E-Drive Off all the time?

[iq-dot]

Hi guys,

I recently bought a Mercedes S300L Hybrid 2015 and was looking forward to the fuel savings in my area. I was advised and read that electric will engage at low speeds up to 30mph ish and then switch to the engine.

However I did quite a bit of testing today and realised it never switches on at low speeds, only at high speeds I see the 'boost' mode activate which is both engine + electric but have never seen the electric mode on it's own activate.

I have made sure to turn off the AC or radio just in case it was a power draw issue. I also notice on the dashbaord I see the 'E-Drive Off' all the time.

I have tried to read the manual but not much luck, anyone able to help or advise on this? I hope this isn't an issue?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

The only reason for a hybrid is to lower your BIK (Benefit in kind) company car tax. Carrying an engine around you don’t need or carrying around batteries you don’t need all kill fuel economy… A 7 year old hybrid battery pack is most likely knackered which is why you’re struggling with battery range.

 

[mioba]

...and probably the reason it was sold.

 

[davidsl500]

Is it under warranty so that you can take it back and get it fixed.? Even better, is it a very recent purchase such that you can reject it and get a non hybrid Mercedes?

 

[iq-dot]

It's a recent purchase but unlikely I can return it. It was quite cheap compared to the market and car itself is great otherwise.

I'm in London and really the hybrid is just to make it easier with all the taxes, especially now that my local council is on it too.

I see the battery working on higher speeds as boost mode but not on low speeds. So I guess it is not working at low speeds on its own is because the battery is worn out?

Is it expensive to replace the battery pack? I may leave it otherwise.

 

[mioba]

I think your best bet is going to a merc dealer and let them do a full diags and tell you where you stand.
AFAIK batteries of this nature are not cheap.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Welcome!

Quite a bit of information on the internet if you do a search regarding hybrid battery life expectancy and replacement cost. Not something you will want to hear I’m sure but I’d move the car on battery replacement costs are eye watering circa £15k

Mercedes owner ‘horrified’ at £15K cost of new hybrid battery

The owner of an eight-year-old Mercedes Hybrid model has been left shocked at the cost of a replacement battery. Ranjit Singh, 63, bought the second-hand Mercedes Benz hybrid car four years ago for £27,000 from a

garagewire.co.uk

 

[Blobcat]

Welcome!

Quite a bit of information on the internet if you do a search regarding hybrid battery life expectancy and replacement cost. Not something you will want to hear I’m sure but I’d move the car on battery replacement costs are eye watering circa £15k

Mercedes owner ‘horrified’ at £15K cost of new hybrid battery

The owner of an eight-year-old Mercedes Hybrid model has been left shocked at the cost of a replacement battery. Ranjit Singh, 63, bought the second-hand Mercedes Benz hybrid car four years ago for £27,000 from a

garagewire.co.uk

The road to hell is paved with good intentions…
Nothing like a half baked green agenda to ruin what’s left of the planet…

 

[jp williams]

Hello and welcome

The only reason for a hybrid is to lower your BIK (Benefit in kind) company car tax. Carrying an engine around you don’t need or carrying around batteries you don’t need all kill fuel economy… A 7 year old hybrid battery pack is most likely knackered which is why you’re struggling with battery range.

You cannot say that to a Lexus owner Mr B. Mercedes have yet to deliver !
My Lexus is now 12 years old and my Merc is 19. Both are excellent vehicles in their own way.

 

[jp williams]

It's a recent purchase but unlikely I can return it. It was quite cheap compared to the market and car itself is great otherwise.

I'm in London and really the hybrid is just to make it easier with all the taxes, especially now that my local council is on it too.

I see the battery working on higher speeds as boost mode but not on low speeds. So I guess it is not working at low speeds on its own is because the battery is worn out?

Is it expensive to replace the battery pack? I may leave it otherwise.

UK Sale of Goods Acts will allow you to return it.

 

[iq-dot]

Oh wow... This isn't good news. I can't wrap my head around £15k if that is real. Doesn't event make sense.

I mean it's just the battery not the electric motor itself. According to the manual the battery seems to be located at the rear under the boot

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Don’t you just love car designers the best car I have worked on was the Rover SD1 3500 everything was accessible plenty of room around the engine and the dash binnacle could be unbolted and you could walk down the street with it which was pure genius but then again Spen King did design the original Range Rover as well so no surprise there. I still consider most engine designers have a blind spot regarding ease of maintenance and this aspect hasn’t improved at all in the last 50 years. I know some will say this is intentional but where are the voices of discontent/complaint they aren’t coming from car reviewers who are unfortunately in the pocket of the manufacturers the likes of Jeremy Clarkson et al could have made a difference but weren’t interested unfortunately