Roadtrip advice and experiances
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Roadtrip advice and experiances
Hi guys,
I just joined this forum. I bought my first benz before a couple months. its 05 C230 with a Kompressor engine and the sports package and am LOVING it !
. I love driving... so this labor day weekend I am going on a road trip DC . My questions are.
1)What do i need to make sure/check as far as the car is concerned before I go on this trip ?
2)I have been told that the higher the rpm the more the load on the engine and indirectly the life of the car. I have noticed my car's rpm between is between 2800 to 3000 when driving around 70-75 Mph. considering my traveling distance is about 350 miles one way driving at speeds of 70-80 where rpm is going to be between 2900 and 3300...is this harmfull to the cars engine ?
3) what is generally a good distance to drive non stop before stopping to give the car a break ?
4) what is the difference between sport mode and comfort mode ? does comfort mode lower the rpm (ie like an overdrive feature )?
I used to drive all over the place b4 in my accord...just that I like this car so much...i dont want anything to go wrong with it.. I just love this car !
Please feel free to post your own benz experiances in reply to this post.
thanks in advance
J-Man
05 C230 Kompressor
I just joined this forum. I bought my first benz before a couple months. its 05 C230 with a Kompressor engine and the sports package and am LOVING it !
. I love driving... so this labor day weekend I am going on a road trip DC . My questions are.1)What do i need to make sure/check as far as the car is concerned before I go on this trip ?
2)I have been told that the higher the rpm the more the load on the engine and indirectly the life of the car. I have noticed my car's rpm between is between 2800 to 3000 when driving around 70-75 Mph. considering my traveling distance is about 350 miles one way driving at speeds of 70-80 where rpm is going to be between 2900 and 3300...is this harmfull to the cars engine ?
3) what is generally a good distance to drive non stop before stopping to give the car a break ?
4) what is the difference between sport mode and comfort mode ? does comfort mode lower the rpm (ie like an overdrive feature )?
I used to drive all over the place b4 in my accord...just that I like this car so much...i dont want anything to go wrong with it.. I just love this car !
Please feel free to post your own benz experiances in reply to this post.
thanks in advance
J-Man
05 C230 Kompressor
Last edited by Tennis78; Aug 23, 2006 at 11:23 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
1 - i usually check tire pressure and other fluids
2 - no - it won't hurt your car.
3 - The car dosen't need a break until it runs out of gas.
4 - RTFM - but - the only difference is how the transmission changes gears. In "C" mode it starts out in 2nd gear and is quicker to upshift. Once you are cruising however, both are the same.
2 - no - it won't hurt your car.
3 - The car dosen't need a break until it runs out of gas.
4 - RTFM - but - the only difference is how the transmission changes gears. In "C" mode it starts out in 2nd gear and is quicker to upshift. Once you are cruising however, both are the same.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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/////AMG
If the car is under 1,000 miles, give or take few hundred miles. The best way to break in the car is to drive on different rpm range rather than a steady 3,000 rpm. Since you have this car for several months, i wouldn't worry about it. As for stopping wise, i guess whenever you're tire or feel the need to stretch or refuel. I think you're overly paranoid since you love this car.
Sport mode starts off in 1st gear while comfort mode starts off in 2nd gear, i.e. better take off during wet conditions. Sport mode allows you to hit the red line, whereas comfort mode will take you towards 5,000 rpm or so in 1st and 2nd gear... this is just base on my experience with my car.
WIth that said, have a safe trip and welcome aboard.
Sport mode starts off in 1st gear while comfort mode starts off in 2nd gear, i.e. better take off during wet conditions. Sport mode allows you to hit the red line, whereas comfort mode will take you towards 5,000 rpm or so in 1st and 2nd gear... this is just base on my experience with my car.
