ECO start/stop feature misunderstanding or misinformation

[eurocar504]

I recently read about the ECO start feature. I was always under the impression that the feature was overall a bad idea, especially because of the wear on the starter.
But I have come to change my mind.

There are lots of consequences caused by the repeated cranking to take into consideration, but the main argument against that feature is usually the starter.
It relies on an upgraded starter, which might end up lasting as long as the old type in spite of the added use. Of course, this in itself is not worth it.
In addition, though, the starting procedure is much different than usual. When the engine stops, the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensors determine with precision the position of the cylinders. When the engine restarts, the cylinder best positioned to turn the engine is fired up at the same time as the starter actuation, which lessen the load on the starter and the cranking time. The cranking time is 20ms or less!

There are other improvements that were made to elliviate other issues, such as main bearing wear, transmission oil pressure loss and battery life.

In my opinion, the way that feature works makes the added wear to the different parts involved quite negligeable in contrast to the added fuel economy, the reduction of pollution, and the reduction of wear on parts that are being used less (when the engine is stopped).

 

[ber5ien]

I think it is not the same as starting engine from scratch on the other hand what is a difference between gasoline start and stop and hybrid system switching between batter and electricity.

 

[Turonet]

I'm still reluctant about using the Start-Stop feature. I wonder how much fuel we can save with this, I believe not much, and just the reduction of the battery life could be enough to discard the use of this feature. Not only because the price we have to pay, but also because the pollution of useless batteries, and also the pollution when a new battery is made.
Anyway, I am happy to know that car factories are making improvements in order to soften the inconveniences. I didn't know what you said. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[eurocar504]

I'm still reluctant about using the Start-Stop feature. I wonder how much fuel we can save with this, I believe not much, and just the reduction of the battery life could be enough to discard the use of this feature. Not only because the price we have to pay, but also because the pollution of useless batteries, and also the pollution when a new battery is made.
Anyway, I am happy to know that car factories are making improvements in order to soften the inconveniences. I didn't know what you said. Thanks for letting us know.

The fuel economy will depend on the time spent in traffic of course. For someone doing a lot of city driving, it might be worth it.
The main battery is not being used. It is the auxiliary battery that will wear out... which means an additional battery to service.

I'd be very interested to see a study of the fuel economy done with that feature. But it is not all about that economy but also or rather about pollution control.

 

[eurocar504]

I think it is not the same as starting engine from scratch on the other hand what is a difference between gasoline start and stop and hybrid system switching between batter and electricity.

Yes. I would rather have a hybrid that I use in electric mode when stuck in traffic and in gas mode when not.

 

[vannuys]

My local independent mechanic (Mercedes specialist) said turning off the eco was essential for the longevity of my GLC 300 engine.
His concern isn't the starter, it's the engine block itself (reprogramming to turn off the eco mode is what brought me here).

 

[ber5ien]

I would imagine that is connected with a lot of smoke not being burned out and staying in the engine/exhaust.

 

[Rade1978]

I have coding off (put it in last mode)... No worries for starter...

 

[eurocar504]

My local independent mechanic (Mercedes specialist) said turning off the eco was essential for the longevity of my GLC 300 engine.
His concern isn't the starter, it's the engine block itself (reprogramming to turn off the eco mode is what brought me here).

I would be interested to know why your mechanic thinks that.
From what I have read, the Eco start feature should not any adverse effect on the block or piston rings, except maybe causing less wear since the engine runs less.

 

[vannuys]

I would be interested to know why your mechanic thinks that.
From what I have read, the Eco start feature should not any adverse effect on the block or piston rings, except maybe causing less wear since the engine runs less.

He might be just superstitious, but I also don't blindly trust Mercedes. Of course they're going to say only good things about their own system.

It came up because he asked why I was getting my oil changed without the computer telling me to, and I explained that I'd just bought the car and didn't know for sure when the last oil change had happened, so I was being preventative. That's when he said turning off eco is the most important. He said his own family drives various GLC 300s and he trained them all to push the button every startup.

The next time I see him, I'll ask him what damage he thinks using it causes.