Life in the MPG lane
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
Life in the MPG lane
Here are two shots of my "since start" display on a recent commute. Look carefully, the full trip got 31.5 mpg and the highest I saw was 32.4 mpg, 1 mile and a long hill from home.
31.5 MPG on the commute! The other pertinent data: 48 miles, .56 hour, 52 mpg average speed.
Um ...
How? Well, driving like an old lady, gas pedal used gently, very slow acceleration, and keeping it to the 60 mph speed limit. Yikes. Talk about being the (almost) slowest car on the road! But maybe the mileage is worth that?
Hey, driving a Mercedes, you don't have to drive fast. But what do you do while you're waiting for the world to come (slowly) to you? Simple, you watch all those other cars zooming by!
31.5 MPG on the commute! The other pertinent data: 48 miles, .56 hour, 52 mpg average speed.
Um ...
How? Well, driving like an old lady, gas pedal used gently, very slow acceleration, and keeping it to the 60 mph speed limit. Yikes. Talk about being the (almost) slowest car on the road! But maybe the mileage is worth that?
Hey, driving a Mercedes, you don't have to drive fast. But what do you do while you're waiting for the world to come (slowly) to you? Simple, you watch all those other cars zooming by!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Pretty cool. How many miles on your car? 29.2 or so was the most I ever got.
One thing I don't like about going slow though people passing you who cut right in front of you, throwing rocks and whatnot.
One thing I don't like about going slow though people passing you who cut right in front of you, throwing rocks and whatnot.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
6910 miles on the car after parking in the garage tonight. It's odd, sometimes it gets really good mileage, then sometimes I get careless and .... stomp on the loud pedal. All H##l breaks loose, the car goes very fast, and the MPG drops straight to the bottom ;-)
On an earlier stop-n-go drive that day, I also got 26.7 MPG for 22 miles that took 44 minutes (30 mph). Great mileage for very bad driving conditions.
I agree, though, that driving slow makes you susceptible for rock spray, etc. It also makes you a target!
On an earlier stop-n-go drive that day, I also got 26.7 MPG for 22 miles that took 44 minutes (30 mph). Great mileage for very bad driving conditions.
I agree, though, that driving slow makes you susceptible for rock spray, etc. It also makes you a target!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: N. California
2008 Arctic White C300 Sport 6M
How the hell? 
Am I doing something wrong? The best I've gotten so far is 22 MPG, and I usually get 16~18 MPG with normal driving. And I've only begun very very recently to open her up because I like to break cars in like a grandma for the first 500~750 miles and gradually increase max RPMs in increments.
How are you guys getting 30+ MPG? OMGWTF? I pay $3.87/gallon here at my local gas station. Tell me the secret(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Am I doing something wrong? The best I've gotten so far is 22 MPG, and I usually get 16~18 MPG with normal driving. And I've only begun very very recently to open her up because I like to break cars in like a grandma for the first 500~750 miles and gradually increase max RPMs in increments.
How are you guys getting 30+ MPG? OMGWTF? I pay $3.87/gallon here at my local gas station. Tell me the secret(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by narky; Apr 4, 2008 at 02:16 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Wellington NZ
2020 GLE 400 D and a 2024 EQE 350SUV
How the hell?
Am I doing something wrong? The best I've gotten so far is 22 MPG, and I usually get 16~18 MPG with normal driving. And I've only begun very very recently to open her up because I like to break cars in like a grandma for the first 500~750 miles and gradually increase max RPMs in increments.
How are you guys getting 30+ MPG? OMGWTF? I pay $3.87/gallon here at my local gas station. Tell me the secret(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Am I doing something wrong? The best I've gotten so far is 22 MPG, and I usually get 16~18 MPG with normal driving. And I've only begun very very recently to open her up because I like to break cars in like a grandma for the first 500~750 miles and gradually increase max RPMs in increments.
How are you guys getting 30+ MPG? OMGWTF? I pay $3.87/gallon here at my local gas station. Tell me the secret(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Magic car!!
(Still fixing the rattles in the dash!!! :-() (Nearly gottem all)
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2001 R129 SL500, '08-'20 W204 C350
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
This doesn't make any sense, but turn your headlight switch to the totally off position and see if your milage calculation changes. I'm not convinced that you are actually improving mileage, but rather something electronic is affecting the way the milage is calculated.
