Very short trips bad for Bluetec? Would block heater make sense?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
Very short trips bad for Bluetec? Would block heater make sense?
So, I recently got myself a 2013 ML350 Bluetec. Drives great, is quiet and very comfortable (love airmatic).
However, in the mornings, especially this winter when it's gotten down below -10c (14F) the engine bucks in the first minute and shifts hard, revving up on shift from 1-2 and 2-3. This goes away in a few minutes but I can't help think it's hard on the engine.
Here's the kicker - my commute is 8 minutes long. I start the car, wait 30 seconds, drive 8 minutes then shut it off. I repeat this driving back home. Those are (usually) my only trips for the entire day. I do this 5 days a week.
The engine never gets a chance to warm up. I've read this is really bad for the engine, especially if that's the type of driving it will see most of the time. So my thoughts are to get a block heater (there may already be one installed) and run it a couple hours ahead of departure time to help the engine warm up faster. I am thinking of doing this even above freezing temps, maybe even until summer arrives. I won't be able to do this on the return trip due to lack of an outlet, but it's better than nothing, right?
In retrospect, the gas engine might have been the better choice, but I didn't know about all this until now (1st diesel).
Am I overreacting?
However, in the mornings, especially this winter when it's gotten down below -10c (14F) the engine bucks in the first minute and shifts hard, revving up on shift from 1-2 and 2-3. This goes away in a few minutes but I can't help think it's hard on the engine.
Here's the kicker - my commute is 8 minutes long. I start the car, wait 30 seconds, drive 8 minutes then shut it off. I repeat this driving back home. Those are (usually) my only trips for the entire day. I do this 5 days a week.
The engine never gets a chance to warm up. I've read this is really bad for the engine, especially if that's the type of driving it will see most of the time. So my thoughts are to get a block heater (there may already be one installed) and run it a couple hours ahead of departure time to help the engine warm up faster. I am thinking of doing this even above freezing temps, maybe even until summer arrives. I won't be able to do this on the return trip due to lack of an outlet, but it's better than nothing, right?
In retrospect, the gas engine might have been the better choice, but I didn't know about all this until now (1st diesel).
Am I overreacting?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
I have had similar thoughts. My wife had a '09 ML320 BTC and now a '13 GL350 BTC. Most days is start, drive 5min to day care, stop, drive 5min home, same thing in the evening. Car only gets to operating temperature on the way back. This makes for terrible mileage on the diesel in the winter. However no other bad effects in the short term I can tell? Didn't stop use from getting another BTC.
By the way, we have had 3 BTCs now and get some cold mornings in the 20s, but never had hardshifts and revving up during shifts in any of them? Maybe the transmissions needs to be looked at?
By the way, we have had 3 BTCs now and get some cold mornings in the 20s, but never had hardshifts and revving up during shifts in any of them? Maybe the transmissions needs to be looked at?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
I have no expertise on the subject but I've always been under the impression that short trips...particularly in cold weather..isn't good for *any* engine.I've recently read that such a routine is even worse for diesels.Fortunately 90% (plus) of my miles *and* trips are on the Interstate...at 70mph...for 60 miles or more which,I firmly believe,is where diesels truly shine.
Last edited by listerone; Mar 1, 2013 at 09:32 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 141
Likes: 3
From: Land of OZ- Mornington Peninsula
ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
... Engine at operating temp.
( better make that "before it should activate")
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 141
Likes: 3
From: Land of OZ- Mornington Peninsula
ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
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
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
FWIW, my ML did the same think when it was cold. But I live in Florida where it doesn't really get cold. MB has no fix for this issue. I won the lemon law for this issue. You have 2 choices. Live with it ( i decided not to) or lemon law it.
What I was afraid of was the possibility of damage being done and the long term repair costs associated with it. Plus MB's inability to repair it.
What I was afraid of was the possibility of damage being done and the long term repair costs associated with it. Plus MB's inability to repair it.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Gresham, OR
2020 GLE 450
This may be an old wives tale but I was always told if possible to drive at least 20 minutes. This would insure the battery gets charged, the engine gets to full operating temperature, and the exhaust system gets throughly dried out. If you can't do it every day do it whenever you can.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
FWIW, my ML did the same think when it was cold. But I live in Florida where it doesn't really get cold. MB has no fix for this issue. I won the lemon law for this issue. You have 2 choices. Live with it ( i decided not to) or lemon law it.
What I was afraid of was the possibility of damage being done and the long term repair costs associated with it. Plus MB's inability to repair it.
What I was afraid of was the possibility of damage being done and the long term repair costs associated with it. Plus MB's inability to repair it.
It is a bit annoying, but it really doesn't last more than a couple minutes. I'll have to decide if I can live with it.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
This may be an old wives tale but I was always told if possible to drive at least 20 minutes. This would insure the battery gets charged, the engine gets to full operating temperature, and the exhaust system gets throughly dried out. If you can't do it every day do it whenever you can.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
OK, I have the block heater cord, part #201-540-31-34 for those that are interested. $42.
I just spent half hour poking around the engine but cannot locate the heater. Does anyone know if it's visible at all from the top or am I going to have to remove the shield and come up from below?
