First One

Does anyone have first hand use or knowledge of this gizmo? I've considered the one from Mid City Engineering but would have to have it installed. This one just plugs into the OBD port.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-ca...19.m1438.l2649

Please respond if you have any feedback on this item.

mikey08

I just ordered my 2018 GLS and this will be the first car I have the auto stop/start feature. I did test drive one for some time with it on and it was not bad.. The myth of starter wear is not true if anyone may be thinking the same. The car is started back again with using the piston most close to the plug to create enough combustion to start the car. I kinda wonder if that in itself saves any more fuel than actually standing at idle for a few seconds but regardless its not so bad. I get very uncomfortable of an ODB chip changing the vehicle default settings especially since there is no way to revert back to original settings. I may just turn it off if I want after start and seek to ask my MB dealer if they can change the default settings to OFF.. It is certainly possible, just getting them to do it is another...

Regards

BACnMercedes

Let’s us know how this goes. We will all wait to hear what happens! Haha

fabbrisd1

Sorry - the US Star system does not give a option for the dealer to turn-off or reverse ECO default.

Vladimir's OBD hack frankly is the best shot - adjust prgramming so ECO defaults to what was set On or Off - at the last time you turned off the ignition - it's a smart way to give you best choice.

The MidCity module also gives you the ability to default on start up to your pre-selected profile choice.

c4004matic

Its simple to turn off permanently. In Individual mode you can turn it off! Since contrary to other mbs you can start the vehicle in any mode you choose you can effectively disable auto off permanently.

whyjay

This is not always the case. It's included on some kind of optional feature that varies by model. I wish I knew what it is. Just a heads-up. But you're right on those vehicles with the option because it's listed in even my car manual as an option.

c4004matic

I posted this and its actually wrong... My bad. Regardless of where the selector is when you turn off the car it reverts to comfort I didn't figure this out till I received the car.

Jason B

Yea, I can't stand this! Every time I get a new loaner it drive me crazy. After turning the car off, it will revert to the ON position.

I'm a dealer for MidCity and have sold many of these for the newer Mercedes. Install isn't bad at all, but they should really let you disable this permanently from a menu, but Mercedes doesn't, hence these aftermarket options.

icspres

Giving this a bump. I'm looking at possibly getting my wife a new or CPO GLS. She's had two GL's, the latter 2012 has been insanely great. 8 years and all it's needed is a thermostat and a light bulb. We have our 20th this year and the only thing I can think of is new car. This start stop nonsense is a deal killer though. I can't avoid it forever, but we don't have to buy a new car either, only 72k miles so far. So what year did the Eco Start become standard and impossible to permanently disable? And what's the latest in reliable aftermarket options to kill it.

Thanks much in advance.

BlownV8

Just run in sport mode and it shuts off eco. Not a big deal. One button with no need to buy any aftermarket pieces.

tekfoc

Get the GLS LOVE MINE

JaTe

2018 GLS450 in sport mode still defaults to Eco mode on.

BlownV8

What do you mean it defaults? Mine defaults at start up but when I put in sport it stays there while driving.

JaTe

On mine, if I have it in comfort mode and pressed the button to to turn eco off then switch to sport mode, eco turns back on and I have to press eco button again.

Pretty much turning to sport mode still enables eco on.

midcityeng

For anyone annoyed with disabling the start / stop feature each time, you can pick up one of our OBD programmers that retains "last mode" for this feature, you can take a look at our vehicle coverages HERE. Pick one up today!

Boraxo

I thought I would hate it but i did not so much in both my GLS and 740i. Yes would be better without it but I still get off the mark fast enough when needed. I’d rather have a GLS with this “feature” than one of the many Japanese cars with puny 4 cyl engines that take forever to go 0-60 (and many have it as well).