82 mph limiter defeatable?

[ptheland]

The speed limit in Utah is 80 MPH, and so of course traffic goes around 85 - it would be nice to be able to keep up, rather than be passed constantly.

Why???

Driving at 75 in an 80 zone (c'mon - not ALL of Utah is at 80) is easier than driving 85 in an 80 zone.

I promise that your genitals won't fall off if you're not the fastest car on the highway.

Time for another parable:

A couple of F-15's are escorting a C-130 Hercules, and their pilots are chatting with the pilot of the transport to pass the time. Talk comes ‘round to the relative merits of their respective aircraft. Of course the fighter pilots contend that their airplanes were better because of their superior speed, maneuverability, weaponry, and so forth, while the putting down the Herc’s deficiencies in these areas.

After taking this for a while, the C-130 pilot says, "Oh yeah? Well, I can do a few things in this old girl that you'd only dream about." Naturally, the fighter jocks challenge him to demonstrate.

"Just watch," comes the quick retort.

And so they watch. But all they see is that C-130 continuing to fly straight and level..

After several minutes the Herc pilot comes back on the air, saying "There! How was that?"

Not having seen anything, the fighter pilots reply, "What are you talking about? What did you do?"

And the Herc pilot replies, "Well, I got up, stretched my legs, got a cup of coffee, then went back an took a leak."

Remember that in a Sprinter, you are the C-130 pilot and not the F-15 pilot.

 

[220629]

...

...

And the Herc pilot replies, "Well, I got up, stretched my legs, got a cup of coffee, then went back an took a leak."

Remember that in a Sprinter, you are the C-130 pilot and not the F-15 pilot.

Um... not quite.

Time for another parable.

I once read what was reported as true a story.

After a serious RV crash the driver was interviewed as to the circumstances. The police report indicated that the operator stated that he set the cruise control and went back to make coffee. "The cruise control must have malfunctioned." (It wasn't a Tesla.)

vic

 

[ptheland]

Um... not quite.

Time for another parable.

Yeah - I thought about that one, too.

The point of my parable is that different vehicles have different purposes and different capabilities. Don't put 3 tons of payload and 2.5 tons of trailer on a C63. And don't drive a Sprinter like a sports car.

PS: 0-80 in a Sprinter takes in the neighborhood of 1/4 mile. 80-0 takes less than 500 feet (and maybe less than 300 feet - I couldn't find any specs on that). There is no accelerating out of trouble in a Sprinter. There's only braking or not braking (plus steering, which is just as important). Mashing the pedal on the right would fall into the not braking category.

PPS: And don't walk into the back of your RV conversion Sprinter to take a leak while driving.

 

[Old Crows]

Back in the day....mid 20th century actually.... USAF base commanders would put wrecked cars belonging to service members (most KIA) at the outbound side of the "gate." In plain view with for every 'troop' to see as they left base. Complete with the blood smeeres and personal effects of the occupants. A sobering reminder that the puplic highway IS the most dangerous place on earth. Maybe more so in a foreign country.

Was it effective? Maybe it helped reduce accidents but there was a steady flow of newly totalled vehicles replacing the old ones.

Parable from the real world.

In 1960s France the highways were lined with massive trees. Probably planted in Napoleon's time. Our famil lived along side one of these highways in beautiful "American" style housing. One night 5 airmen from the airbase at Chateauroux/Deols dead centered on a tree near the back of our house after a night of heavy drinking in the ville. All 5 were dead on impact. The driver was alleged to have the shattered glass of a wine bottle in his throat. The '50s Ford was smashed back to the cowl. Steering column was vertical with the wheel folded into the roof. Back seat was smashed against the back of the front from flying loose in the instant deceleration. Guys were tossed out or crushed inside.

That car remained on a flat bed at the main gate for ever.

Drinking & driving is bad.

Drinking, speeding is bad.

Drinking, speeding at night...very bad.

 

[lindenengineering]

Um... not quite.

Time for another parable.

I once read what was reported as true a story.

After a serious RV crash the driver was interviewed as to the circumstances. The police report indicated that the operator stated that he set the cruise control and went back to make coffee. "The cruise control must have malfunctioned." (It wasn't a Tesla.)

vic

Vic
Its happens in the boating world as well.
A friend of mine bought at auction a lovely low hours salvage Hatteras on Lake Powell.
The same thing!
Guy put it on auto pilot and went into the galley to make grub & grog!
He ran aground hitting a submerged rock ledge tearing out the big hole in the hull.

Still Russ, my mate ex USN (Vietnam era, brilliant machinist and fabricator ) fixed it up in the yard and we went out again on Lake Powell but with someone at the helm!
Fancy that !
Cheers Dennis

 

[Deleted member 50714]

Race to where.... Heaven?






.

Hopefully hell!

(Everyone, please feel free to correct my writings as I desire to improve my writing skills.)

 

[Deleted member 50714]

When I venture out into the Big, wide world, I travel with the frame of mind that every person is a potential threat to my existence. No, it's not paranoia, it called being prepared like any good Citizen should!

 

[Old Crows]

Yeah - I thought about that one, too.

