Issues with ECO on E estate

[Aterrasse]

Dear All

My e estate (w212 BluEff /220 CDI) is equipped with the ECO system which switch off the engine when the vehicle is running but stationary. The car is only a month old with less than 1k on the clock.

Recently I noticed that the engine would not switch off even after having run for a while and with air conditioning off. On the dashboard the ECO sign is on and the button is green on the central console.

The car is under warranty so I could easily have it checked but first I was wondering if some of you had experienced this as well and if so whether there was an easy way to fix it.

Many thanks for your help

Alex

 

[Aoraki]

What colour was the ECO on the dash? Green means working and available, Amber means working but not available and Red not available.

 

[Aterrasse]

What colour was the ECO on the dash? Green means working and available, Amber means working but not available and Red not available.

Hi

It is green... but not working

Alex

 

[Red C220]

Is the ECO lit green or is it Yellow in the instrument binnacle?

The system will only operate when it goes green on the dashboard.

 

[redbaron]

Are you using the right combination of pedals etc to activate it? (I know it is a daft question)

 

[Aoraki]

Are you using the right combination of pedals etc to activate it? (I know it is a daft question)

You only need one, the brake pedal. Once at a standstill the engine should stop if ECO is green in the binacle.

 

[Aoraki]

One thing not asked yet, is it auto or manual? I can only comment on auto's, I'm unsure if there are differences with manuals.

 

[JAN8OR]

Alex are you still having the issue with the start/stop?

Dear All

My e estate (w212 BluEff /220 CDI) is equipped with the ECO system which switch off the engine when the vehicle is running but stationary. The car is only a month old with less than 1k on the clock.

Recently I noticed that the engine would not switch off even after having run for a while and with air conditioning off. On the dashboard the ECO sign is on and the button is green on the central console.

The car is under warranty so I could easily have it checked but first I was wondering if some of you had experienced this as well and if so whether there was an easy way to fix it.

Many thanks for your help

Alex

 

[robpow]

There are a number of criteria (I'll try and dig them out later) for when the engine will be stopped and when it wont. One I remember on top of my head is that it wont cut out if you are in a turn but I'm sure there were more.

Matt

 

[robpow]

Vehicles with automatic transmission

The engine is started automatically if:

• you switch off the ECO start/stop function by pressing the ECO button.
• you release the brakes when in transmission position D or N, when the HOLD function is not active.
• you depress the accelerator pedal.
• you engage reverse gear R.
• you move the transmission out of position P.
• you switch to drive program S, S+ or M (AMG vehicles).
• you unfasten your seat belt or open the driver's door.
• the vehicle starts to roll.
• the brake system requires this.
• the temperature in the vehicle interior deviates from the set range.
• the system detects moisture on the windscreen when the air-conditioning system is switched on.
• the battery's charge status is too low.

 

[JAN8OR]

Hi Matt
I have a 2012 ML63 and am having the same ECO issues as Alex. Im certain that all the criteria for the ECO to be active have been met, yet it only works intermittantly. Just wondering if anyone has any more info on how to fix this.
thanks
vince

There are a number of criteria (I'll try and dig them out later) for when the engine will be stopped and when it wont. One I remember on top of my head is that it wont cut out if you are in a turn but I'm sure there were more.

Matt

 

[Red C220]

An ML63 with ECO function.

Anyone else find that mildly amusing?

 

[@MARK]

An ML63 with ECO function.

Anyone else find that mildly amusing?

Every little helps and to be fair, you would probably need to own a chain of supermarkets to keep up with the fuel bill on one of those

 

[Dieselman]

An ML63 with ECO function.

Anyone else find that mildly amusing?

Yes, but ironically it will have a greater impact on such a car than on a more efficient one as it will consume a lot of fuel when idling while stationery.

Certain economy challenges are run with the aim to obtain the highest percentage figure above the manufacturers figure.
For these a very thirsty car is ideal, as you can just turn it off whenever possible and get huge percentage gains.

 

[Red C220]

Yes, but ironically it will have a greater impact on such a car than on a more efficient one as it will consume a lot of fuel when idling while stationery.

Certain economy challenges are run with the aim to obtain the highest percentage figure above the manufacturers figure.
For these a very thirsty car is ideal, as you can just turn it off whenever possible and get huge percentage gains.

Funny you used that as an example. I remember a local event which was an economy challenge and the winners drove a Jag XJS 5.3 V12

 

[Dr-Nab]

'12 ML63 so 5.5 V8 TT, what effect will stop start have on the turbos?

 

[Aterrasse]

Alex are you still having the issue with the start/stop?

Dear All

Just gone to and returned from Bath and, like by magic, the Eco system worked absolutely fine throughout the two long journeys.

It looks like it is not functioning / functioning less reliably on small journeys and when the air conditioning is on, though. Would that make sense??

Cheers

Alex

 

[Rory]

It looks like it is not functioning / functioning less reliably on small journeys and when the air conditioning is on, though. Would that make sense??

There's logic in both - could be to do with battery charge (short journeys) or internal temp deviation (a/c).

 

[Ted]

Lots of reasons for it to to catch you out.
Mine wasn't working yesterday. Turned out that I had turned the airflow to the screen (aircon off) and this also disables it :/

 

[JAN8OR]

An ML63 with ECO function.

Anyone else find that mildly amusing?

Actually I found that amusing too when I was first looking at buying the ML.
But I'm loving that feature. The biggest reason is I love a quiet cabin. The ML is so quiet even when running but when it's off at a light it just takes quiet to another level.

In reality I don't think the start stop function significantly contributes to improved fuel economy, but it just adds to it. The major factors for improved economy in my opinion are the turbos (as opposed to a supercharger that is always on), the take-off in 2nd gear, and the 7th tranny gear that keeps the revs low at speed.

Btw, fuel economy is amazing. I recently did a 2,200km trip and used less than 3 tanks. Left home on a full tank (90L, $105 CDN) and had to fill up again after 8 hrs. We went 850km on a single tank, I was so impressed. ...and that was hitting 185km/h on some straight stretches.... New vehicle too...only 2,500km on the clock