rmorin49

I was able to code this on my BMW so that it will retain its previous setting. In other words turn it off and it will remain off the next time the car is driven. I understand this is not possible on the SL and dealers will not turn it off. Am I correct? I just can't remember to turn it off each time I start the car. I find it aggravating and do not believe the small fuel savings is worth the extra wear and tear on the starter and engine.

Keon

There are some modules that can be fitted to the car that disable this, such as SmartTOP

allfortheunion

Colonel - its especially annoying on the SL because the button is to the rear of the shift knob and not on the dash. There is a seller on ebay that sells a module that does exactly what you described for your BMW, so it is possible, just not via the dealer. I got one for my E and SL both and it works exactly as described, and I’m very happy with it. There’s a video in the item description that shows installation and function. Its also fully reversible. It comes from Belarus but arrived in about 10 days. Search Mercedes Eco Start Stop on ebay if you are interested. Its pricy but to me worth a one time expense to forego the aggravation every single time I start the car.

rorywquin

Yep - just fitted one to my SL.

eddieo45

I find it interesting which things can aggravate some of us. It's not about fuel savings, it's about emissions and the fate of the planet. The mayor of Boston lives down the street from me and he has a police detail outside 24/7. No matter what the weather the officers have their windows up, car running. I find that aggravating.

whoover

Police cars must idle at all times. They have lots of computers and communications equipment that would kill the battery in minutes, so their heavy-duty alternators must be kept running. In my county, some of the equipment takes five minutes to reboot, and you wouldn't want them having to wait that long before responding to a call you made.

rmorin49

Thanks. I'll check it out.

allfortheunion

The other option would be the SmartTop module mentioned above. Over twice the cost and more complicated to install (the ebay module just plugs into the OBD port to run the install, then you remove it), but it gives you several other functions besides ECO On/Off. One that I find attractive is the one touch seat memory function. You are used to this, as was I, coming from BMWs, instead of in the MB having to keep the memory button depressed until the seat is finished moving. Also has similar function for controlling the top with the center console lever - you can just lift up and release and the top will open fully instead of having to keep holding the lever up the whole time. Small things, but satisfying to some people. (I think it might have been the legal department at Mercedes that decided these functions shouldn’t be one touch)

rmorin49

I used a similar unit in my C7 Corvette to prevent the engine from going into V4 mode but it had to remain connected when driving. I would remove it when the car went to the dealer. It left no trace of its use. It simply blocked the command for V4 mode. It didn't change any ECM settings.

eddieo45

Excellent point!

rmorin49

Too bad someone hasn't developed an app like Bimmercode for MBs. There are a myriad of options for coding BMWs. There are easily recoded multiple times.

Wolfman

I found coding our BMW a PITA. Features that could simply be selected in the MB menu would have to be coded.
Like folding mirrors when locking. Then there is stupid stuff like the legal disclaimer at startup, the double door pulls and having to press the stop button twice. That can be coded out but only because a stubborn Bavarian engineer had to create user unfriendly features to begin with.
It’s the deep desire for BMW to do things different than MB...

The only thing they did better is the mentioned start/stop feature. They got so much grief that they introduced the memory setting one year after introduction

rmorin49

No argument there but at least Bimmercode allows one to code a lot of different options many of which are coded different for cars sold in places other than the US. I think some of the options may be due to US regulations. I could be wrong.

rorywquin

As suggested - I'd opt for the Smatrtop. It is more complicated to install (and costs more) but not at all difficult - just needs some confidence when removing the carpet.......The ST module offers a host of features other those already mentioned - the main one for me is the remote roof opening using the key......basically 3 clicks on the open/close and you can walk away while the roof closes and the car locks.

On your model - it also gives the ability to open/close the roof while moving....I have this at standard on teh facelift but teh car has to be stopped tostrt the process.. With the ST the car can be moving slowly.

rmorin49

What are the best sources for the Smartop?

rorywquin

Mods4Cars are the manufacturer and are in the USA. They sell direct!

rmorin49

Thanks