CRUISE CONTROL 101
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 104
Likes: 21
From: SW Hew Hampshire
76 240D RIP, 79 240D RIP, 14 ML350BT-GONE, 22 GLB250-GONE, 24 GLC300, 26 GLC300 (on order)
CRUISE CONTROL 101
Recently returned (3,280-mile trip) driving my new CPO 2014 ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. I experienced some “Cruise Control Operator” situations that makes me think I need to attend Mercedes Cruise Control 101 
PASSING SITUATIONS – With Cruise Engaged I’d accelerate, safely pass a vehicle then expect to GLIDE back to the set speed. Not the case, the Mercedes took immediate action to brake/slow down the vehicle until the Cruise Speed was achieved. The first time I encountered that new-to-me experience I thought, WOE NILLEY and quickly put the foot on the accelerator, felt it was fighting with me........My ’99 Lexus RX300 (old technology) allows you to accelerate while in Cruise then simply glides back to the Cruise Speed where it picks back up. Seemed the Mercedes didn’t recognize that I physically took action to accelerate while in Cruise. I'D understand if it started to accelerate going down hill then the Cruise takes braking action.
RESET CRUISE SPEED ON THE FLY – Found myself joining Fast Moving Convoys (old CB Lingo for those old enough to remember) while in cruise. I’d press on the accelerator to join-up, tap the Cruise Control Lever thinking it would establish the new Cruise Speed and NOTTA. Went full circle and another WOE NILLEY (or something to that effect) came out + many upward taps of the Cruise Lever, sometimes resulting in increments of +1 MPH others +5 MPH.....
So back to the Subject Line, thought perhaps I'd better install one of those Hazard Yellow STUDENT DRIVER Signs on my Roof but better yet, with the text changed to read SENIOR CITIZEN ONBOARD STAY CLEAR................
PASSING SITUATIONS – With Cruise Engaged I’d accelerate, safely pass a vehicle then expect to GLIDE back to the set speed. Not the case, the Mercedes took immediate action to brake/slow down the vehicle until the Cruise Speed was achieved. The first time I encountered that new-to-me experience I thought, WOE NILLEY and quickly put the foot on the accelerator, felt it was fighting with me........My ’99 Lexus RX300 (old technology) allows you to accelerate while in Cruise then simply glides back to the Cruise Speed where it picks back up. Seemed the Mercedes didn’t recognize that I physically took action to accelerate while in Cruise. I'D understand if it started to accelerate going down hill then the Cruise takes braking action.
RESET CRUISE SPEED ON THE FLY – Found myself joining Fast Moving Convoys (old CB Lingo for those old enough to remember) while in cruise. I’d press on the accelerator to join-up, tap the Cruise Control Lever thinking it would establish the new Cruise Speed and NOTTA. Went full circle and another WOE NILLEY (or something to that effect) came out + many upward taps of the Cruise Lever, sometimes resulting in increments of +1 MPH others +5 MPH.....
So back to the Subject Line, thought perhaps I'd better install one of those Hazard Yellow STUDENT DRIVER Signs on my Roof but better yet, with the text changed to read SENIOR CITIZEN ONBOARD STAY CLEAR................
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 104
Likes: 21
From: SW Hew Hampshire
76 240D RIP, 79 240D RIP, 14 ML350BT-GONE, 22 GLB250-GONE, 24 GLC300, 26 GLC300 (on order)
How insightful, you forgot to add "While feeding me grapes", "Sipping Dom Perignon" and most important "Whispering Sweet Nothings in my ear".
Well, been there, done that in the not so PC 80s & 90s but after many years now at a place where I'm very happily married to my wife and closest friend.
We're talk'n Cruise Control here
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 125
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From: Huntsville, AL
2014 ML63 AMG
I can tell you that slightly pushing up or down on the cruise lever will alter your speed by 1 mph, while pressing up or down until you feel it "click" will alter your speed in 5 mph increments.
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 320
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couple things. first if you model cc is not the same as the 16 gle, then never mind.
if you have adaptive cc, then the brakes will take over once you let your foot off the gas. if i have to pass, i gradually decrease speed so that cruise takes over smoothly. i also don't run ***** out.
the +- 1 and 5 are standard functions. have it on an impreza also.
i can't remember if you have to disengage to set a new speed (other than the 1 & 5 bumps). or maybe just hold the accelerator steady and reset the stalk. try it out.
good luck, ron
if you have adaptive cc, then the brakes will take over once you let your foot off the gas. if i have to pass, i gradually decrease speed so that cruise takes over smoothly. i also don't run ***** out.
the +- 1 and 5 are standard functions. have it on an impreza also.
i can't remember if you have to disengage to set a new speed (other than the 1 & 5 bumps). or maybe just hold the accelerator steady and reset the stalk. try it out.
good luck, ron
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Joined: Feb 2016
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update-- i was on the highway and tested a couple things
1. 15 mph over set cruise and removed foot from gas: autobrakes down to the set point.
2. 5 mph over set point and kept foot on gas until speed dropped. no autobraking.
3. increased speed over set point by 10 mph and reset cruise while keeping speed. pushed stalk up until detent, not past. reset fine.
again, 2016 gle 350 4m. good luck, ron
1. 15 mph over set cruise and removed foot from gas: autobrakes down to the set point.
2. 5 mph over set point and kept foot on gas until speed dropped. no autobraking.
3. increased speed over set point by 10 mph and reset cruise while keeping speed. pushed stalk up until detent, not past. reset fine.
again, 2016 gle 350 4m. good luck, ron
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 4
From: Denver
2014 CLS550 4Matic; 2010 E550, 2007 SL550
Remember that MB is in Europe, they have "average speed" camera systems. They tag your plate coming into the stretch of highway, then again when you leave. They measure your time to cover that distance, and send you a ticket if the average speed is over the speed limit.
That's why MB, Jag, and some other European CC systems are very aggressive about using brakes to not allow the car to overrun the set speed unless the driver commands it. Drivers want to be able to enter the "average speed" area with cruise set at the speed limit, and not get dinged because the car ran downhill at more than the speed limit and ended up too fast over the distance.
Quite different from US systems which will allow the car to freewheel as much as 10-15mph (or more) over the set speed.
