E350 Bluetec stays in LOW gear at startup

Mar 21, 2011 | 09:23 PM

davatk

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Joined: Feb 2008

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2019 GLC 300

E350 Bluetec stays in LOW gear at startup

I've noticed recently that my new E350 Bluetec likes to hang in low gear when I first start the car up and head out some days. Mostly if the car hasn't been started for a day or so. After getting to the end of my drive (about 3/4 of a mile) and getting on the main road it seems to shift OK.

Anyone else notice this ?

thanks in advance.

Last edited by davatk; Mar 21, 2011 at 09:25 PM.

Mar 21, 2011 | 09:28 PM

ImInPA

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Central Pennsylvania

2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2

Quote:

Originally Posted by davatk

Diesels tend to do this to help warm them up. Diesels are very thermally efficient. This "keeping the revs up" helps them heat up to get the catalytic converter up to temp quickly and to get the engine warmed up. I love my Bluetec.

Last edited by ImInPA; Mar 22, 2011 at 11:09 AM. Reason: because I type like a drunken gorilla with ten thumbs

Mar 21, 2011 | 09:50 PM

listerone

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Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,121

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From: Connecticut

2018 BMW 540d

Quote:

Originally Posted by davatk

My BMW diesel does the same thing...particularly in colder weather.I shift manually for the first couple of miles in order to keep RPMs down and after that short time everything's normal.

I've read that this is typical of late model diesels but my "d" is the only one I've ever owned.If I take the plunge on a new Bluetec (I signed an order and put down a deposit today but am having second thoughts) I'll be sure to watch for this.

Mar 22, 2011 | 07:57 AM

LaicepsYdobon

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 978

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From: Essex County, NJ

2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S

It's normal and more porminent when the weather is cold outside. The reason why the car hangs onto lower gears is to produce higher RPMs which in turn would produce more heat and bring the engine up to operating temperature faster. This is completely normal. You should not try to outsmart it by shifting manaully to keep the RPMs down. The engine needs to be warmed up to be at its peek efficiency.

Mar 22, 2011 | 03:15 PM

Dooty

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Joined: Feb 2011

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E350 Bluetec

My E350 BlueTec does the same. Check page 152 of the owners manual, "Upshifts take place at higher engine speeds after a cold start. This helps the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature more quickly."