
I have (almost) completely forgotten how annoying the stop/start and/or having to hit the button every time at startup was.

Unplugging that two-wire sensor at the negative battery terminal was one of the best "mods" I've done to my car.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2020 | 01:40 PM
  #7  
stockbmw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 797
Likes: 141
2018 C43
Originally Posted by diamondsilver16
I have (almost) completely forgotten how annoying the stop/start and/or having to hit the button every time at startup was.

Unplugging that two-wire sensor at the negative battery terminal was one of the best "mods" I've done to my car.
I did too until I found out alternator been running 100% for past year. It's plugged back and been pressing the eco off button. RPMs now 200 less on idle and butt dyno tells me I am saving 0.1mpg and less wear on alternator.

Last edited by stockbmw; Aug 7, 2020 at 01:42 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2020 | 04:35 PM
  #8  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,576
Likes: 3,684
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Gentlemen,
None of these comments are called for...

AFAIK, modern engines really require no warm-up anymore. This is more a less a thing of the past. Same with the cold starts in the winter; start the engine and get going. One of the ECO parameters is the coolant temp; not sure if oil temp is a relevant for engine condition.
Personally I disable the feature the moment I step in the car

Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-3

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 8, 2020 | 05:57 PM
  #9  
Bmarcinczyk14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 163
Likes: 14
2016 C300 w/ sport package
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Gentlemen,
None of these comments are called for...

AFAIK, modern engines really require no warm-up anymore. This is more a less a thing of the past. Same with the cold starts in the winter; start the engine and get going. One of the ECO parameters is the coolant temp; not sure if oil temp is a relevant for engine condition.
Personally I disable the feature the moment I step in the car
I'm sorry but it's still hard for me to believe oil temperature isn't critical to engine wear. I understand the thing about no longer needing to warm the engine up before driving but to me turning off and on the engine over and over again is kinda a different story.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2020 | 08:19 PM
  #10  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,576
Likes: 3,684
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Bmarcinczyk14
I'm sorry but it's still hard for me to believe oil temperature isn't critical to engine wear. I understand the thing about no longer needing to warm the engine up before driving but to me turning off and on the engine over and over again is kinda a different story.
Unless you can find evidence to the contrary, your beliefs just reflect personal opinion.

ECO start/stop is a much disliked feature, similar to run flats, but it has been around for many years, installed in millions of Mercedes models.
If there would be potential engine damage related to it, including high mileage engines, we should see many thousands of issues popping up.
Not saying it can’t happen but I haven’t seen such a thing.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 04:15 PM
  #11  
gpouliniii's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 24
C450 AMG
ALL engines that are started from a cold start should be warmed up if the weather is below 40 degrees outside! That’s not very good advice whatsoever. In fact it’s probably the worst thing you can do to your car. In the winter months of course. As for the alternator running 100% of the time, that’s it’s job. It’s supposed to run 100% of the time while keeping you’re car running and charging the batteries at the same time. The Eco start/stop is a stupid feature, pretty much useless and power robbing. The little bit of gas and wear and tear on the car isn’t worth the headache of having it. I wish it could be set to remain off on the settings guide, along with what setting you wanna drive in. Comfort with Eco turned on is a driving mode I never use lol
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 04:20 PM
  #12  
stockbmw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 797
Likes: 141
2018 C43
Originally Posted by gpouliniii
ALL engines that are started from a cold start should be warmed up if the weather is below 40 degrees outside! That’s not very good advice whatsoever. In fact it’s probably the worst thing you can do to your car. In the winter months of course. As for the alternator running 100% of the time, that’s it’s job. It’s supposed to run 100% of the time while keeping you’re car running and charging the batteries at the same time. The Eco start/stop is a stupid feature, pretty much useless and power robbing. The little bit of gas and wear and tear on the car isn’t worth the headache of having it. I wish it could be set to remain off on the settings guide, along with what setting you wanna drive in. Comfort with Eco turned on is a driving mode I never use lol
Your car has variable alternator that charges your battery depending on current voltage. If it's low, it will charge at 100%, if it's high it will trickle charge at lower rate. If the grey clip is disconnected, it will disable the eco feature and the variable charging system and increase your engine's rpm to compensate for the increased demand from the alternator.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 04:29 PM
  #13  
places's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,529
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Simple solution is to turn it off. This is what I always do as I find the feature a real pain. As for impact on the engine, who knows. The technology is still pretty new and unless you plan on keeping your car for hundreds of thousands of miles I wouldn't really sweat it.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 01:26 PM
  #14  
LaciCLK320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 59
Likes: 15
C300, CLK320(sold)
Besides my 2017 C300, I have a 2016 BMW 535i and guess what? You turn off the start/stop once and then it stays OFF untill you accidentally push it. I find it hard to believe why MB has a hard on for keeping the system as is. My hats off to BMW on this.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 01:52 PM
  #15  
superswiss's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
5 Year Member
Community Influencer
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 5,453
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Originally Posted by LaciCLK320
Besides my 2017 C300, I have a 2016 BMW 535i and guess what? You turn off the start/stop once and then it stays OFF untill you accidentally push it. I find it hard to believe why MB has a hard on for keeping the system as is. My hats off to BMW on this.
It all comes down to regulations. In the newest BMWs it doesn't work like this anymore, either. Auto start/stop has become a tool for the car manufacturers to show better mpg and meet emissions during the test cycles, but regulations pretty much stipulate that if they use Auto start/stop during the certification process and the test cycles, then it must be on by default. Same goes for the drive mode. Basically cars have to start in the mode that yielded the certified mpg and emissions. This is why these cars start in Comfort mode with ECO start/stop turned on every time. In exchange, they are allowed to continue to have less efficient modes such as Sport, Sport+ etc. and allow ECO start/stop to be temporarily turned off as long as it takes deliberate action from the driver. I'd rather deal with having to turn off ECO start/stop every time than the environmental agencies potentially getting the idea to outlaw the sport modes altogether.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 01:00 AM
  #16  
fabbrisd1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
This whole ECO Start-Stop started with the EU "mandate" for this feature - and in turn - yes - in the US you will have a increase in MPG in use .

