Permanently Disabling Auto Stop/Start
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Prospective Owner
Permanently Disabling Auto Stop/Start
I did a little searching, but I am hoping to get a clear answer from someone who has permanently disabled *** on their W213.
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
I did a little searching, but I am hoping to get a clear answer from someone who has permanently disabled *** on their W213.
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Prospective Owner
Thanks. I forgot to mention I’ve heard of these. I have to say always having something stick out of the OBDII port seems less than ideal but good to know this is a reliable option.
Is there instead a way to actually reprogram the ECU permanently?
Is there instead a way to actually reprogram the ECU permanently?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 473
Likes: 110
From: Texas, Northern VA
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
I ordered my auto start/stop delete device the day I purchased my 2018 W213. It doesn't use the OBD port, instead this product by MidCityEngineering which is plug and play simply selects the last selected setting from when the car turned off last each time you start the engine. It came about 4 days after I bought my sedan and I had it installed a day later...at a truck accessory and tint shop in a small town. Not sure if it was just that simple to install or if the installer was a high skilled tech working in a rural area or what. What I know is that I don't even remember anymore what having the engine turn off in the middle of a drive is even like. Also, no dealer has ever asked me a question about it. Highly recommend it.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 7
W213 e450 Wagon
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Prospective Owner
I ordered my auto start/stop delete device the day I purchased my 2018 W213. It doesn't use the OBD port, instead this product by MidCityEngineering which is plug and play simply selects the last selected setting from when the car turned off last each time you start the engine. It came about 4 days after I bought my sedan and I had it installed a day later...at a truck accessory and tint shop in a small town. Not sure if it was just that simple to install or if the installer was a high skilled tech working in a rural area or what. What I know is that I don't even remember anymore what having the engine turn off in the middle of a drive is even like. Also, no dealer has ever asked me a question about it. Highly recommend it.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
It doesn't stick out of the OBDII port. You plug it in once, it does its thing, and then you remove it. My guess is that while it's in the OBDII port, it re-programs the ECU. The device doesn't stay in the OBDII port
Last edited by Long Islander; Jan 6, 2026 at 03:08 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
E450
I did a little searching, but I am hoping to get a clear answer from someone who has permanently disabled *** on their W213.
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
I am considering a 2022 E450. Is there a way to code out ***? From what I understand, the W213's default to eco mode and what you want to do is reprogram so that the car does not default to eco mode. I understand, unlike with BMW, for these MB's you need to buy a standalone device to plug into the OBDII port in order to reprogram. What is this device called? What is the cheapest solution you can get away with?
Last edited by ricschug; Jan 6, 2026 at 04:48 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 576
Likes: 120
From: New Jersey
MB W213 E300 4MATIC Luxury Model
I have a 2017 E300 and default is Comfort mode which is fine for me. As soon as I get the chance after driving a bit I change to eco 😊
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Prospective Owner
I drove a 2022 E450 and 2022 BMW 540 back-to-back and was surprised that the E450 drove markedly better. I have done a little research, and it seems like the reason may be in the difference in the mild hybrid systems. It seems the MB straight six has the electric motor between the engine and transmission (which also replaces the traditional starter motor connected to the crank). The BMW seems to just have a traditional starter that is way bigger than normal and assists the engine more than just start it. Can anyone confirm?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 669
Likes: 142
From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
Permanently Disabling Start-Stop
I disabled the annoying start-stop feature shortly after buying my 2018 E400 Coupe, using a plug-in gadget that I purchased on eBay from a guy in Poland or Russia (I forget which, may have been another country in that region) for something like $135. Plug it in the socket, start the car, let it do its thing (takes only a minute or so), and voila! No more start-stop. However, if for some reason (e.g., you have a mild stroke) you want to use that "feature," just press the start-stop button and it will work until you turn the car off again. It's caused me no problems in the 8 years that I've been driving the car.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
I disabled the annoying start-stop feature shortly after buying my 2018 E400 Coupe, using a plug-in gadget that I purchased on eBay from a guy in Poland or Russia (I forget which, may have been another country in that region) for something like $135. Plug it in the socket, start the car, let it do its thing (takes only a minute or so), and voila! No more start-stop. However, if for some reason (e.g., you have a mild stroke) you want to use that "feature," just press the start-stop button and it will work until you turn the car off again. It's caused me no problems in the 8 years that I've been driving the car.
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
E450
Yes you are correct. The E450 hybrid motor starts and stop seamlessly. Also there are no belts for AC, alternator, or fan, everything is electric. If you do use eco mode the engine will start and stop while driving, not just when you stop. You will not even know it unless you watch the tack. I was surprised it only saves about 1 or 2 mpgs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Prospective Owner
Ah! I forgot about the lack of a serpentine belt and a small electric turbo! No wonder these drive better than the BMWs. Sad that BMW has not followed suit as I think they are better looking cars--especially the interior.
