Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

ECO Start/Stop function

In this manual: Driving and parking
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~5min read

The ECO start/stop function in the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) helps save fuel and reduce emissions. This section describes the conditions for automatic engine stop and start, as well as how the function works and how to control the ECO button. This allows you to use the system optimally.

Introduction

The ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, under certain conditions.

To drive off again, the engine starts automatically. In this way, the ECO start/stop function helps reduce the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of your vehicle.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

If the engine was switched off automatically and you then get out, it is started automatically again. The vehicle can move off. Risk of accident and injury!

Always switch off the ignition and secure the vehicle against rolling away before leaving it.

General Notes

Allgemeine Hinweise
ECO start/stop indicator
Hybrid vehicles: Observe the notes on the ECO start/stop function in the supplementary "HYBRID" manual.

If you start the engine with the key or the Start/Stop button, the ECO start/stop function is switched on.

If the ECO symbolis shown in green in the multifunction display, the ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop.

If the ECO start/stop function is switched off manually or due to a malfunction, the ECO symbolis not displayed.

AMG vehicles: In the AMG menu of the multifunction display, the message Start/Stop active or Start/Stop inactive is no longer displayed.

AMG vehicles: The ECO start/stop function is only available in drive program C.

Automatic engine stop

General notes

The ECO start/stop function is ready for operation and shows a green ECO symbolin the multifunction display when, among other things,

  • the indicator lamp of the ECO button lights up green
  • the outside temperature is within a range suitable for the system
  • the engine has reached operating temperature
  • the interior temperature has been regulated
  • the battery is sufficiently charged
  • with the air conditioning switched on, the system does not detect moisture fogging on the windshield
  • the hood is closed
  • the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing the seat belt.
If not all conditions for automatic engine stop are met, the ECO symbolis shown in yellow.

AMG vehicles: In the AMG menu of the multifunction display, the message Start/Stop inactive additionally appears.

Info

All vehicle systems remain active during automatic engine stop.

All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): Automatic engine stop can occur a maximum of four times in succession (initial stop and three repetitions). The ECO symbolin the multifunction display is shown in yellow after the fourth automatic engine start. When the ECO symbolis shown in green in the multifunction display, automatic engine stop is possible again.

AMG vehicles: The number of consecutive automatic engine stops is unlimited.

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

Fahrzeuge mit Schaltgetriebe

The ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine at low speed.

Brake the vehicle.

Shift into neutral N, and if necessary follow the shift indicationfor selecting neutral N.

Release the clutch pedal.
  • The engine is switched off automatically.

    Vehicles with Automatic Transmission

    If you stop the vehicle in transmission position D or N, the ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine.

    Info

    You can activate the HOLD function while the engine is automatically stopped. You then do not need to keep pressing the brake pedal during the automatic stop phase. If you press the accelerator pedal, the engine starts automatically and the braking effect of the HOLD function is cancelled.

    Automatic engine start

    General notes

    The engine starts automatically when

    • you switch off the ECO start/stop function using the ECO button
    • you change to drive program S, S+ or M (AMG vehicles)
    • you engage reverse gear R
    • you unfasten your seat belt or open the driver's door
    • the vehicle starts to roll
    • the brake system requires it
    • the interior temperature leaves the set range
    • with the air conditioning switched on, the system detects moisture fogging on the windshield
    • the battery state of charge is too low.

    Vehicles with Manual Transmission

    Note
    Do not engage a gear without depressing the clutch pedal.

    The engine starts automatically when you

    • depress the clutch pedal
    • press the accelerator pedal.

    Vehicles with Automatic Transmission

    The engine starts automatically when you
    • in transmission position D or N, with the HOLD function not active, release the brake pedal
    • press the accelerator pedal
    • leave transmission position P.
    Info
    Changing to transmission position P does not start the engine.
    When you change from transmission position R to D, the ECO start/stop function is available once the green ECO symbolappears in the multifunction display.

    Switching the ECO start/stop function on or off

    All vehicles (except AMG vehicles) Alle Fahrzeuge (außer AMG Fahrzeuge)

    Switching off: ECO buttonpress.

  • The indicator lampand the ECO symbolin the multifunction display go out.Switching on: ECO buttonpress.
  • The indicator lamplights up. When all conditions for automatic engine stop are met, the ECO symbolis shown in green in the multifunction display.

    If not all conditions for automatic engine stop are met, the ECO symbolis shown in yellow in the multifunction display. In this case, the ECO start/stop function is not available.

    Info
    When the indicator lampoff, the ECO start/stop function is switched off manually or due to a malfunction. The engine is not switched off automatically when the vehicle stops.

    AMG vehicles

    AMG Fahrzeuge

    Switching off: In drive program C, ECO buttonpress.

    or

    Change to drive program S, S+ or M.
  • The indicator lampand the ECO symbolin the multifunction display go out. In the AMG menu of the multifunction display, the message Start/Stop active or Start/Stop inactive disappears.Switching on: ECO buttonpress.
  • The indicator lamplights up.

    If driving program S, S+ or M is active, the automatic transmission switches to driving program C.

    When all conditions for the automatic engine stop are met, the ECO symbol in the multifunction displayis shown in green. In addition, the message Start/Stop active appears in the AMG menu of the multifunction display.

    If not all conditions for automatic engine stop are met, the ECO symbolis shown in yellow. In this case, the ECO start/stop function is not available. In addition, the message Start/Stop inactive appears in the AMG menu of the multifunction display.

    Info
    When the indicator lampoff, the ECO start/stop function is switched off manually or due to a malfunction. The engine is not switched off automatically when the vehicle stops.

    The ECO start/stop function of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. This takes various safety and comfort criteria into account.

    Thanks to this technology, the E-Class becomes an environmentally friendly choice without compromising on comfort or driving pleasure.

    • Test yourself

    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.