Stick Shift drivers, What RPM do you cruse on?
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Stick Shift drivers, What RPM do you cruse on?
On Local roads I'm usually in 4th gear doing 40MPH with the RPM somewhere between 2400~2600RPM. Sometimes I'll use fifth gear at around 2000RPM......however I found the engine has no Power at this range and gets annoyed that I have to downshift to make a pass.
I've gotten use to keeping the RPM range atleast 2500RPM when driving....does this sound high or average?
On Highways, I easily go over 3000RPM even in 6th gear crusing at 70MPH. I'm getting the sense this is a pretty "Revv-Happy" engine. However, I found the Redline on my car starts at 6000RPM. Comparing with a lot of cars with ATLEAST A 6500RPM Redline (Example, friends Sentra SE-R, Subaru Forester (SOHC engine!), Maxima) All have Higher Redline than my car~
I can understand why a lot of V8's and some larger V6's have such a low Redline (6000RPM), but we have a I4 engine.......wouldn't it make sense to have a higher Redline??
I've gotten use to keeping the RPM range atleast 2500RPM when driving....does this sound high or average?
On Highways, I easily go over 3000RPM even in 6th gear crusing at 70MPH. I'm getting the sense this is a pretty "Revv-Happy" engine. However, I found the Redline on my car starts at 6000RPM. Comparing with a lot of cars with ATLEAST A 6500RPM Redline (Example, friends Sentra SE-R, Subaru Forester (SOHC engine!), Maxima) All have Higher Redline than my car~
I can understand why a lot of V8's and some larger V6's have such a low Redline (6000RPM), but we have a I4 engine.......wouldn't it make sense to have a higher Redline??
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by BabyBenz6spd
I've gotten use to keeping the RPM range atleast 2500RPM when driving....does this sound high or average?
I would keep the engine at around 2000 rpm .
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Originally Posted by mick1
seems high to me I would keep the engine at around 2000 rpm .
I would keep the engine at around 2000 rpm .
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I have a C240 instead of a C230, I'm not sure about the difference between 240 and 230 gear ratio.
On 6th gear with my car, 3000 rpm = 75 mph.
I cruise at 3000 rpm and I usually don't upshift until I hit 3000 preferably 3500. Powerband on my car starts between 3500 and 3600. Anything below has very little power to speak of. I agree with you (although you were referring to the 230 engine) that this is definitely a rev happy engine.
I guess I upshift later than most people ... I come from motorcycle riding where 6000 rpm is considered the shifting point even for street riding (although the redline is at 14500 ).
In case you wonder, I had a C320 automatic loaner for 700 miles ... It has shorter gear ratio. I believe 3000 rpm 5th gear auto is around 82-84 mph.
On 6th gear with my car, 3000 rpm = 75 mph.
I cruise at 3000 rpm and I usually don't upshift until I hit 3000 preferably 3500. Powerband on my car starts between 3500 and 3600. Anything below has very little power to speak of. I agree with you (although you were referring to the 230 engine) that this is definitely a rev happy engine.
I guess I upshift later than most people ... I come from motorcycle riding where 6000 rpm is considered the shifting point even for street riding (although the redline is at 14500
).In case you wonder, I had a C320 automatic loaner for 700 miles ... It has shorter gear ratio. I believe 3000 rpm 5th gear auto is around 82-84 mph.
Last edited by dna_errors; Jan 15, 2005 at 01:45 AM.
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From: Las Vegas
2003 C230 K , 2001 ML320
Even with my 5 speed automatic, I will run in 4th in heavy traffic, and third gear around town. I do not like to keep the engine at 2000 RPM, I prefer at least 3000. Remember the supercharger is not engaged normally if you are cruising with high vacuum.
Only on trips do I keep it in 5th to get max gas mileage.
This engine could easily rev with the Hondas, but the supercharger is self limiting. Heat and power consumed increases beyond what the supercharger can add at 6500 RPM, that is why the rev limiter is so low. On the M271 engine 1.8 Liters, the supercharger would be turning close to 17,000 RPM if th engine was turning 7000. That is over the limit the supercharger can handle.
Only on trips do I keep it in 5th to get max gas mileage.
This engine could easily rev with the Hondas, but the supercharger is self limiting. Heat and power consumed increases beyond what the supercharger can add at 6500 RPM, that is why the rev limiter is so low. On the M271 engine 1.8 Liters, the supercharger would be turning close to 17,000 RPM if th engine was turning 7000. That is over the limit the supercharger can handle.
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally Posted by mick1
seems high to me I would keep the engine at around 2000 rpm .
I would keep the engine at around 2000 rpm .These cars are created for high speed autobahn cruising at 200+ km/h. At these speeds the engine would be spinning at well over 4500 RPM in 6th gear. Judge yourself.
