Distornic Cruise Not Slowing the Car.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 247
Likes: 17
From: Chicago, IL
2015 - GL 550
Distornic Cruise Not Slowing the Car.
Hi,
Today after a long time I used distronic cruise and to my surprise I was not able to increase the distance to feet, the max it went was around 150 - 175 not sure if that is the max it goes, and I had to be atleast 60MPH to set the distance to feet I remember using it last time and it worked fine, or may be I am missing something and not able to set the distance. And the 2nd most scary thing was occasionally it did not slowed the car down and I could hear the Collision assist beeping and then I applied the brakes, is this normal? or I am just going crazy.
Thanks
Today after a long time I used distronic cruise and to my surprise I was not able to increase the distance to feet, the max it went was around 150 - 175 not sure if that is the max it goes, and I had to be atleast 60MPH to set the distance to feet I remember using it last time and it worked fine, or may be I am missing something and not able to set the distance. And the 2nd most scary thing was occasionally it did not slowed the car down and I could hear the Collision assist beeping and then I applied the brakes, is this normal? or I am just going crazy.
Thanks
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Hi,
Today after a long time I used distronic cruise and to my surprise I was not able to increase the distance to feet, the max it went was around 150 - 175 not sure if that is the max it goes, and I had to be atleast 60MPH to set the distance to feet I remember using it last time and it worked fine, or may be I am missing something and not able to set the distance. And the 2nd most scary thing was occasionally it did not slowed the car down and I could hear the Collision assist beeping and then I applied the brakes, is this normal? or I am just going crazy.
Thanks
Today after a long time I used distronic cruise and to my surprise I was not able to increase the distance to feet, the max it went was around 150 - 175 not sure if that is the max it goes, and I had to be atleast 60MPH to set the distance to feet I remember using it last time and it worked fine, or may be I am missing something and not able to set the distance. And the 2nd most scary thing was occasionally it did not slowed the car down and I could hear the Collision assist beeping and then I applied the brakes, is this normal? or I am just going crazy.
Thanks
It's a flawed system and I nearly killed myself a couple times when it did not "see" the stopped vehicle ahead... I couldn't figure out the logic
Did NOT get distro on my current Benz as I don't trust it
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
It clearly states in the manual:
"Distronic Plus brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, Distronic Plus warns you visually and audibly. There is risk of an accident. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive actions." It also says, "Distronic Plus does not react to: people or animals, STATIONARY OBSTACLES ON THE ROAD, e.g. STOPPED OR PARKED VEHICLES, oncoming and crossing traffic."
So in other words, you still have to pay attention. It isn't a self driving car. Dreamzalone, you need to turn the end of your cruise control stick to adjust following distance. If that isn't working, you need to get it serviced.
Personally, I wouldn't think of using this type of equipment before reading the section of the owner's manual that explains how to use it (a couple times).
"Distronic Plus brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, Distronic Plus warns you visually and audibly. There is risk of an accident. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive actions." It also says, "Distronic Plus does not react to: people or animals, STATIONARY OBSTACLES ON THE ROAD, e.g. STOPPED OR PARKED VEHICLES, oncoming and crossing traffic."
So in other words, you still have to pay attention. It isn't a self driving car. Dreamzalone, you need to turn the end of your cruise control stick to adjust following distance. If that isn't working, you need to get it serviced.
Personally, I wouldn't think of using this type of equipment before reading the section of the owner's manual that explains how to use it (a couple times).
Last edited by 43221B; Feb 13, 2015 at 01:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 247
Likes: 17
From: Chicago, IL
2015 - GL 550
It clearly states in the manual:
"Distronic Plus brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, Distronic Plus warns you visually and audibly. THERE IS RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive actions."
So in other words, you still have to pay attention. It isn't a self driving car. Dreamzalone, you need to turn the end of your cruise control stick to adjust following distance. If that isn't working, you need to get it serviced.
Personally, I wouldn't think of using this type of equipment before reading the section of the owner's manual that explains how to use it (a couple times).
"Distronic Plus brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, Distronic Plus warns you visually and audibly. THERE IS RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive actions."
So in other words, you still have to pay attention. It isn't a self driving car. Dreamzalone, you need to turn the end of your cruise control stick to adjust following distance. If that isn't working, you need to get it serviced.
Personally, I wouldn't think of using this type of equipment before reading the section of the owner's manual that explains how to use it (a couple times).
Ya I figured the braking part, infact I saw few videos on youtube about distornic plus and in one video the guy was giving demo about S600 and at the very end of the video car did not stop
(
Anyway about the distance control kn0b I did try adjusting the distance but it did not work I turned the kn0b in both the directions to see if increase or decreases the distance but it didn't do much it was just decreasing not increasing the distance and the max it did go was 100ft and I am very embarrass to take it to the dealer because my car has been in already 2 times in less than a month thats so
Any idea why the distance knob is not working is it the knob or the software?
