New C300h Hybrid Owner - no start/stop or electric even on Eco?

[Deleted member 126969]

I get the feeling that an awful lot of fault diagnosis these days is done online. If it isn't listed in the MB Knowledgebase, you're in for a long haul. In my old job, 'engineers' came to mean software and systems people. Give them a circuit diagram and a soldering iron and they had no idea. If there wasn't a software 'wizard' they could click on they started to panic. I suspect the motor trade is heading the same way.

I also can't help but wonder how they apply software patches too. Just had one applied to my C350e to fix turbo wastegate chatter during fast idle at warmup (a very specfic set of circumstances). Given I saw the date of the patch as 2013 on the papaerwork....why wasn't it built in to the car when it was made late last year? Same with these gearbox gremlins. Do they only apply them if they get a complaint? Maybe they use the logic my old employers used with their computer builds, don't update the build until there is a new one worth all the effort of testing, just patch when a problem comes up?

I do understand why having a good 12v battery is central to all the systems working properly though, loads of threads about weird behavior across all brands these days when the battery is playing up. The ability to crank and start isn't a guarantee that the battery is OK unfortunately. I'd expect the stop/start and more complex hybrid functions to be pretty paranoid about making sure you don't get left without motive power unexpectedly. If we could see a flow chart for the hybrid logic I suspect it would be pretty obvious. As it is, all we can do is guess at the strategy it uses.

 

[Jaunty]

Recent Evening Standard article and quote Electric cars 'too expensive' for Londoners to switch from diesel | London Evening Standard

"Insurers charge up to 50 per cent more to cover “green” vehicles because of the higher purchase price and the lack of skilled mechanics available to service and repair them.

Currently just one per cent of mechanics in the UK have the necessary qualifications to carry out work on the high-tech electric systems and most are employed within dealers."

 

[lochetive]

Hello there folks. I've got a c300h and I had the same problems - eh less and less electric cut in to the point where it didn't even stop/start when at lights etc. After new "leads" fitted at the dealer with no improvement they put a new battery in eventually and this seems to have worked. The car is 16 months old now and I've never had a car in the dealer longer - total about 7 weeks. It's less fun and less economic than my old c250. I will never get another one. Note to the op - strongly Recommend you get an extended warranty. They obviously put this on the market before testing it properly if you ask me. Only benefit is reduction in company car tax but it's not enough to justify this car.

 

[steve333]

Hello there folks. I've got a c300h and I had the same problems - eh less and less electric cut in to the point where it didn't even stop/start when at lights etc. After new "leads" fitted at the dealer with no improvement they put a new battery in eventually and this seems to have worked. The car is 16 months old now and I've never had a car in the dealer longer - total about 7 weeks. It's less fun and less economic than my old c250. I will never get another one. Note to the op - strongly Recommend you get an extended warranty. They obviously put this on the market before testing it properly if you ask me. Only benefit is reduction in company car tax but it's not enough to justify this car.

Bought mine on a whim when parting with my A45amg,didn't really research the car that much but liked it on test driving so went with it,I would be worried about repairs out of warranty too,looking at an ml tomorrow to replace it,should have got one when I bought the c300h but hey ho!

 

[Jaunty]

So an update. Collected car this afternoon. I didn't get a copy of the works note (I think I will ask and see if I they will give it to me) but was advised as follows on the points I raised


1. Fix hybrid
- they said no issues with batteries and they it was a software fault. I was doubtful but what do you know on the short journey home "coast" mode and start/stop and Electric mode at low speeds all working, even with battery under 50%


2. Gearbox ECU for 1st/2nd gear jolt
- was advised that software has been updated

above were main issues other ones were

3. See if can get acoustic glass for front as at motorway speed does sound like the window is open a smidgin
- result! Acoustic glass ordered and installed. Not gone fast enough to compare. I am sure the TSB I found on this forum was what helped get this through - if the dealer can get reimbursed by MB for the works, then it makes sense for them to do it

3. See if reversing mirror can go back to normal more quickly
- think we just need to get used to this!

4. Get MB Me set up - dealer needs to see V5.
- I was told it has been set up, but no change, website still asks me to go to dealer. Will call and speak to them, may be takes a while to kick in. They didn't actually ask me for an email address though...

5. Comand Maps Upgrade to v18 - told this has been done too, didn't check system yet

Bonus - tech noticed 2 of of the handle leds not working and fixed.

So - took a while and had a few dead days when car was just sat there but overall I'm happy. Let's see if the hybrid keeps working. Also Sport + didn't work before so hopefully that does now and I can have a play.

