Dynamic Handling Package - E Class coupe

[johny5_uk]

Breaking off from another thread regarding issues with my coupe. When the service manager returned my car he mentioned when you press the sport button there doesnt seem to be any change in the engine idle rpm and asked me if I noticed anything about it.
To recap, my car is experiencing poor mpg, sounding like a truck and pausing when setting off in comfort auto mode.
I said that even though it seemed like something "sporty" had been turned on after pressing the button, there certainly was a lack of "wow" that I remember when I collected my car for the first time. At the time the sales guy pointed out the dynamic handling/sport button and when he pressed it the cars tone changed and indeed the revs increased at idle along with me remembering how hard it was to keep a steady speed due to the sheer twitchiness on the throttle.
Now, its almost as if I just have sport/comfort mode (I didnt have the dynamic sport button on a previous E250 coupe and this is what it feels like now). The service manager is thinking that there is something broken on the dynamic package and is investigating further as there are no error codes coming back.

Can someone with the dynamic package and sport button press it and let me know if there is a noticeable change?
When my car was in for a software update the other month I think I lost my sport button function


Dynamic Handling Package, consisting of:

- ‘Sport’ button on centre console for sport driving mode
- Sharper accelerator response
- Continuously variable damping for improved ride
- Quicker gearshifts via steering wheel gearshift paddles

 

[grober]

My guess is that if something malfunctions on the associated systems then the software will default to factory settings in which the dynamic handling package is disabled. This may not register as a "fault" but need some sort of software reboot to re-enable it? The software update sounds pretty suspicious to me. You car may have a wrongly specified software update in which this option is permanently locked out.

 

[docman]

Hi

When i press sport button on my e350cdi revs don`t rise but throttle a bit sharper and ride a bit firmer.

Don`t use it much so can`t really recall if different when first picked up car.

Please update when service dept get back to you.

Regards

 

[phowarth001]

Did you every get this resolved? I ask because I have the DHP option fitted and seem to have a car that regularly "goes to sleep" so far as performance is concerned. In "Normal" mode I have good days where things are smooth and responsove and quiet...then most days where I feel like I am driving a truck, with noise, hesitation when setting off and performance to match. In "Sport" mode things are better but still noisy. Sometimes starting the car, running for a moment, switching off and restarting seems to improve things. Sometimes when it's damp it seems better.

A service a few months back with a scheduled software update gave me about 2 months of perfect driving performance, no lag, quiet and responsve then back to the usual. This is my 3rd Merc and the previous models were great. Can't help thinking there is a basic ECU problem somewhere as this so intermittent. Completely spoils the driving experience of an otherwise great car.

I'm keen to find out if there's a known problem than can be rectified before my warranty runs out in a few months. The car's covered about 20k miles and is 30 months old.

Any insight?

 

[johny5_uk]

I have changed cars since posting this thread but just got a newer e350 and had a Brabus chip fitted

Nothing ever came of it but if this various software updates did adjust things slightly.
Funny you should resurrect this thread because even with the Brabus fitted and the dynamic button pressed, it still felt fairly sluggish of late.
SO, I bought some Millars Eco additive the other day and it goes like a rocket now!
It's only £12 a bottle and can last for about 8-10 fill ups depending on strength you add.
On a 200mile run I got 46mpg but after I put this in I managed to hit 50mpg last week!
So not only does it pay for itself but you get lots of fun out of the extra power if you want that.
I would strongly advise you buy some this week! Let us know how you get on.

 

[Tebs]

I have C320Cdi with the sport button and as docman mentioned it sharpens up the throttle , stiffens the ride and makes the steering more responsive. In comfort mode the car starts in 2nd as opposed to 1st in sport mode which can feel lethargic. I also have the D6 Brabus kit fitted and it really goes in Sport mode but I tend to keep the car in comfort because the ride is harsh and a bit jiggly on the roads round here. Pity there isnt a semi sport mode which doesnt stiffen the ride.

Johny you`re doing well getting 50mpg. My mpg hasnt been affected since fitting the Brabus but the best Ive got is 45mpg which I`m more than pleased with this. I`m guessing your fuel consumption is better because you`ve got a more modern engine.

Must try this Millars additive. Is there any downsides to using these types of additive on a diesel?

 

[timskemp]

The sport button should not I believe affect your idle speed, it doesn't in mine. The feel of the throttle, steering, damping and brake pedal along with the gear change points should be different.

I have noticed that in case of a fault it defaults to sport

 

[johny5_uk]

Did the same journey this morning with the sport button on all the way down and only managed 46mpg. I've done 19,000 miles in mine and it's one of the 230 engines.

Tebs, your should run and get some now! You won't regret it.

 

[Tebs]

Tebs, your should run and get some now! You won't regret it.

You`ve persuaded me. I`ll get some from Halfords and report back.