WIth that said, have a safe trip and welcome aboard.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I haven't taken the car for any long distance trip yet, however, if I were to take it for a long distance trip, every half hour or so, I'd slow down from my 70 MPH cruising speed and try to let the engine RPM go below 2000 RPMs (traffic permitting). The reason why I do this is because I believe that the car loses the ability to lubricate itself when you're around 3000 RPMs and higher. So this is why I'll sometimes gradually slow down, drive it under 2000 RPMs (my belief that this engine speed restores lubrication qualities) and then reaccelerate to my original desired speed.
Just a tip, everybody else thinks this is unnecessary. However, when I remember to do it and the traffic permits it, I do it.
If you're expecting to sit in traffic on any part of the way there, leave the car in "C" mode. This way the car is not constantly shifting in stop and go traffic between 1 to 2 to 3 gears. It's only going to be shifting from 2 to 3. It's also more fuel efficient in C mode.
Just a tip, everybody else thinks this is unnecessary. However, when I remember to do it and the traffic permits it, I do it.
If you're expecting to sit in traffic on any part of the way there, leave the car in "C" mode. This way the car is not constantly shifting in stop and go traffic between 1 to 2 to 3 gears. It's only going to be shifting from 2 to 3. It's also more fuel efficient in C mode.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Originally Posted by patrick_y
I haven't taken the car for any long distance trip yet, however, if I were to take it for a long distance trip, every half hour or so, I'd slow down from my 70 MPH cruising speed and try to let the engine RPM go below 2000 RPMs (traffic permitting). The reason why I do this is because I believe that the car loses the ability to lubricate itself when you're around 3000 RPMs and higher. So this is why I'll sometimes gradually slow down, drive it under 2000 RPMs (my belief that this engine speed restores lubrication qualities) and then reaccelerate to my original desired speed.
Just a tip, everybody else thinks this is unnecessary. However, when I remember to do it and the traffic permits it, I do it.
If you're expecting to sit in traffic on any part of the way there, leave the car in "C" mode. This way the car is not constantly shifting in stop and go traffic between 1 to 2 to 3 gears. It's only going to be shifting from 2 to 3. It's also more fuel efficient in C mode.
Just a tip, everybody else thinks this is unnecessary. However, when I remember to do it and the traffic permits it, I do it.
If you're expecting to sit in traffic on any part of the way there, leave the car in "C" mode. This way the car is not constantly shifting in stop and go traffic between 1 to 2 to 3 gears. It's only going to be shifting from 2 to 3. It's also more fuel efficient in C mode.
If this makes you feel good, it won't hurt your car. But this is absolutely unecessary. Lubrication via the engine's passages and journals is consistent thru the rev band. The harmful thing would be if your car is running hot, and therefore the oil is overheating. This makes it thin, and is harmful.
E
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Welcome aboard and hope you're enjoying the car!
How many miles is it from DC to NY? I had relatives that took me on that drive, but can't remember how long it took us to drive. If it's equivalent of L.A. to Vegas (i.e. ~330 miles / ~4 hours total @ 80mph), all I suggest is #1) check tire pressure and oil levels, #2) Drive in C mode, the smoother gear changes will allow the engine to not work as hard changing lanes and accelerating while passing. I've tested long trips in both modes and C mode proved to be more conservative with fuel consumption.
How many miles is it from DC to NY? I had relatives that took me on that drive, but can't remember how long it took us to drive. If it's equivalent of L.A. to Vegas (i.e. ~330 miles / ~4 hours total @ 80mph), all I suggest is #1) check tire pressure and oil levels, #2) Drive in C mode, the smoother gear changes will allow the engine to not work as hard changing lanes and accelerating while passing. I've tested long trips in both modes and C mode proved to be more conservative with fuel consumption.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: North Jersey
2007 C230 Sport manual
These cars are beautiful high speed cruisers. I drive fairly often from NYC to Detroit in mine, and it cruises at 3000 to 3500 RPM in 6th gear very well. Since the speed limit in MI is now 70 and the troopers on the OH Turnpike are not as prevelant is in my youth, those RPM's generate a good rate of speed. I absolutely love it. You will no doubt enjoy the trip to DC, as well. Have fun. PS....do not forget to check the washer fluid level, just in case it rains and or you want to get rid of a bug or two.
