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MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - crowncd

Our new car has a stop/start facility, something we've never had before.

From what I've read, most people seem to say that unless the battery is at 100% this can be more trouble than it's worth. Is this true?

Also, would the constant stopping and restarting of the engine not put extra stain on the mechanics and cause premature wear and tear?

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - daveyjp

We've had four cars with the tech over ten years. Left it to do its thing and after almost 150,000 miles across the vehicles we've had no issues whatsoever.

I had a full battery test at my last service as the car was five years old, it was showing no signs of significant wear and tear.

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - Senexdriver

I’m on my third car with stop/start technology, SWMBO is on her second. Neither of us had had any problems with it. I read that Audis (at least) have a strengthened starter ring, among other protective features. Can’t believe any decent manufacturer wouldn’t strengthen the starter mechanism in some way. Does it save fuel? Goodness knows!

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - Old.Roverboy

You have the slightly different Small gasoline Turbo Engine in yours, compared to the non turbo I had in the ZS.

The stop start was about the only thing I DIDN'T have a problem with, but after the rest of my woes, I went and bought a Kia.

No way this side of Hell am I ever going to have another chinese car.

I sincerely hope you have one of the better MG dealers close to you.

My first impressions on the test drive of the HS last december were that it was a nicer place to be, but wasn.t prepared to be a beta tester again.

Good luck though, tell us how you get on please perhaps a monthly update?

ORB


Edited by Old.Roverboy on 14/04/2020 at 13:17

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - daveyjp

Spoke too soon!

The extended lay up of my car (last time it was driven any distance was end March, in between only short trips to shop) meant I went to it today and no turnover.

Charger on and it was showing 11v. I checked the cells and topped them all up. Left the charger on all afternoon and recharged to 12.1. Enough to start it. Showing 14.6 on tickover so charging circuit OK. Just done 20 miles high speed run and its now reading 12.55v.

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - Adam>>

i turns mine off as soon as a get in the car

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - crowncd

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have a feeling that it's something we may turn off in our car.

You seem to have been quite disappointed with the ZS Roverboy so I understand your reluctance to buy the another MG. We've only had the car a month or so and because of the current situation haven't been able to drive it much.

Have to say we're delighted with the car so far. The fit and finish is superb and the amount of kit you get (we have the Exclusive auto) would probably cost another £5k with another make. Plus of course, they are one of the few manufacturers who are willing to offer a 7 year warrantee so one would hope that MG are fairly confident with the quality of the product. I suppose only time will tell.

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - SLO76
Our local dealer (ex Rover) seems to be having a fair amount of success in flogging these with quite a number running around here. I don’t personally know anyone with one to get a report from but I still feel that even if they’re reliable the heavy depreciation will mean they’ll cost more to run than a more mainstream rival despite the additional upfront cost. I believe they will make excellent used buys however as long as you don’t overpay. Non-franchises dealers will hammer them as they do with all budget brands.
MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - SLO76
It’s all very well when new or nearly new but this is one tech that will become a costly liability further down the line. The starter motor is an upgraded and much more costly component compared to non-stop/start cars as is the battery plus there’s more electronic complexity to go wrong.

It will also cause more wear in turbochargers which are being switched off dead after running at speed which causes the oil in the turbo to carbonise. I never allow a turbocharged engine to turn off without idling for a while. At the age I like my cars 7yrs plus it’ll just be another thing to worry about and it’ll save a pittance in fuel for most drivers. Another unnecessary tech like the electronic parking brake.
MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - Old.Roverboy

Slo,

It was a damn sight better to be in than the ZS, but after my experience, Did I feel lucky?

Only in the fact i got it cheap and got an acceptable price from Kerridges.

The MG pilot assistance module at the top centre of the winscreen was too intrusive coming down low, so that the reversing mirror was mid screen.

Yes, it was nicer to drive, but no to 18" wheels, laccy band tyres leccy handbrake.

No, I certainly wasn't willing to risk it.

Would i reccommend a chinese MG to anyone.

CERTAINLY NOT!

MG HS - Stop/Start Engine - Avant

But the ZS made quite a good impression when you first got it, ORB, not least because you told us you got a very good deal. Let's hope that CrownCD's proves more reliable.

Like Adam, for me living in a rural area start/stop is just an irritation, and I turn it off as soon as I start the engine. But it's good to have it there, in case one gets stuck in a serious traffic jam. Unless your daily drive regularly includes such jams, I doubt whether start/stop gives any appreciable fuel savings.

On some BMWs, a friendly designer seems to have thought 'I know many of you will find start/stop a pain, so I'll put the off switch next to the starter switch'. Nice.