Last edited by Dreamszalone; Feb 13, 2015 at 01:41 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Sometimes it WOULD detect a stationary car at an approaching stop and Slow the car and appropriately stop and in an exact scenario another time would not at all slow down
This flies in the face of the documentation and I sat with techs who acknowledged the flaw and advised me not to use it. Not ready for prime time
This flies in the face of the documentation and I sat with techs who acknowledged the flaw and advised me not to use it. Not ready for prime time
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
I use distronic all the time... In stop and go traffic to 80mph runs down the hwy.
90% of the time it works great.... Would it stop the car if I came upon a parked car on the road while I'm going 60? No... It doesn't have that kind of capability... You gotta keep your eyes open to an emergency situation like that.
90% of the time it works great.... Would it stop the car if I came upon a parked car on the road while I'm going 60? No... It doesn't have that kind of capability... You gotta keep your eyes open to an emergency situation like that.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
Anyway about the distance control kn0b I did try adjusting the distance but it did not work I turned the kn0b in both the directions to see if increase or decreases the distance but it didn't do much it was just decreasing not increasing the distance and the max it did go was 100ft and I am very embarrass to take it to the dealer because my car has been in already 2 times in less than a month thats so
Any idea why the distance knob is not working is it the knob or the software?I would really start by reading your manual. It clearly explains how the system works and what it's limitations are. It's limitations are extremely important for you to know.
I've used Distronic for thousands of miles and it has worked as advertised. I think it adds a huge element of safety to the vehicle, particularly on long trips because it helps you maintain a safe following distance at all times and helps to immediately slow your vehicle at the same rate as the vehicle in front of you. One thing that catches all of us off guard is when the driver in front of us lifts off the accelerator because they are thinking about slowing. When they do this, you can easily lose a car length or more of following distance before they apply their brakes. With Distronic, I can feel my GL immediately slowing down when the driver in front of me lifts off the throttle. When I do see brake lights, I haven't lost any following distance. It is a great system and I don't think I will buy another vehicle that we use for long distance travel without it.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
Sometimes it WOULD detect a stationary car at an approaching stop and Slow the car and appropriately stop and in an exact scenario another time would not at all slow down
This flies in the face of the documentation and I sat with techs who acknowledged the flaw and advised me not to use it. Not ready for prime time
This flies in the face of the documentation and I sat with techs who acknowledged the flaw and advised me not to use it. Not ready for prime time
By the way, if in some cases, your car with Distronic did stop for stopped traffic, it was because your speed was low enough that your car could stop with only 40% or less of brake application. The bottom line though is you are not supposed to use the system to detect stopped traffic.
Last edited by 43221B; Feb 13, 2015 at 02:43 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but turning the stalk while distronic is on and there's no car in front of you will not give a perceivable change. I'm going from memory, but I'm not even sure twisting the stalks shows anything in the center console unless there's a vehicle detected in front of you. But it did make an adjustment next time it finds a vehicle in front.
I find distronic plus very effective. It keeps me from getting too close the car in front of me, it helps me follow when I'm traveling with someone and keep me from tailgating. I have engaged it and taken my vehicle all the way to a stop in traffic. I will admit my foot is a nanometer away from the brake but it worked. It's not perfect, but I like it.
I find distronic plus very effective. It keeps me from getting too close the car in front of me, it helps me follow when I'm traveling with someone and keep me from tailgating. I have engaged it and taken my vehicle all the way to a stop in traffic. I will admit my foot is a nanometer away from the brake but it worked. It's not perfect, but I like it.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
Carrera S;
Distronic plus on our GL550 works extremely well. Aside from getting better fuel mileage, it is interesting to drive the car from White Plains, NY into Manhattan without touching the brakes. Realize that isn't the intention for Distronic, but it brings the future just a little closer.
On my wife's E550, when in Distronic and on a highway with lines, the green steering wheel pops up and the car will steer itself for 10-15 seconds.
On my wife's E550, when in Distronic and on a highway with lines, the green steering wheel pops up and the car will steer itself for 10-15 seconds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 481
From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
I also use Distronic Plus all of the time but I am readily aware of what's happening in front of me and ready to take over if needed. I wouldn't buy another MB without it.
But the above recommendations to carefully read your owner's manual (several times) so you fully understand how the system works is excellent advise.
But the above recommendations to carefully read your owner's manual (several times) so you fully understand how the system works is excellent advise.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 247
Likes: 17
From: Chicago, IL
2015 - GL 550
perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but turning the stalk while distronic is on and there's no car in front of you will not give a perceivable change. I'm going from memory, but I'm not even sure twisting the stalks shows anything in the center console unless there's a vehicle detected in front of you. But it did make an adjustment next time it finds a vehicle in front.
I find distronic plus very effective. It keeps me from getting too close the car in front of me, it helps me follow when I'm traveling with someone and keep me from tailgating. I have engaged it and taken my vehicle all the way to a stop in traffic. I will admit my foot is a nanometer away from the brake but it worked. It's not perfect, but I like it.