Re Warranty - this is a company car so I don't need to worry from a personal perspective, fortunately.

Cheers all. Will update here in a while.

 

[Jaunty]

5. Comand Maps Upgrade to v18 - told this has been done too, didn't check system yet

It is on 2016 v8 now which I think is the latest Comand TomTom maps. I got v18 from the website here, not sure what they relate to

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/europe-map-dvd-NTG2.html

 

[Jaunty]

Another little bonus. I ran the VIN which said I had the hands free "kick to open" for the boot. I had tried it but clearly badly (more of a wiggle than a kick). Just tried again and success! Another gadget haha.

 

[CRBXF]

Another little bonus. I ran the VIN which said I had the hands free "kick to open" for the boot. I had tried it but clearly badly (more of a wiggle than a kick). Just tried again and success! Another gadget haha.

Part of the Premium pack. A kick will do most times for mine to open or close


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[Paul252526]

Tried without success to show the outside temp-maybe they know how via star or something when your cars in January,in the service menu under settings you can see how many bonus(electric/coasting miles you have had during a current journey,for example,on Saturday I drove back home from London late evening and light traffic and mostly dual carriageway/motorway and got 19.4 electric miles out of a 94 mile journey-starting to master the feathering of the throttle pedal now!

Hi Guys, temp gauge -took me ages but here it is, flick through the normal speedo display that you have on the dash by using the up and down buttons on the left side of the steering wheel - when you come to the 'total mileage' display you will see the temp gauge on the bottom right - bummer is that if you move to any other screen (I prefer the digital speedo) it disappears again. Our other guys have the 220d's and there cars always have the temp on display under most screens.

 

[Paul252526]

Hi All,
it is interesting to read all your comments on the C300H. I have mine since Oct 2015 and circa 14000 miles on it. I love the look and drive of the car (a little tail happy) plus the power but gosh the build quality has a lot that can be improved on. So far it has been back in for :
- lose screw on sunroof so basically it rattled every time you opened it
- Comand sat nav unit / radio ghosting on and off whilst driving
- boot only closing half way (I knew about the settings where you can do this but it just seemed it was over riding this)
- rattle in dash (around the drivers airvent above gear stick)
- strange vibration rattle from under the bonnet - it was a pipe that needed padding around and it sounded like a tractor every time you took a sharp turn)
- 5 times now theecterior lights on the door handles have gone (yes and only 13000 miles - apparently this isn't a quick fix
- stop start - doesn't work - I always have to manually have to stop and restart it at traffic lights.

The comments on the battery possibly being an issue on the start stop are useful, I'm in tomorrow to get 3 door handle lights and the rattle in the air vent looked at so I will mention the battery issue with the start / stop.
Gosh she is heavy on tyres too.
But I love the car.............the power....whoooshhhhh!

 

[Paul252526]

Managed to get out for a drive today, battery up in 80% area and the stop/start still only kicked in I think ONCE on an hour and a half journey with plenty of chances to do so. Even dropped it from Comfort to Eco mode to encourage it, and turned the air con off.

Had one jolt as well around 2nd gear. And I can't get the outside temp to show, only the Km per hour. So, all in all, I think I need a software update.

In other news, figured out the Auto Park for parallel parking, good fun and could be handy whilst I transition from the Z4. Need to try reversing into a shopping mall space next with it.

Next MB test will be MB servicing, which I haven't read a lot of good things about so far I must say. My nearest is the service only centre at MB Stratford, East London. Wish me luck.

Outside temp gauge is in one place only - under the total mileage display - took me ages to find it.

 

[Paul252526]

Hi All,
it is interesting to read all your comments on the C300H. I have mine since Oct 2015 and circa 14000 miles on it. I love the look and drive of the car (a little tail happy) plus the power but gosh the build quality has a lot that can be improved on. So far it has been back in for :
- lose screw on sunroof so basically it rattled every time you opened it
- Comand sat nav unit / radio ghosting on and off whilst driving
- boot only closing half way (I knew about the settings where you can do this but it just seemed it was over riding this)
- rattle in dash (around the drivers airvent above gear stick)
- strange vibration rattle from under the bonnet - it was a pipe that needed padding around and it sounded like a tractor every time you took a sharp turn)
- 5 times now theecterior lights on the door handles have gone (yes and only 13000 miles - apparently this isn't a quick fix
- stop start - doesn't work - I always have to manually have to stop and restart it at traffic lights.