If you get "tired" of it - Vladimir in Belarus (righteous guy) for like $180 his OBD module reprograms ECO so that if you have ECO-Off when you turn off your MB - when you re-start your MB ECO-Off. If your turn off your MB with ECO-On then when you restart your MB ECO-ON - and that ECO setting will not change if you change profiles during your drive.

Like $180 for W205 up thru 2018 : https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-ca...EAAOSw2iJa-n9S

A bit more if have 2019-20.. check other eBay listing.

eBay message Vladimir your VIN FIRST so he can confirm back to you.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2020 | 11:14 PM
  #17  
LaciCLK320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 59
Likes: 15
C300, CLK320(sold)
Did anybody try to reverse the 2 wires on the auto start on and off switch located on the center console! I am not an electrician but this would be an inexpensive solution. So my thinking is that at start up the circuit would be open thus the system would be INOP. If you wanted the auto start on you could just push the button.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2020 | 07:07 PM
  #18  
diamondsilver16's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 286
Likes: 140
From: Bay Area, CA
2016 C300W4 (W205), Luxury Pkg, Diamond Silver Met. and Silk Beige\Espresso Interior
Originally Posted by LaciCLK320
Did anybody try to reverse the 2 wires on the auto start on and off switch located on the center console! I am not an electrician but this would be an inexpensive solution. So my thinking is that at start up the circuit would be open thus the system would be INOP. If you wanted the auto start on you could just push the button.
It's not a simple two wire connection under there. It's a momentary-contact switch that only sends a low voltage logic trigger signal to the IC controller. The orientation of the switch in the circuit does not make a difference at all.

It's all software controlled.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2020 | 07:13 PM
  #19  
benzdude's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 498
From: Earth
2015 C300 4Matic Sport
Originally Posted by diamondsilver16
It's not a simple two wire connection under there. It's a momentary-contact switch that only sends a low voltage logic trigger signal to the IC controller. The orientation of the switch in the circuit does not make a difference at all.

It's all software controlled.
Someone could easily create a circuit (with a relay) that would trip the eco button a few seconds after the engine is started, to automatically turn start/stop off.

Last edited by benzdude; Sep 17, 2020 at 07:20 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2020 | 10:30 PM
  #20  
gpouliniii's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 24
C450 AMG
Do you know anyone who has tried his devices? I want to buy one if they really work. He supposedly can do a lot of things to them that will change a lot of the annoying things our cars do from the factory, like the eco start, top speed settings, seat belt alarm, computer software etc etc. I think he starts them out at $139 and when you want to add stuff to them, it’s like $40 per request.




Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
This whole ECO Start-Stop started with the EU "mandate" for this feature - and in turn - yes - in the US you will have a increase in MPG in use .

If you get "tired" of it - Vladimir in Belarus (righteous guy) for like $180 his OBD module reprograms ECO so that if you have ECO-Off when you turn off your MB - when you re-start your MB ECO-Off. If your turn off your MB with ECO-On then when you restart your MB ECO-ON - and that ECO setting will not change if you change profiles during your drive.

Like $180 for W205 up thru 2018 : https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-ca...EAAOSw2iJa-n9S

A bit more if have 2019-20.. check other eBay listing.

eBay message Vladimir your VIN FIRST so he can confirm back to you.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2020 | 12:53 PM
  #21  
benzdude's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 498
From: Earth
2015 C300 4Matic Sport
Originally Posted by benzdude
Someone could easily create a circuit (with a relay) that would trip the eco button a few seconds after the engine is started, to automatically turn start/stop off.
looks like someone already did it!

https://www.evilution.co.uk/electric...f_at_start.htm
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2020 | 01:32 PM
  #22  
Gazwould's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 159
S204 C250 CDI Sport
Speaking from a W204 point of view I at first removed a 7.5A fuse on top of the auxiliary battery , this permanently disabled the SS .

On this model the negative battery thermal connector disconnect also renders brake HOLD disabled , which I like .

Having run with the fuse removed for several months now I went the full hog and removed the auxiliary battery saving 5kg and the ability to sell it to the Mercedes OCD types that must have everything functional even though it may be a bad thing .
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2020 | 03:47 PM
  #23  
GringoBling's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 431
Likes: 86
C400
You don't need anything! Just unplug the two pin wire clip from the negative battery terminal and its disabled. Tada.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2020 | 04:06 PM
  #24  
Gazwould's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 159
S204 C250 CDI Sport
What model ?

Keeps brake HOLD ?
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2021 | 06:32 PM
  #25  
midcityeng's Avatar
PREMIUM SPONSOR
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 324
Likes: 65
From: Chicago
2013 SL550, 2016 GLE350, 2016 GLC300
For anyone annoyed with disabling the start / stop feature each time, you can pick up one of our OBD programmers that retains "last mode" for this feature, you can take a look at our vehicle coverages HERE. Pick one up today!

Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:02 PM.

story-0
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-4
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE