2013 GLK ECO
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Pacific Northwest
2011 ML 350 - 2013 GLK
2013 GLK ECO
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.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 265
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From: New York
2015 GLA250 4MATIC
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'.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 308
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From: Tennessee, USA
Red GLK350, blue '87 Toyota Land Cruiser
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.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 378
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From: Boston and SWFlorida
2025 GLC300 white, 2023 Taycan RWD black
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.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
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From: Pacific Northwest
2011 ML 350 - 2013 GLK
GLK ECO
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
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
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
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...
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 193
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From: Denver
2014 CLS550 4Matic; 2010 E550, 2007 SL550
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.
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.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
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From: Pacific Northwest
2011 ML 350 - 2013 GLK
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 6
From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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????
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 388
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From: Montreal
2013 E350 4M, 997 Turbo, MK3 GTI
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
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From: Pacific Northwest
2011 ML 350 - 2013 GLK
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.
Last edited by Moriarty; Mar 23, 2014 at 04:11 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 193
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From: Denver
2014 CLS550 4Matic; 2010 E550, 2007 SL550
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 342
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From: SOUTHWEST OHIO
2016 E350 2015 ML250 2002 Z06 CORVETTE
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 31
From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
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.... !
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 361
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From: Maryland
2014 GLK250 BlueTEC, 2012 BMW 335is Conv.
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
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From: Pacific Northwest
2011 ML 350 - 2013 GLK
ECO Still Sucks
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?