The comments on the battery possibly being an issue on the start stop are useful, I'm in tomorrow to get 3 door handle lights and the rattle in the air vent looked at so I will mention the battery issue with the start / stop.
Gosh she is heavy on tyres too.
But I love the car.............the power....whoooshhhhh!

12v battery - the hybrid now works again!!!!! My stop start was not working at all, they guys in Mercedes Belfast replaced the 12v battery (wasnt showing a fault) and hey presto - it's a hybrid again! Awesome, it drives in electric very soon on a run at low speeds, it stop starts at traffic lights. Fuel consumption up about 10mpg!! This is the fault if anyone is having a similar issue. Even the dealer was surprised to learn this! All door handle lights replaced. Feels like a new car again. Good work Mercedes Belfast.

 

[Organum]

I have suggested before that disconnecting the battery and waiting for a few minutes then reconnecting would give the same results.
Since the dealer confirmed the battery was not faulty I believe this hard reset fixes many problems.

 

[Jaunty]

I have suggested before that disconnecting the battery and waiting for a few minutes then reconnecting would give the same results.
Since the dealer confirmed the battery was not faulty I believe this hard reset fixes many problems.

Any idea if this is doable by the consumer? Not even certain where the 12v battery is....!

 

[Jaunty]

Update the post below new comments underlined. I don't do many miles but touch wood all good so far.

So an update. Collected car this afternoon. I didn't get a copy of the works note (I think I will ask and see if I they will give it to me) but was advised as follows on the points I raised


1. Fix hybrid
- they said no issues with batteries and they it was a software fault. I was doubtful but what do you know on the short journey home "coast" mode and start/stop and Electric mode at low speeds all working, even with battery under 50%

Still working! Even though they said the 12v battery showed no fault and they said they did not change it, they never explained WHAT they did. I wonder if they disconnected the battery and that re-set it

2. Gearbox ECU for 1st/2nd gear jolt
- was advised that software has been updated

No repeat so far

above were main issues other ones were

3. See if can get acoustic glass for front as at motorway speed does sound like the window is open a smidgin
- result! Acoustic glass ordered and installed. Not gone fast enough to compare. I am sure the TSB I found on this forum was what helped get this through - if the dealer can get reimbursed by MB for the works, then it makes sense for them to do it

3. See if reversing mirror can go back to normal more quickly
- think we just need to get used to this!

Still annoying/slightly dangerous. Takes forever...

4. Get MB Me set up - dealer needs to see V5.
- I was told it has been set up, but no change, website still asks me to go to dealer. Will call and speak to them, may be takes a while to kick in. They didn't actually ask me for an email address though...

All set up and working. A bit of fun I guess

5. Comand Maps Upgrade to v18 - told this has been done too, didn't check system yet

Latest maps installed, hurrah

Bonus - tech noticed 2 of of the handle leds not working and fixed.

So - took a while and had a few dead days when car was just sat there but overall I'm happy. Let's see if the hybrid keeps working. Also Sport + didn't work before so hopefully that does now and I can have a play.

Re Warranty - this is a company car so I don't need to worry from a personal perspective, fortunately.

Cheers all. Will update here in a while.

 

[StuGraves]

So I am experiencing the same issue. Start/Stop & Coasting does not work after 5-10 minutes. Its been that way since I had the car (1 month now, the car is 1 1/2 years old), booked into MB Milton Keynes Friday. Hopefully I will have a working system after that.

 

[Jaunty]

So I am experiencing the same issue. Start/Stop & Coasting does not work after 5-10 minutes. Its been that way since I had the car (1 month now, the car is 1 1/2 years old), booked into MB Milton Keynes Friday. Hopefully I will have a working system after that.

Highlight to them changing (or maybe just disconnect/reconnect) the secondary battery. Even if it shows that there is no fault on diagnostics.

 

[StuGraves]

After a second visit, it is now working. They said the battery was OK, but it was a Telematics update that fixed it.
This was after telling me the first time they had it that it was due to it being low on AdBlue

Just glad it's working correctly now.

 

[johnboy99]

After purchasing a 2 year old used and approved I suffered a series of engine management issues where I was not surprised the Stop/Start function did not work, it was only after two consecutive long trips it displayed its full function just once. I decided to get this fixed before the warranty ran out. Having waited a month for an appointment at my local dealer in Debden I was told everything was as it should be and another visit was required, again a wait of a month again to be told again everything was OK, which was clearly not the case, I then gave up with them and contacted Mercedes Hertford who indicated the problem was well known to them, they changed the 12 Volt battery and all is now working well

 

[JBD]

I’d get in booked in. It sounds like the stop start isn’t operating as it should


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