Last edited by vadim; Jan 15, 2005 at 07:02 AM.
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I don't even use 6th unless I'm the highway cruising for a long time.
5th is great, 140 kmph to work without hitting 4K rpms.
I find I keep the rpms between 3500-4500. Maybe that eats a little more gas, yet the power is always there, and I prefer to drive, not cruise.
5th is great, 140 kmph to work without hitting 4K rpms.
I find I keep the rpms between 3500-4500. Maybe that eats a little more gas, yet the power is always there, and I prefer to drive, not cruise.
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This was dicussed previously a few weeks back. I started that original thread, so let me throw in my .02
I asked the same question - - where do you shift? Personally, I had been shifting my 04.5 C230SS at 2500 for each shift, and highway cruising between 70/80 in 6th, where the I4 sits at around 3,000.
Now, Vadim suggested that was too low a shift point, as the engine drops from the 2500 shift down to around 2000 for the next gear. He suggested my engine, and me, would be happier and healthier shifting around 3500. He was right. (Except 1st gear, which is much shorter.) By shifting around 3500, the drop for the next gear matches better, and never less than around 2400. Smoother...much smoother, and I've found power that doesn't live in those lower RPMs.
Remember, there's a redline indicator for a reason, and I never approach it. But you can do more damage by under-reving your engine than by over-reving. That engine of yours is meant to wind up, as torque is hiding under 2500.
Don't be afraid to (reasonably) push your engine. And kick up your shifts (2 - 6) to around 3500.
I asked the same question - - where do you shift? Personally, I had been shifting my 04.5 C230SS at 2500 for each shift, and highway cruising between 70/80 in 6th, where the I4 sits at around 3,000.
Now, Vadim suggested that was too low a shift point, as the engine drops from the 2500 shift down to around 2000 for the next gear. He suggested my engine, and me, would be happier and healthier shifting around 3500. He was right. (Except 1st gear, which is much shorter.) By shifting around 3500, the drop for the next gear matches better, and never less than around 2400. Smoother...much smoother, and I've found power that doesn't live in those lower RPMs.
Remember, there's a redline indicator for a reason, and I never approach it. But you can do more damage by under-reving your engine than by over-reving. That engine of yours is meant to wind up, as torque is hiding under 2500.
Don't be afraid to (reasonably) push your engine. And kick up your shifts (2 - 6) to around 3500.
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by tonewheel
Remember, there's a redline indicator for a reason, and I never approach it....
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.
There is little power below 2600 rpms. Once the engine is warm, I'd say that shifting below 3500 rpms is a waste of the engine.
As an aside, the C's engine does shut off right above 6000 rpms -- rather abruptly if I may say so. I wish the redline were higher, say 6500 rpms.
As an aside, the C's engine does shut off right above 6000 rpms -- rather abruptly if I may say so. I wish the redline were higher, say 6500 rpms.
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From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
At highway cruising between 80/92mph in 6th, rpm's are at 2200-2600.
In city I can easily run in 6th at 30mph with only 1500
rpm and step on the gas and there it go...
Thats one thing about the wonders of a diesel engine, a MB one
You guys are forgetting one thing, the torque, thats why there is allways a shifting point, when the torque is allready available. In my case at 1600rpm I have 340Nm constants to 3800rpm (redline at 4500rpm and max. power at 4200)
Other thing, its a diesel but it do 0-60 in 8,5s and 140mph (all stock, and its the small diesel engine 2.2)
In city I can easily run in 6th at 30mph with only 1500
rpm and step on the gas and there it go...
Thats one thing about the wonders of a diesel engine, a MB one
You guys are forgetting one thing, the torque, thats why there is allways a shifting point, when the torque is allready available. In my case at 1600rpm I have 340Nm constants to 3800rpm (redline at 4500rpm and max. power at 4200)
Other thing, its a diesel but it do 0-60 in 8,5s and 140mph (all stock, and its the small diesel engine 2.2)
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Its good I'm not the only one feeling low on Power under 2500RPM with this little 1.8L I4.
Another reason to shift above 3500RPM is you actually hear the Supercharger working when the needle passes 3000RPM........and I just love to hear my Supercharger working!
And a personal opinion, Since you are using Premium Fuel (Which is required for C230 Kompressors) Don't be afraid to Ravv your engine (Say above 3500RPM~ 5800RPM range), as long as you are not not bring the needle to the REDLINE area consistantly.......your engine will be fine.
Another reason to shift above 3500RPM is you actually hear the Supercharger working when the needle passes 3000RPM........and I just love to hear my Supercharger working!
And a personal opinion, Since you are using Premium Fuel (Which is required for C230 Kompressors) Don't be afraid to Ravv your engine (Say above 3500RPM~ 5800RPM range), as long as you are not not bring the needle to the REDLINE area consistantly.......your engine will be fine.
