idale

I haven't seen anyone posting about start-stop-related issues, and it's been the default on pretty much all engines in Europe for years, I believe, so presumably we'd've seen something if there was a substantial issue.

As for SF, I could see it being difficult to modulate the pedal properly for some of the stop signs in the hills, but I wouldn't anticipate there being a problem with it activating as the engine comes back really quickly and you can start moving as soon as your foot is able to get to the gas pedal. Personally, I'd probably hit the button to deactivate it while there, though, just to have one less things to worry about since those hills always freaked me out when I've been there.

Start-stop-equipped cars have a heavy-duty battery to handle the additional start cycles and to power all the extra stuff while the engine's off. Lifetime sounds like it should be at least as long as a standard battery, though as it's heavier-duty it'll be more expensive to replace when it comes time.

davey001

- Not much more to add, I assume that's the way its supposed to be used for.

sbarlas

Audi and VW default to ON after restarting the car. Pretty annoying I know , you have to remember to press the AUTO STOP / START button each time to turn it off. Wish there was a setting in the MMI that allowed you to turn it off.

sbarlas

I've used it from new on a VW Touran 2.0 TDI manual (used 9k miles) and from new on an Audi A3 2.0 TDI manual (used 4k miles) and have had no issues from new using it. However on the VW , it's such an annoyance as the car tends to kick into the STOP mode at just he most awkward moments. When you're pulling up to to a set of traffic lights and it stops for a second , you end up having to double de-clutch to restart the engine if you're just wanting to pull off as it stops. I've had many times when the car has stalled on me at the worst moment at a traffic light junction.

Also, the on the VW, the daytime (non LED) running lights or even headlights (when they are on at night) , flicker when the engine restarts. It's such an annoyance, the internal radio doesn't get affected but the fact the lights dim really gets me. This doesn't happen at all on my A3.

I'm not that bothered now, as I'll be part-exing the Touran for a new Q5 this September 1st.

Q5 Bob

I read an article recently that buyers, in the U.S. haven't warmed up to start/stop technology yet. Maybe that will change, but so far not so much.

idale

Here in the US it doesn't force itself back on, so there's certainly something somewhere that is controlling whether it remembers the setting. I'm sure it's something in the car's firmware and not a configuration option, though. Most likely there's some sort of regulatory reason for them not giving you the option.

SQive

Could it be a VAG-COM mod like so many of the other international settings?

sbarlas

In the UK CO2 emissions are linked to the yearly road tax you pay for the car. As STOP/START allows manufacturers to publish reduced emissions figures it's more than likely the reason why it gets switched on by default. You're most likely correct that it's a firmware setting rather than a configurable setting.

Sugadaddy

Tried it going from the dealer to my place when I got the car, and turned it off when I got home. It's been off since then... It's annoying, saves 2$ of gas per year while wearing out your starter.

davey001

I first came across it a previous boss's VW Passat I was more than 20 years ago back in England. I was literally shocked and asked him to tell me more about it. Then I realized what an obvious thing it is to have.

I asked my sales guy about it too and he said that the starters on the Audi's with this feature are a different model than the usual one and good for about 250k starts.

Can't see getting anywhere near that with my commute. He said that regular starters can handle about 50k so that should help reassure folks worrying about the starter 'wearing out' some. So, was glad to see it my '14 TDI.