Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van the latest to get start-stop
While Mercedes-Benz has been testing several different hybrid configurations of the Sprinter Van in North America, including plug-ins and diesels, none have come to market yet. Mercedes is now taking the first step toward that by adding start-stop capability. Whenever the van is sitting still in neutral for more than a few seconds, the engine shuts off. They expect fuel consumption savings of five to eight percent in most cases. Because the steering and brake assist aren't yet electrified, any motion of the vehicle will cause the engine to start. The system will add €203 to the bottom line in Germany and it will be available everywhere.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter now available with ECO-Start
- ECO-Start acts as engine start/stop system
- ECO-Start saves fuel and reduces the burden on the environment
- Electronics ensure safety, comfort and convenience
Safety is provided by sophisticated electronics. If the vehicle starts to move, the engine is started so as to ensure that servo assistance for the steering and brakes is maintained. In all other cases the engine does not re-start until the clutch pedal is fully depressed. If the battery voltage is low or if an attempt by the system to start the engine has failed, the ECO-Start function is deactivated. In addition, the system's safety logic checks whether the bonnet is closed to make sure that no one can be injured if the engine suddenly starts.
The driver can also deactivate the system by means of a button on the instrument panel.
To avoid cold starts on the one hand and overheating on the other, the system only operates at coolant temperatures of between 40°C and 100°C. The comfort of the occupants is also taken into account: when the outside temperature is below freezing point, the engine is not switched off.
ECO-Start is available worldwide, with immediate effect, for all Sprinters with diesel engines and manual transmissions. In Germany it adds just € 203 (excluding VAT) to the price of the van.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Rowse 1:42PM (2/29/2008)
What is the status of standard transmission Sprinters with ECO-start in US. I have an automatic on order but the dealer says they would have no trouble selling it if I decide to cancel if I can find an ECO-start.
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Bethh Zeller 2:16PM (4/08/2009)
I am looking for a hybrid work van and having no luck. I see back in '08 you mentioned the sprinters, are they the best out there?
Thanks,
Bethh
John Rowse 2:39PM (4/08/2009)
I have about 10,000 miles on a 08 model2500 12 passenger. It is great except for the fact that I would have loved to have gotten the eco-start.
Kendall Tawes 12:26AM (8/31/2007)
The Sprinter is so much more efficient than any other US van in it's class already why are companies still buying Ford Econolines. The US version of the Econoline is over 15 years old and shows it's age quite substantially. I wish we had some small van transporters here too but I'm just glad we at least got the Sprinter. Most vehicles of this type never make it to the US. Congrats to Dodge at actually doing...one thing right.
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MikeW 6:23PM (9/02/2007)
The dodge sprinter could use the 7g-tronic, and the direct injection version of the 3.5V6.
The diesel is great, maybe configured a bit too much for the work crowd
154hp@3400, 280ft-lbs@1200-2400
The V6 is more fun friendly 254hp@5900, 250ft-lbs@2500-5000
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