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From: York, PA
2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
I shift at or just a few ticks below redline. I love the sound of this engine when rev'ed to her limit. Mine cuts out at 6500RPM if I get a little slow in my shifting. The actuall redline according to MB is 6200 RPM for the 1.8L engine. I sometimes shift at about 4000-4500 if I am in a slow drive mood. When cruising at 75 MPH if I recall correctly I am spinning like 3200 RPM+-! That is even perfect for getting up hills without a downshift and still able to accelerate.
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 C230K Coupe & 2005 C230 SS
Originally Posted by BabyBenz6spd
On Local roads I'm usually in 4th gear doing 40MPH with the RPM somewhere between 2400~2600RPM. Sometimes I'll use fifth gear at around 2000RPM......however I found the engine has no Power at this range and gets annoyed that I have to downshift to make a pass.
The C230K 4 cyclinder like pretty much all other 4 cylinders requires quite a high rpm to achieve it's torque. Just try driving others 4 cylinder models such as the Acura TSX and RSX or the Honda 2000 which all have lots of HP, but have very little low end torque.
The classic american V8s on the other hand have an overabundance of torque and can pull at very low rpm.
This was all just a difference in philosophy between European and US cars for a long time. If you buy a car with a small engine (1.8 or 2.3) you will need to work the gearbox if you have a manual or if you have an automatic it will downshift often when required. Enjoy it.
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by tonewheel
ther, and I've found power that doesn't live in those lower RPMs.
Remember, there's a redline indicator for a reason, and I never approach it. But you can do more damage by under-reving your engine than by over-reving. That engine of yours is meant to wind up, as torque is hiding under 2500.
Don't be afraid to (reasonably) push your engine. And kick up your shifts (2 - 6) to around 3500.
Remember, there's a redline indicator for a reason, and I never approach it. But you can do more damage by under-reving your engine than by over-reving. That engine of yours is meant to wind up, as torque is hiding under 2500.
Don't be afraid to (reasonably) push your engine. And kick up your shifts (2 - 6) to around 3500.
Lugging an engine will do damage over time, overreving it can damage it in an instant. However, unless you engage 1st gear at highway speeds, youre not likely to ever over rev the engine. The ECU will begin to retard the ignition after you cross the redline, and will shut off the fuel if you push further. Beyond that, the valves will float due, as the springs are designed to do so at such high rpms, preventing you from climbing higher. So, beat the **** out it.
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From: Long Island, New York
'05 C230SS 6MT, 1966 Triumph TR4a IRS, Shelby Cobra 427 Supercharged
Did a little experimenting tonight...
At 75mph got 27.4mpg in 6th, at 55 got 29.5 mpg in 6th!
At 50mph got about 27mpg in both 5th and 4th
At 40mph got about 25mpg in both 5th and 4th...
Moral of the story... You get about the same gas mileage in 4th as you do in 5th for 40 to about 50mph, so you might as well stay in 4th, its not underreving, it puts you into a more suitable rpm range if you need to accelerate.
Thats all, whether this is useful to anybody or not, I dont know!!!
At 75mph got 27.4mpg in 6th, at 55 got 29.5 mpg in 6th!
At 50mph got about 27mpg in both 5th and 4th
At 40mph got about 25mpg in both 5th and 4th...
Moral of the story... You get about the same gas mileage in 4th as you do in 5th for 40 to about 50mph, so you might as well stay in 4th, its not underreving, it puts you into a more suitable rpm range if you need to accelerate.
Thats all, whether this is useful to anybody or not, I dont know!!!
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2005 C320wz
i noticed that automatic transmission cars would run at lower rpm . for instance, my dad's c320. it would be at 1,500 rpm most of the time in city driving. so, I didn't think 2,000 rpm for cruising was that low for a manual since my car engine was the same as his.
I wonder what rpm the c230 with auto would be at in normal city driving.
I wonder what rpm the c230 with auto would be at in normal city driving.
Last edited by mick1; Jan 19, 2005 at 01:30 PM.
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally Posted by mick1
i noticed that automatic transmission cars would run at lower rpm . for instance, my dad's c320. it would be at 1,500 rpm most of the time in city driving. so, I didn't think 2,000 rpm for cruising was that low for a manual since my car engine was the same as his.
I wonder what rpm the c230 with auto would be at in normal city driving.
I wonder what rpm the c230 with auto would be at in normal city driving.
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Originally Posted by vadim
The original poster has a 4-cyl engine, for which 2000 RPM is low.
This is why some people choose to cruse around town in the 2500RPM range, and others lower to save gas.....but you all get to drive in your own style.
I choose to cruse around town @2500RPM because I hate to stop when the light just turned yellow, and I have to stop because I have no power to make it over in time. If you can make it over, you save couple minute of your life~ lol
