If the micro-hybrid can save fuel by turning off the engine when the car comes to a stop & then re-start it with an electric motor, couldn't those of us on the wrong side of the "pond", who don't yet have access to it, accomplish the same thing by turning our engines off & then re-starting them manually with the starter motor?
Yes, and IIRC, it is mentioned in the manual that you should shift to neutral and turn off the engine if you will be at a light for more than 30 seconds or so. The MHD has some other fuel-saving features as well, but turning the engine off is a step in the right direction, just don't do it in traffic jams. =)
That's VERY tough on the starter. The MHD does NOT have a traditional starter. It uses a starter motor specifically designed for that function. You will wear out many starters before you wear out the MHD starter
The micro hybrid drive technology in the smart fortwo mhd uses a start/stop function that automatically switches the engine off at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, and back on when things get moving again. The mhd switches the engine off as soon as you brake and fall below a speed of 5 mph. When the time comes to set off again, take your foot off the brake pedal and the engine seamlessly restarts, automatically engaged in first gear ready to continue your journey. This reduces both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In fact, the smart fortwo mhd's start/stop generator enables a fuel saving of up to 29% in urban settings and 11% for combined urban and extra-urban driving [1], all without compromising on performance or comfort
No cogwheel on a flywheel, less strain and wear...
I wonder if its just that different starter that makes the difference. That and the software. If so, to get it installed would be more feasable than buying a whole new car, especially when that seems to be the only major difference between the NA451 and the EU451
There is also an on/off switch near the PRNDL in case you don't want the start/stop feature to be active.
On my way home from work there is a metering light to get on the freeway and while waiting in line I turn my engine off and just coast as each car moves up. I tried this once in my '85 Mercedes and it was REALLY hard to steer without power steering and the brakes required much more effort. Not a problem in the Smart. Back when I was driving my '69 beetle I would pop the clutch at the bottom of the hill so I didn't even need to engage the starter.
ACDA........ assured clear distance allowed........... until MHD becomes commonplace, rear end collisions will keep cops busy. Ya'll complain now about that mysteriously delayed 1-2 shift. Combine that with the other half second it takes MHD to spring to life. C R U N C H.......
There is also an on/off switch near the PRNDL in case you don't want the start/stop feature to be active.
On my way home from work there is a metering light to get on the freeway and while waiting in line I turn my engine off and just coast as each car moves up. I tried this once in my '85 Mercedes and it was REALLY hard to steer without power steering and the brakes required much more effort. Not a problem in the Smart. Back when I was driving my '69 beetle I would pop the clutch at the bottom of the hill so I didn't even need to engage the starter.
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