Moriarty

Have a 13 GLK and love it except for the ECO. It is the perfect size for us, fun to drive and the new interior is great. The ECO is awful and even though I have adapted to start the car and turn it off I'm getting increasingly annoyed at having to do that. If anyone finds that aftermarket genius that finds a way to make it default off let me know.

greasykid

Also have 2013 GLK w/eco. Hardly notice when activated and helps our around town mpg.Sometimes have to look @ tach to see when it goes off/on. Not a problem for us.

MKenM

Don't know where the button is located but there us an override button with a green LED that says ECO and according to MB USA that button will turn off the stop start feature.

kozak79

The problem is the button for the ECO feature works for as long as the car is running. After turning the car off and on, ECO is back on. It's annoying! Most of the car settings are like that, they don't 'stick'.

MKenM

If you have Keyless-Go I guess it's just an extra button to push or maybe it's just one. Based on what I have read in another thread on the topic stop start only works when conditions are just right. Maybe not so annoying once you understand what those conditions are, if not just push the button. Not a big deal.

420tee

I don't have ECO but have had similar issues with other systems in the car. Aren't computers supposed to make things simpler and easier for the user, not add an extra button push here, an extra knob twist there? Had the same problems with our instruments before I retired. Engineers love to put in more gee whizzery because they can, not because it's better for the customer who doesn't care or want it.

boylston

The ECO feature is an added plus for most drivers. It results in better fuel economy and I find that it works seamlessly on the GLK. If I chose not to use it, one more push of a button wouldn't be that inconvenient- no different than heated seats or the window defroster.

Moriarty

I tried using the ECO thinking it would be like the hybrids I drive in the company fleet. Their stop and start is almost unnoticeable but one would have to be pretty zoned out to not notice it in the GLK, it is not a smooth operation. After figuring out when and how it works I would use it in the Seattle stop and go Interstate traffic when it turns to mostly stop but not any other time. Therein lies the problem if the switch defaulted to the last setting I'd be happy but every time I turn the car on it defaults on. I know all it takes is turning it off but I feel like I shouldn't have to do that.

Contacted DOT and found out the GLK was certified with the ECO start/stop with the EPA to meet CAFE standards and as such MB cannot change this function or settings. Bad idea, meet the standards by applying those high design and engineering standards MB is famous for not something so Mickey Mouse.

Will keep looking for that mod to default to last setting or off. Last post on this one till I find it.

AGGRIVATED

rmfnla

Exactly!

Driving ("fog") lights at night, "S" settting on the tranny... there are probably more.

I also don't like that I have to hold down the memory seat button until it completely changes position. My G37 coupe just requires one touch and nobody has died as a result...

MKenM

Interesting mine stays in "S" all the time unless I change it, yours does not?

rmfnla

I must admit I have never used the "S" setting; I was parrotting what I've read here on the Forum...

PilotAlan

Yep. Say thank you to the EPA and DOT.
The GLK needs ECO to default on to meet fuel economy standards. If you can turn it off and have it stay off, then they can't use it for fuel economy testing.

Same for the recent years C300 and GLK with Sport mode. Economy mode is designed to default to a setting that gets good scores on the economy tests, and then "learn" and adapt to your driving style.

MKenM

Very interesting, I bought my GLK in for service today and normally they give me a Toyota Camry (they have a whole fleet of them). They gave me a '13 C300 4Matic and I see your point. The car does not stay in S if you put it there after you turn it off the same for ECO. But I will say that the 300 was a great ride and when the ECO engaged (not very often) it was not the least bit annoying. It is no different than driving a Prius (when the ECO works). I enjoyed it and would have no qualms about getting a '13 or '14 with ECO. I'm waiting for pricing on the new CLA when it comes out. Saw it at the show in NY and it looks great (for my wife). I like the GLK and my Vette.

Moriarty

2013 GLK is my fourth MB and I was seriously considering trading the 2011 ML on another one, not anymore. I'm looking for the best dealer to get an extended warranty for the ML and keeping it. If the ECO switch doesn't change to retain the last selection or is changeable to default off the 13 GLK will be my last MB. The ECO works but not well, my foot moves faster from the brake to the accelerator than it functions and even when consciously slowing down the start stop is still only "barely noticeable" if you are really out of touch with what is going on with your car. Absolutely love everything else about the car which makes me continue to push the ECO off button rather than trade the car, just not buying another one with this feature.

MKenM

Since the ECO button resets every time you turn the car off I wonder if there is a way in software to keep it off if that is what you choose. Hummm can the dealer do that????

Mtl20v

I really don't get why people hate ECO so much. It's unobtrusive, saves you money and its better for the environment. More than half the time it doesn't engage anyways.

Moriarty

If you don't get why people hate ECO so much you probably never will. It is not unobtrusive unless you are totally out of touch with what is going on with your car, the money savings in the grand scheme of things are probably miniscule if at all and I do consider myself an environmentalist but I don't believe the co2 emission reductions are at all relevant. This is just European silliness brought to America and American just hate being forced to accept unacceptable solutions to non existent problems. I want to be able to use it when it counts and not when it's just annoying. Program it to retain last setting and I'm happy.

PilotAlan

Again, it's your EPA and DOT at work. MB has to meet ever more stringent CAFE standards, and ECO is their wat to meet it without having to reduce engine displacement and horsepower. If you can disable it, then you can't use it on mileage tests (again, that EPA/DOT rules, not mine or MB).

By the way, I like ECO, as it makes a significant difference in what I pay for gas.
And I am not disconnected from what my vehicle is doing, I know every second whether the ECO light is green or yellow, and at every stop whether the engine is running or shut down.
I am a serious driver, and can feel everything the vehicle is doing. The fact that it doesn't bother me doesn't meet I an oblivious to it.

JALLEN4

Every time I need to look at my Driver's License, I am reminded that I am getting old. What evidently I did not realize is how much I am slowing down. I just don't move fast enough to see a real problem when going from the brake pedal to the accelerator and the restart. Even when the brake lock is on and my foot is already on the accelerator, I don't notice a major lag time. I really do need to work on my reaction time or I will start falling off at the drag strip!

GLKKa2H

"Said three posts ago"

Moriarty

Still hoping for that mod to default Eco off or retain switch position, anybody find it yet?

Koenig1

Well, if it pisses you off that much, just about any mechanic with a knowledge of auto electrics will solve your problem with a simple relay. Have him wire up the relay so that when ignition is on, relay will take the place of said button. It's not hard, hey, even a junior stereo installer could make this work.... !

glayfan40

Yeah, get the diesel

balticgreen

On the C Class, the 2008 models would start up in whatever mode it was in when you turned the car off. They changed it for 2009 and later so that the car always starts up in E mode. I'm not positive about the GLK but the earliest ones might have been like the 2008 C and then changed for later models.

I have a start up "ritual" in my car. Turn key, press S transmission button, press Back button next to COMAND knob to get rid of the menus on the nav map. Every single time. All because the transmission won't just stay in S mode and the nav menus won't stay hidden.

Moriarty

I have had the GLK for a year now and my wife is the primary driver now, I would have traded it for something else because of the ECO Start Stop system. Love everything else about the car but I'm still looking for a way to disable it permanently, anyone find it yet?