The point of my parable is that different vehicles have different purposes and different capabilities. Don't put 3 tons of payload and 2.5 tons of trailer on a C63. And don't drive a Sprinter like a sports car.

PS: 0-80 in a Sprinter takes in the neighborhood of 1/4 mile. 80-0 takes less than 500 feet (and maybe less than 300 feet - I couldn't find any specs on that). There is no accelerating out of trouble in a Sprinter. There's only braking or not braking (plus steering, which is just as important). Mashing the pedal on the right would fall into the not braking category.

PPS: And don't walk into the back of your RV conversion Sprinter to take a leak while driving.

Proving yet again.... you need to afterburning J-79s strapped to the roof of a Sprinter to get decent acceleration ..... you'd need a tanker for fuel as 26 gallons would burn off in an eye blink....

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...bPSAhWM7oMKHSnfBusQMwhTKC0wLQ&iact=mrc&uact=8
or some RATO bottles....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped..._off_on_April_15,_1954_061024-F-1234S-011.jpg

 

[Deleted member 50714]

The automotive industry does not promote traffic safety. For example, this commercial, one of many examples of irresponsible advertising by automotive manufacture's advertising automobiles operated in a reckless, unlawful and irresponsible manner. Young people, with minds like sponges, are saturated with such commercials and will grow up believing this unsafe driving behavior is acceptable and normal. Same for violent videos like my favorite, Grand Theft Auto. My stepson is a perfect example, dozens of expensive traffic violations mostly speeding and will never learn. Where's Ralph Nader?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh6ZyMNq3H0

 

[Deleted member 50714]

How about a JATO (Jet Assist Take-Off, actually rockets) equipped Sprinter for passing?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=97rSobuKBxI

 

[Ursine]

I think truck performance parameters will be changing in the not-so-distant future. We already have 180 mph Jeep Trackhawks, 100-mph F150 V6 Raptor pickups. Hmmmm, Maybe the Affalterbach skunkworks already has an electric 2019 Sprinter AMG prototype tearing through the Black Forest? Hmmm an agile Agile

https://www.motor1.com/news/54360/mercedes-amg-sprinter-63-s-unveiled-with-503-bhp/

Someday we'll be accustomed to a Tesla Semi that achieves 0 to 60 mph in five seconds empty, or in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb. load.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31xvmvAq8ms

 

[lindenengineering]

I think truck performance parameters will be changing in the not-so-distant future. We already have 180 mph Jeep Trackhawks, 100-mph F150 V6 Raptor pickups. Hmmmm, Maybe the Affalterbach skunkworks already has an electric 2019 Sprinter AMG prototype tearing through the Black Forest? Hmmm an agile Agile

https://www.motor1.com/news/54360/mercedes-amg-sprinter-63-s-unveiled-with-503-bhp/

Someday we'll be accustomed to a Tesla Semi that achieves 0 to 60 mph in five seconds empty, or in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb. load.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31xvmvAq8ms

Your statement ?
Someday we'll be accustomed to a Tesla Semi that achieves 0 to 60 mph in five seconds empty, or in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb. load.

Question?
Do you have a HGV licence (commercial drivers license) with Hazmat certification?
Have you ever driven a 42 ton articulated truck and trailer loaded with 32,000 gallons of gasoline (petrol) ?
Dennis

 

[SOCAL2015]

I was told by a prominent member on the forum that based on his tune from OE tuning in Huntington Beach CA, they had a solution to remove the limiter. This was also confirmed by OE – so I paid for the tune and while the van is more responsive and torquey, so far, no luck on removing the limiter. I really was not looking for more power – the V6 has plenty (the tune effectively brings the power level to the stock 350 Bluetec found in the Mercedes SUV’s). I have since reached out to this member – but for what ever reason, he does not wish to discuss his tune with me… so be it. I do have a follow up with OE Tuning to see if they can solve the issue and will post results if anyone is interested.

Reading this thread there seems to be pros and cons among members regarding the set limit. While I respect those concerned that increasing the speed of these vans is just plan unsafe, I for one do not agree with an imposed limit set by MB.

While speed kills in ANY vehicle - there are times when being restricted by a limiter can also be dangerous. Having tried to pass several 18 wheelers on a two-lane highway that were driving BELOW posted speed limits only to have them speed up while you are trying to overtake them and suddenly hitting a wall at 82 mph can be just as dangerous - especially when these truckers can clearly see oncoming traffic in the distance coming directly at you! Was this a stupid game of chicken on their part??... I guess the best approach is just to abort the attempt and move back behind them. BUT, what do you do about that guy following you on your bumper who has taken that leap of faith that you will complete your pass?

My goal was just to have flexibility when passing – I do not drive the Sprinter like a sports car, nor do I have a desire to cruise down the Highway at over 80 mph in it. At those speeds It eats even more fuel as the North American Spec 5 speeds forces revs over 3000 rpm. The European spec V6 is a 7 speed on non 4x4!!

I feel that I should have the right to decide if I need to exceed a certain limit when a condition warrants it and when it is necessary. I was not aware of a limiter when I purchased the vehicle and feel that it should have been disclosed on the sticker or by the dealer.