I find distronic plus very effective. It keeps me from getting too close the car in front of me, it helps me follow when I'm traveling with someone and keep me from tailgating. I have engaged it and taken my vehicle all the way to a stop in traffic. I will admit my foot is a nanometer away from the brake but it worked. It's not perfect, but I like it.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
The system is designed to stop your vehicle when following another vehicle. It is NOT designed to stop for a stopped vehicle you have NOT been following.
Don't confuse Distronic with Pre-Safe Brake. Pre-Safe Brake is part of the Driver Assistance Package that you have to purchase to get Distronic. Pre-Safe Brake detects "an impending collision with a vehicle ahead." It applies 100% braking force but it is not designed to avoid a collision. It is simply designed to reduce the severity of impact.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
Part of the problem might be that, I believe, the manual refers to setting the distance and in the US the display indicates feet. But reading the manual you'll find that what it calls varying the distance is actually varying the time between you and the car in front. The online manual says this can be adjusted from 1 to 2 seconds. So the actual distance will vary with speed, as many have already noted. Also, I believe the distance (time) increases on declines and decreases on inclines, as the braking is correspondingly worse/better.
I wish it would allow 3 seconds. I feel like I'm up someone's *ss when we are the only cars when it's set at 2 seconds.
I wish it would allow 3 seconds. I feel like I'm up someone's *ss when we are the only cars when it's set at 2 seconds.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 10
No, it will never stop with a 100 ft gap. You are misinterpreting how the system works. The gap between you and the car in front of you decreases as the car in front of you slows down, just like if you were braking yourself. A thorough read of the manual will clear things up for you.
The system is designed to stop your vehicle when following another vehicle. It is NOT designed to stop for a stopped vehicle you have NOT been following.
Don't confuse Distronic with Pre-Safe Brake. Pre-Safe Brake is part of the Driver Assistance Package that you have to purchase to get Distronic. Pre-Safe Brake detects "an impending collision with a vehicle ahead." It applies 100% braking force but it is not designed to avoid a collision. It is simply designed to reduce the severity of impact.
The system is designed to stop your vehicle when following another vehicle. It is NOT designed to stop for a stopped vehicle you have NOT been following.
Don't confuse Distronic with Pre-Safe Brake. Pre-Safe Brake is part of the Driver Assistance Package that you have to purchase to get Distronic. Pre-Safe Brake detects "an impending collision with a vehicle ahead." It applies 100% braking force but it is not designed to avoid a collision. It is simply designed to reduce the severity of impact.
Given said that, our cars are Radar based, with some cameras doing assistance. I feel that the ABS brake and full braking power is activated almost 100% of time when distronic needs to brake because I FEEL IT. It feels very mechanical and not human like. I was test driving a Subaru with their eyesight system, and the braking on that cannot be distinguished whether a human or computer is braking. So I think MBZ needs to tweak their algorithms to make it less apparent to passengers that the Distronic is braking.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 15
From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Personally I use my eyes to control the functions needed to drive, brakes, signals, and be aware of stopped cars in front. Really it works.
Here in Canada a safe travelling distance is quickly filled by three or four cars jumping lanes in front of you. Drive to Arrive!! Alive
Here in Canada a safe travelling distance is quickly filled by three or four cars jumping lanes in front of you. Drive to Arrive!! Alive
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
The last thing I will say on this post is that if you have Distronic, don't listen to what any of us have to say about the system. As we keep repeating, you have to read your manual to understand how the system operates. If you are interested in purchasing a GL with Distronic, go to the owners section of mbusa.com and pull up an owners manual. I wouldn't trust a salesperson's or tech's information on how Distronic works. It is a relatively complex system and you need to know exactly how it operates.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I'm surprised this happened sooner. People don't read anything about their cars and then blame the car when they think something is not working right. Classic case as to why a lot of MB tech doesn't even come to the U.S. or when it does it is severely limited as to what it can do.
M
M
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
I agree. The max following distance at slower speeds isn't quite far enough for me either. That would be my only complaint. When I'm following someone going 45 and there isn't room to pass I don't like to be riding their bumper. At freeway speeds the range from the closest following distance to furthest is set up well.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
Carrera S;
We have Distronic + on Gl550 and E550. It works very well but interestingly as compared to your experience, when we are doing 65-75, the shortest distance allows for cars to cut in front-not a big deal, but worrying.
Great feature-0wouldn't be without it-especially on GL where it marginally improves gas mileage
Great feature-0wouldn't be without it-especially on GL where it marginally improves gas mileage
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 626
Likes: 19
From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
We have Distronic + on Gl550 and E550. It works very well but interestingly as compared to your experience, when we are doing 65-75, the shortest distance allows for cars to cut in front-not a big deal, but worrying.
Great feature-0wouldn't be without it-especially on GL where it marginally improves gas mileage
Great feature-0wouldn't be without it-especially on GL where it marginally improves gas mileage