I just spent half hour poking around the engine but cannot locate the heater. Does anyone know if it's visible at all from the top or am I going to have to remove the shield and come up from below?
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 9
From: Central Ontario Canada
2025 AMG GLC43 Coupe, Past ‘12 ML350 & ‘17 GLE AMG43 Coupe, 2021 GLC 300 Coupe
This may be an old wives tale but I was always told if possible to drive at least 20 minutes. This would insure the battery gets charged, the engine gets to full operating temperature, and the exhaust system gets throughly dried out. If you can't do it every day do it whenever you can.
Unfortunately any damage from frequent cold operation may not be evident until much later. Because regular full temperature operation may not be possible for everyone in order to mitigate any excessive wear and tear, more frequent oil and fluid changes may be an option.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 56
From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
I surmise you're commencing from a cold start outside rather than cold garage...therefore have you considered a remote starter ?
Living up here I consider it a must.... and luv mine. Even tho I have a heated garage I still use mine on a daily basis.
Dunno if a Bluetec creates any installation issues or not but I'd doubt it..
Living up here I consider it a must.... and luv mine. Even tho I have a heated garage I still use mine on a daily basis.
Dunno if a Bluetec creates any installation issues or not but I'd doubt it..
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
I surmise you're commencing from a cold start outside rather than cold garage...therefore have you considered a remote starter ?
Living up here I consider it a must.... and luv mine. Even tho I have a heated garage I still use mine on a daily basis.
Dunno if a Bluetec creates any installation issues or not but I'd doubt it..
Living up here I consider it a must.... and luv mine. Even tho I have a heated garage I still use mine on a daily basis.
Dunno if a Bluetec creates any installation issues or not but I'd doubt it..
Yes, I park outside. It's amazing the amount of junk you accumulate with kids.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 56
From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
AS per my sig..Compustart...with added Drone option for iphone access antwhere..and does work with mB fob (panic button starts vehicle) and yes I have EasyGO..local co. installed...all in $1750
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
ML350 Bluetec
This is also explained in the owners manual regarding operation for minimum 20 minutes, if the vehicle is used for frequent short trips, to allow the systems to get up to temp.
Unfortunately any damage from frequent cold operation may not be evident until much later. Because regular full temperature operation may not be possible for everyone in order to mitigate any excessive wear and tear, more frequent oil and fluid changes may be an option.
Unfortunately any damage from frequent cold operation may not be evident until much later. Because regular full temperature operation may not be possible for everyone in order to mitigate any excessive wear and tear, more frequent oil and fluid changes may be an option.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
From: Perth, Australia
Mercedes Bus & ML350BT
The 20 minutes is to ensure the captured soot from the diesel exhaust is burned off. If you don't give it time to get up to proper temperature (the exhaust soot burn-off function) you'll require a clean out at the dealer. Exhaust pipes are pretty much all stainless steel now, so drying them out so they don't rust isn't such a big deal anymore. It's all about the soot capture and burnoff process on these Blutecs.
This is from Australia 2013-2 Supplement to the Owner's Manual, p16: 'If the vehicle is mostly driven for short distances, it is possible that the automatic cleaning of the diesel particulate filter vehicle will be interrupted before it is completed. This may lead to the 'Check Engine' light to be illuminated and requirement to presented to a Mercedes-Benz service centre for repair.
Therefore, if you frequently drive short distances, you should take a 20 minutes trip on a motorway or rural road at least every 500km.'
Although this applies to the Australian context, I would be very surprise if DPF isn't fitted to the US Bluetech models, so same recommendation applies.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
The MB module to replicate the smart key is $650, then one has to purchase the starter itself. the price he gave me was $1400-$1800 depending on features.
Last edited by schorert1; Oct 22, 2014 at 01:31 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 56
From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Yes in and go with it running after remote starting..but once inside I must press start again...wifes Lexus always shuts down after getting in and you must restart it..
Don't think you need that module..everything needed comes with the kit from Compustart...except some kinda special tool that you get from MB to take ignition switch apart..not sure..but you do have to add the Drone module for phone use and first year is free but after that you must pay annual fee for the cell connection..$99 or so
Don't think you need that module..everything needed comes with the kit from Compustart...except some kinda special tool that you get from MB to take ignition switch apart..not sure..but you do have to add the Drone module for phone use and first year is free but after that you must pay annual fee for the cell connection..$99 or so
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
Yes in and go with it running after remote starting..but once inside I must press start again...wifes Lexus always shuts down after getting in and you must restart it..
Don't think you need that module..everything needed comes with the kit from Compustart...except some kinda special tool that you get from MB to take ignition switch apart..not sure..but you do have to add the Drone module for phone use and first year is free but after that you must pay annual fee for the cell connection..$99 or so
Don't think you need that module..everything needed comes with the kit from Compustart...except some kinda special tool that you get from MB to take ignition switch apart..not sure..but you do have to add the Drone module for phone use and first year is free but after that you must pay annual fee for the cell connection..$99 or so
It would make sense that when my wife opens the door the car would shut down, then she would put her key in the ignition.
thanks for your reply.