Regarding the stability of the vehicle at high speeds – one of the biggest transformations and improvements to the van was a set of custom valve rear Fox shocks done by Agile Off Road – Many thanks to the team at Agile!

I guess the best way to describe the difference was before the change the van suffered from the crappy stock shocks bouncing the vehicle aggressively on the highway – the front of the vehicle was disconnected from the rear and vis versa – after the install, both the front and rear behaved as one, the stability was vastly improved, and it tracks very well. For those who have not done so – it is a night and day difference – best $350 spent to date. I also do not have a lifted 4 wheel drive or a high roof and I assume those 144 beauties could be a handful at high speeds especially with additional roof racks packed with even more stuff… A low roof crew with a properly sorted suspension is a pretty stable at speed.

Last point -as far as I can tell the Ford Transit does not have an imposed limit of 82, I had one blow by me at what seemed like 95… Are they just more capable vehicles?

 

[220629]

I don't love the speed limiter, but I'm aware that it is there and drive accordingly.

It isn't just truckers that play games. I've named those drivers "No pass me's". It seems more and more common now for drivers to speed up as someone tries to pass. I don't understand that at all. I hate having someone on my hip or next to me when traffic doesn't require it. It takes away an emergency escape possibility. I often will slow down a bit just to let someone get past me quicker.

Back to topic.

vic

 

[Midwestdrifter]

NCV3s drive a lot more like cars than most commercial vans. I think this gives a unrealistic impression of their performance on the absolute scale. My T1N drives a lot more like a commercial truck, and fully loaded it performs like one too! Since converting my van, I have hit the limiter exactly once. Prior to conversion I hit it 2 or three times, usually on a downhill pass/overtake.

There are a few tuners which indicate that can remove the limiter. It is not cheap though.

Sorry to veer off top a bit...
It would be very enlightening to take your van to a local driving school. Sometimes insurance offers a day course, and you can provide your own vehicle for the course (not sure if a sprinter would be allowed though). Try the stopping distance testing, and high speed maneuvering if possible. The amount of time to panic stop a loaded van (8,000lbs+) is surprising, and not in a good way. Remember that stopping distance is not linear with speed. At 70mph the distance is almost three times the 40mph stopping distance. So at 82mph the stopping distance could be a 100ft+ longer than 70mph.

 

[irvingj]

Vic, I call 'em "Pace cars." THEY wanna be the ones to set the pace, ain't nobody gonna get by 'em.... First opportunity (corner, oncoming traffic, etc.), they'll slow down again... SHEESH. Rarely, but occasionally, I see state snowplows do this. Now THAT can be exciting.

 

[SOCAL2015]

NCV3s drive a lot more like cars than most commercial vans. I think this gives a unrealistic impression of their performance on the absolute scale. My T1N drives a lot more like a commercial truck, and fully loaded it performs like one too! Since converting my van, I have hit the limiter exactly once. Prior to conversion I hit it 2 or three times, usually on a downhill pass/overtake.

There are a few tuners which indicate that can remove the limiter. It is not cheap though.

Sorry to veer off top a bit...
It would be very enlightening to take your van to a local driving school. Sometimes insurance offers a day course, and you can provide your own vehicle for the course (not sure if a sprinter would be allowed though). Try the stopping distance testing, and high speed maneuvering if possible. The amount of time to panic stop a loaded van (8,000lbs+) is surprising, and not in a good way. Remember that stopping distance is not linear with speed. At 70mph the distance is almost three times the 40mph stopping distance. So at 82mph the stopping distance could be a 100ft+ longer than 70mph.

Great Point!

I try to keep a really good distance from the cars in front when on the highway - what is most frustrating is the more distance you give, the more someone just jumps in front of you and you have to start all over again only to have it happen again and again...

I feel the brakes are just adequate (my Van is at around 5,600 lbs.) and wish someone developed an upsized kit for those of us with 17" rims. I know you can find vented discs but there really is no substitute for more surface area and better braking - every little bit would help!

 

[Deleted member 50714]

I know its off-topic but...why is it necessary to have a Speed-O-Meter indicating speed exceeding 70 mph? Especially, since most of the fuel consumed above 65 is wasted overcoming wind resistance. Here in ****holefornia, passing can/has resulted in gunfire and death. So, I limit my passing, stay in the slow lane and laugh at the passing, "Fool's Parade."

Drive fast and take chances,

Bob

 

[tonyinmemphis]

yes the speed control can be turned off. and the power at 75-82 is greater can pass up to 100mph unreal just knowing you can pass uphill. link-https://www.obd2tool.com/goods-10127-MB-SD-Connect-C6-OEM-DOIP-Xentry-Diagnosis-tool.html

 

[4wheeldog]

Your statement ?
Someday we'll be accustomed to a Tesla Semi that achieves 0 to 60 mph in five seconds empty, or in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb. load.

Question?
Do you have a HGV licence (commercial drivers license) with Hazmat certification?
Have you ever driven a 42 ton articulated truck and trailer loaded with 32,000 gallons of gasoline (petrol) ?
Dennis

Within a decade or not much more, trucks will be operated by AI, not human drivers.
Just sayin'.