armansd

Hi All,
Just bought the following ODB-II based module to make the ECO Start/Stop on my car programmable (instead of always on from start).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/252811119026?ul_noapp=true

This seems like a good solution and will post the results if anyone interested.

JasonF

Yes, please let us know how it works out.

Here's a link to a similar product:
https://www.midcityengineering.com/p...s-benz-eco212/

KEY08

yes, let us know if this module really does what it says it does.

kajtek1

The Belorussian seller is getting famous all over the World. He is having lot of interesting stuff including AddBlue counter override. Excellent feedback as well.
I am under impression that people freed from communism do what immigrants in USA were doing 200 years ago.

dbldpr

I am interested to know how it works also.

kajtek1

Follow topics by dacia on both forums. He had installed more advanced hardware, where ECO off is one of the options. It works for him, but seems I am the only one who admits that I like ECO

PatrixUSA

Interesting... the start / stop is my biggest pet peeve about this car - as it's not smooth at all - may have to look into this - although, I'm not sure the price at this point is worth the press of a button...

kajtek1

Maybe your system need tune-up?
My diesel restarts faster than I move my foot between the pedals and the torque is available immediately.
I am still amazed how AC can still blow colder air after 2 minutes at red light and beside saving lot of fuel in city traffic, I don't mind some quiet at all. Not that modern diesel is noisy, but you still feel vibration.

PatrixUSA

Doubtful, car only has 18k on the odo + others I've driven exhibit similar behavior.

Speed of the restart is not my peeve, it's the noticeable shudder upon restart that bothers me - not a smooth transition at all. Not to mention my concern that all those stop / start cycles cannot be ideal for the long-term health of the starter or motor.

kajtek1

I am still trying to find good information how the system restarts, but my understanding is that the restart is mainly done by fuel injection and starter is only small help in the process
Don't think the microsecond of starter work will make drastic change in its life and I never replaced starter on MB, having several of them with around 300k on odometer.
So if instead 500k miles the starter will live only 420k miles, I can live with it for convenience and fuel saving.
I guess on that distance fuel saving alone will pay for new starter, if not engine overhaul.

samkimg

kajtek1

Couple of videos I found do not explain the technology behind the system, but how much do we care HOW is it done?
Looks like MB made several system variations, or videos have errors saying that you need to press accelerator pedal for restart.
On my car I have to press brake hard for ECO activation. I can lower the force on brake pedal to the degree when I will still hold the car, but engine will restart.
Only once the thing surprised me badly:
-pulled to security gate and opened the window to talk to a guard - engine shut down
But guard ask me for ID, so I had to unbuckle to reach into my rear pocket - engine restart.
You should see the guard eyes .
Now rember to switch to P when you pull to the gate.

kajtek1

Finally found an article explaining the technology
http://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSi...ml?oid=9361921

PatrixUSA

Excellent link, thank you for posting.
Designed to cope with only eight times as many start/stop cycles? This validates my own concern for the long-term durability of the engine/starter.

On one of my commutes home one time, just out of curiosity, I left the feature on and tried to count the stop/start cycles (CA rush hour, 24 miles total, 18 miles on CA freeway). I stopped counting at 118 cycles - too many stop - move forward 10 feet - stop, movements to keep counting. This is pretty normal traffic for my commute. There and back that would be over 1000 stop/start cycles in one week, much more than eight times as many cycles they state the system is designed to cope with. No way that wouldn't have a long-term impact on durability of engine and starter - at least for my tastes.

kajtek1

With new option you need to adjust your driving habits as well.
Where I live, I have 5 miles of 45mph street highway with lot of traffic and lot of stop light. Making that 5 miles in 15 minutes is good time. What drive me crazy are drivers who don't just go with the flow, but will roll the car for 40 feet, than come to rolling stop, than roll another 6 feet than another 5 and ..
So following them I am counting 4-5 restarts on 200 feet distance.
Now I make new habit. When somebody just roll very slowly, I pull close to his bumper and make definite stop. He can keep on rolling for another 25' before I restart the engine and make another jump.
That cuts number of restarts down to 1/3 what it used to be.
Also like I mentioned it above - if you press brake slightly, you can come to rolling stop without activating ECO - at least on my diesel, who always start on 1st gear. I know gasoline engines can start on 2nd, so can't say what best technique with that would be.

tresean1

Let me know how it turns out.

dacia

I bought a different module form the same seller, link below, and it works perfectly. It's cheaper and it has 4 different functions, 3 of which are awesome.
1, It enables Video-in-Motion which is the main reason I bought it.
2, disables ECO start/stop function.
3, Power locks all doors, rolls up windows, closes sunroof, and even the hatch (I have a station wagon) at the touch of a button. It does the reverse too, opens all windows, and the sunroof.if I hold the open button on the keyfob for 3 seconds.
4, Temperature information for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid and the actual amount of fuel in the tank
5, Enables / disables Speed Limit Assist
6, Headlight washer function.
Functions 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 can be activated deactivated using the steering wheel buttons.
Function number 4 is just information shown in the center display between the speedometer and the tachometer.

Granted it's not as simple as the OBD plug, the wiring harness has to be installed behind the COMAND unit however it is plug and play and it takes about 25 - 30 minutes. He has excellent instructional videos.
Most time was spent trying to tuck the cable harness behind the head unit after installation, space is extremely tight in there.
The price is very attractive for all four features, I think I paid $99. Actually all functions are enabled for that price but my car doesn't have SLA and headlight washer. If it did they would would be enabled for the same price.
Everything works as advertised and all functions can be enabled / disabled in case you want to return the car to factory state.

By the way I am not affiliated with the seller in any way, I just offer information to help people make their own decisions.

I am debating whether to buy the seat belt warning disabling OBD plug, it's just a bit pricey at almost $100.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/261214932487

PatrixUSA

As many have posted interest in results (including me), yes, please post your experience when received. Thanks.

kajtek1

OK guys, I am businessman and I am familiar with East Europe culture, so I contact the seller who is seeking US distributors.
Long story short, PM if you are interested in buying the ECO off unit for $120 with free shipping from Las Vegas.
Transaction can be done via ebay with about 6% more to cover ebay/Paypal commission.
One thing I establish with the European seller- this is software what is hard to track, so I ask for making installation video for potential warranty claim.
Seller has 100% positive feedback so far and the only negative is by someone who made an offer and later did not feel lucky on it.