MB-BOB

I remember several reviews from MotorWeek TV in which they say that Mercedes-Benz cars typically build power and gain acceleration as the odometer piles up the mileage.

My C320 has 5,900 miles on it, and I am noticing a slight but perceptable increase in power (and gas mileage) as I put miles on the car. I think tommy also mentioned an increase in power on his Coupe, too.

Question is, have the rest of you noticed these improvements with your cars? And secondly, does anyone have an idea on when to expect the improvements to plateau (how many miles on the ODO), etc.?

I'm asking because MotorWeek's test C320 is getting 25.5 mpg, after 15,000 miles but my C320 is only at 22 mpg right now. I'm not complaining, but it's a far cry from 25+, and MotorWeek says their mpg's are "overall" driving... I can get over 25 mpg (27.4 is best so far), but it's on the interstate for 40-minutes stretches... not overall driving conditions.

So, I'm wondering how long to expect improvements in compression with mileage. Anybody with 15,000 miles yet on their C320? Or eperience with older models?

young

on my trip to toronto, about 500 miles, i averaged 27.9 mpg at 69.9mph. on the way back, it was 28mpg at 70mph. its probably not a significant measure as i question the accuracy of some of these measurements anyway.

i heard similar increases in fuel efficiency for my subaru also and it seemed to bear out. when i first got the car, it was getting like 25mpg on trips to toronto, but 25k miles later, it seemed to be getting like 29mpg. again, i question the veracity of my calculations

btw, i could have sworn the 69.9 mph is correct, but i don't know if it goes into the 10th place so it may have been 69mph.

Flashman

What you are experiencing is a common thing in all cars. As the engine breaks in, etc. It is now more evident because the computers on most cars made in the last 5 years directly control the engine's timing (variable timing) and are able to automatically adjust to the engine settling in, taking full advantage of it.

I usually find that peak performance comes in after a year (15-20K miles)...

Rick

bagwell

I averaged about 29.5 MPG @ 70 MPH on a recent 1000 trip which was nothing but interstate cruising with compressor in EC mode.

I thought that was outstanding !!!


car now has 10000 miles on it !!

Dawyeah

I don't know what you guys are driving, but I am getting 18.9 MPG right now and I do mostly highway driving!

My S4 gets about 21 MPG and the 325i get about 23 MPG.

Hopefully after 5000 miles or so I can get into the 20's on my C32.

todd

I've got 4000 + miles on the C230K and power/mileage has definately increased.

Also, shifting and suspension seems smooter.

The car just gets better with age! ;-)

mleskovar

I have 15K+ miles on a 320 and the mileage and power have definitely improved. Cruising over distances (at least an hour) at 60mph = 30 mpg, at 70 = 26.5 mpg, at 80 = 25 mpg. LA to Phoenix averaged 26.8 mpg. Mileage on same trip varies
going and coming back (increase in elevation) and depending on amount of wind....especially through the pass around Palm Springs/Indio. Nice cruiser, solid as a rock and tracks on curves like it's on rails.

SoCal240/6

I've noticed (I think) more power and improved shifting. The whole drivetrain just seems smoother after 6000 or so miles.

You guys must do a lot of highway driving, or have very light right feet. I pressed my "MPG" button on the computer, and it shows 17.5 mpg! That is with a C240 6 speed, almost 100% city driving.

(I have tried it cruising at 70 mpg on the highway and it seems to get in the mid to high 20's).