PS GO Yanks.
PS GO Yanks.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Maryland
Dia Blk '06 C230 w/3 pedals
Originally Posted by Tennis78
BuellWinkle: Its quicky, nyc to DC ? any suggestions ?
NYC to DC? I thouhgt you were talking long distance. That's about 250 miles: a drive around the block so to speak. Should take no more than 3 hours unless you like crawling in the left lane with the grannies or don't have an EZPass
Drive the car and enjoy it.
And don't worry about slowing down so the car's "lubrication qualities" can be restored. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Originally Posted by emrliquidlife
Pat;
If this makes you feel good, it won't hurt your car. But this is absolutely unecessary. Lubrication via the engine's passages and journals is consistent thru the rev band. The harmful thing would be if your car is running hot, and therefore the oil is overheating. This makes it thin, and is harmful.
E
If this makes you feel good, it won't hurt your car. But this is absolutely unecessary. Lubrication via the engine's passages and journals is consistent thru the rev band. The harmful thing would be if your car is running hot, and therefore the oil is overheating. This makes it thin, and is harmful.
E
I'll keep an eye on the coolant gauge. It's a pity that these cars don't have an oil temperature gauge, that would probably help me keep the oil temperature in check so it's viscosity is consistent.
Thanks again.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2006
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drexappeal: thanks for welcoming me...already feel am in the right place.. this is definately a vibrant community of benz enthusiasts.
The route we are taking will we be 340 miles each way. Thanks for the C and S mode tip.
Also generally read in a couple place mostly people tell you make sure the tire pressure is good and check the "fluids". sorry for the ignorance...but can you tell me which ones to check. the only ones i am familiar with are engine oil and windshield washer. what else it there?
Its funny how the curiosity levels go up when you like drive something you like so much..
thanks,
J-man
The route we are taking will we be 340 miles each way. Thanks for the C and S mode tip.
Also generally read in a couple place mostly people tell you make sure the tire pressure is good and check the "fluids". sorry for the ignorance...but can you tell me which ones to check. the only ones i am familiar with are engine oil and windshield washer. what else it there?
Its funny how the curiosity levels go up when you like drive something you like so much..
thanks,
J-man
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 277
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From: Maryland
Dia Blk '06 C230 w/3 pedals
Originally Posted by Tennis78
Anonymouse:
Thanks for the your post. and I have to say Love your signature "Life begines @ 4000 rpm" I totally agree ...mind if i steal it ? lol
Thanks for the your post. and I have to say Love your signature "Life begines @ 4000 rpm" I totally agree
...mind if i steal it ? lol
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Another difference between the transmission C and S mode is that in the C mode, if the car is going uphill, you can take your foot off the brake at a stop, and it will not roll backwards. In the S mode, the car will roll backward.
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From: San Diego
cclass05
This is kind of funny i was thinkin the same thing cuz i always drive my car fast every day i drive it so the high rpm of the engines makes me feel that my car is gettin F*cked up and that is why i was thinkin the same thing when i drive on the free way the rpm is like 3000 and it feels like i am ******* up the engine but did not really care cuz i dunno but some one at the mercedes-benz
dealer told me c mode is bad or something dont drive on c mode so i always drive on S but they said C mode saves more gas or some sh*t like dat
And why does my engine feel different when it switches gears it feels like its moves lol
dealer told me c mode is bad or something dont drive on c mode so i always drive on S but they said C mode saves more gas or some sh*t like dat
And why does my engine feel different when it switches gears it feels like its moves lol
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Tennis78
Also generally read in a couple place mostly people tell you make sure the tire pressure is good and check the "fluids". sorry for the ignorance...but can you tell me which ones to check. the only ones i am familiar with are engine oil and windshield washer. what else it there?
