Mercedes-Benz UK - Going green - Sprinter ECO-Start

With today’s fuel prices, the cost of refuelling forms a significant part of vehicle ownership costs. The nature of urban driving increases fuel consumption and therefore exhaust / CO2 emissions and running costs. A significant part of this fuel consumption is caused by engines idling whilst stationary in traffic.

The ECO-Start system, available as a factory-fitted option on all Sprinter models with 4-cylinder diesel engines and manual transmission provides an intelligent and low-cost solution to reduce engine idling. ECO-Start offers a simple, no-compromise solution to improving vehicle running costs and environmental impact.

An information pack is available containing a brochure and an exclusive DVD presented by Jason Plato. Watch a preview now, or go straight to our request form.

Request an ECO-Start information pack or test drive a Sprinter with ECO-Start

How ECO-Start works

ECO-Start is activated by the driver using a control switch on the instrument panel. When the system is active it will stop the engine whenever the vehicle is stationery for more than two seconds if the gearbox is in neutral and the clutch has been released. The engine then restarts automatically when the driver depresses the clutch.

Using the system saves fuel, and cuts vehicle emissions, noise and engine wear. In an urban environment the savings can be substantial: depending on driving style and traffic density, fuel consumption can be cut by as much as 10%*, allowing the ECO-Start option to pay for itself and offer further savings throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

Is it safe to shut off the engine?

If the vehicle starts to move, the engine is started 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.
To avoid cold starts and also overheating, the system only operates at coolant temperatures of between 40°C and 100°C.
The comfort of the vehicle’s occupants is also taken into account: when the outside temperature is below freezing point, the engine is not switched off.

* The fuel savings possible with ECO-Start will depend on operation and driving style, vehicle specification and weight.