How long should you use SBC H for?

[GreetMe]

The E55 is the first automatic I've ever owned so this isn't something I've had to think about before...

How long should you use SBC H for? Is it better in some situations to put it in Park instead of leaving it in Drive with SBC H engaged, e.g. if you're stopped at traffic lights for more than a minute or so?

Or is it just like putting it in neutral and using the handbrake?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

SBC literally holds on to the brake disc for you, it doesn't affect the gears. I found the best way to get a quick start from the lights was to use SBC and then plant your right foot.

Although I had a bit of a nightmare trying to get a replacement FOC, I do really miss this feature, in fact it's probably the biggest thing I miss about my W211's.

 

[GreetMe]

My rear tyres have seen better days; engaging SBC H and planting my right foot results in almost as much movement sideways as forwards at the moment.

Only ever having owned manual cars it feels a bit like riding the clutch just at the biting point...

 

[Deleted member 37751]

My rear tyres have seen better days; engaging SBC H and planting my right foot results in almost as much movement sideways as forwards at the moment.

Only ever having owned manual cars it feels a bit like riding the clutch just at the biting point...

That's because you're still in gear.

Do you like the feature though? I found it by accident on my first W211 (because I don't read manuals) and nearly shat myself when the car wouldn't move, so I planted my right foot and nearly gave myself whiplash!

 

[GreetMe]

That's because you're still in gear.

Does it put any more load on the transmission than sticking it in Park?

Do you like the feature though? I found it by accident on my first W211 (because I don't read manuals) and nearly shat myself when the car wouldn't move, so I planted my right foot and nearly gave myself whiplash!

I love it. I particularly like how it can be activated by a really slight twitch of your right foot, rather than having to stab at the pedal. Just a couple of centimetres of movement with the right pressure is enough to engage it.

 

[Doodle]

Does it put any more load on the transmission than sticking it in Park?

If you're worried about it, knock it into Neutral and then back into Drive when you're ready. It doesn't disengage the Hold

 

[GreetMe]

If you're worried about it, knock it into Neutral and then back into Drive when you're ready. It doesn't disengage the Hold

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Just had a thought; have you looked in the manual?

It might mention something in there about how long is recommended to use the SBC before putting it into park.

 

[GreetMe]

Just had a look and I can't see any mention of recommended times.

 

[Gollom]

I loved this too on my W211!

Not sure if it is an urban myth, but I hear tell that it was stopped when some American sued MB - he had used it to stop the car at a fuel pump and the car sped off when he was paying!

 

[Dryce]

I loved this too on my W211!

Not sure if it is an urban myth, but I hear tell that it was stopped when some American sued MB - he had used it to stop the car at a fuel pump and the car sped off when he was paying!

Myth. There is still a hold function after SBC was deleted in the W211 facelift.

And opening the car door causes an alarm if the car if SBC H is active.

The features that were deleted were the soft stop and the braking control mode via the accelerator in slow traffic.

 

[C240Sport97]

The features that were deleted were the soft stop and the braking control mode via the accelerator in slow traffic.

what is soft stop and braking control mode?

 

[Dryce]

what is soft stop and braking control mode?

SBC Soft-Stop makes the car come to a halt more smoothly. No idea how it was activated.

SBC Stop was set by using the cruise control at low speed (under 15mph if memory serves). This caused the car to brake when the accelerator was released. It allowed you to control the car with a single pedal in slow moving stop/start traffic.

Both these options were deleted around late 2004.

 

[Major774]

I use SBC-H all the time, so useful instead of leaving foot on brake pedal.

 

[Dieselman]

Just long enough to either fill with petrol or do the jewellers..

 

[RCS]

Really love it on ours now I've the knack of engaging. Mind on a couple of occaisions it has released unexpectedly. Last time thought it was because revs did slightly increase, so it probably thought it was time to move off. Not sure why revs altered slightly, possibly because it was not fully warm, or may be I rested my foot a bit heavier on the accelerator unconsciously. However, I do keep alert whilst its on!!

I'm getting a new C Class shortly as a company car and understand there's something similar on that?