Every weekend, I have this same 100 mile trip (200 miles total) and I can change the miles per gallon by changing where the headlamp switch is positioned. Driving most the way on 70 miles per hour, with the headlamp switch in the off position, I can get 30.5. In even the automatic position, it'll drop to 26.5-27.5. Go figure and please verify.
I'm driving a C300.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
2013 G63 AMG
All i know, is that my mpg are probably horrible.
i havent checked tho.
But i accelerate quick and always drive around 140-150 km/h on the highway.
Everyone i see driving a 204 is always in the right lane. or is always a lame driver.
So, being young, I gotta give the 204 a better reputation
i havent checked tho.
But i accelerate quick and always drive around 140-150 km/h on the highway.
Everyone i see driving a 204 is always in the right lane. or is always a lame driver.
So, being young, I gotta give the 204 a better reputation
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
Am I doing something wrong? The best I've gotten so far is 22 MPG, and I usually get 16~18 MPG with normal driving. And I've only begun very very recently to open her up because I like to break cars in like a grandma for the first 500~750 miles
I'm getting between 19-24 mls per gallon.
Please do not remind us how expensive the gas is
Drive and enjoy the ride
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
'98 C43 AMG. Obsidian Blk w/2 tone slvr/blk interior
up until about a year ago, georgia had the lowest gas prices in the country by half. i remember in 2002 i was paying 93 cents per gallong of premium! now its like the rest of the country, though not as bad as some californians, its about 3 dollars for premium...
My C43 gets on average 24-25mpg, if i chipped it maybe more. i used to have a i-6 c280 (1997) with the 5spd auto (with OD gear which the 4spd did not have) i got 31.06mpg on a 297 mile drive from gas station to gas station (from atlanta to savannah... georgia) i was very pleased but not surprised, the guy who chipped my c280 told me not to be surprised when i notice an increase in fuel economy if i drive the car gingerly.
unfortunately for you warranty guys a chip is not right up your alley
My C43 gets on average 24-25mpg, if i chipped it maybe more. i used to have a i-6 c280 (1997) with the 5spd auto (with OD gear which the 4spd did not have) i got 31.06mpg on a 297 mile drive from gas station to gas station (from atlanta to savannah... georgia) i was very pleased but not surprised, the guy who chipped my c280 told me not to be surprised when i notice an increase in fuel economy if i drive the car gingerly.
unfortunately for you warranty guys a chip is not right up your alley
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
Having a manual makes it even easier to regulate mpg. I did an experiment shifting before the tach reached 3,000 rpms in may last car and was able to get in the 40s mpg range. I can't wait to see what my C will do.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I am a quick driver and I get 30.3 mixed mode. Pretty damn pleased with that!! ALso the anti whel spin works the best Ive had on ANY car. It just firken grunts away like amd in the wet like its dry!!!
Magic car!!
(Still fixing the rattles in the dash!!! :-() (Nearly gottem all)
Magic car!!
(Still fixing the rattles in the dash!!! :-() (Nearly gottem all)
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
Remember: better mileage at about 80% of max torque. So I try to keep the car running at about 2100 rpm. That's actually above the speed limit.
For running at 55-60, the rpm is below 2000.
The much maligned 7-speed is actually a boon for mileage, if you watch the tach and accelerate s-l-o-w-l-y.
My normal driving gets me about 27-28 mpg, and I'm happy with that, and it's fair to say that one of the biggest reasons it's only 27-28 is that I'm a wee bit happy with the loud pedal ;-)
For running at 55-60, the rpm is below 2000.
The much maligned 7-speed is actually a boon for mileage, if you watch the tach and accelerate s-l-o-w-l-y.
My normal driving gets me about 27-28 mpg, and I'm happy with that, and it's fair to say that one of the biggest reasons it's only 27-28 is that I'm a wee bit happy with the loud pedal ;-)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
though not as bad as some californians, its about 3 dollars for premium...
The problem is the gasoline we use in California is special made for Californians; the gas has to met CA EPA standars and has some extra additives and detergents.
$4+ per gallon
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03...al-california/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
The Most Expensive Gas In The Country
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
08 C300 Sport P2, AMG; 06 Texas Chopper
After taking several long distance trips averaging 80MPH+, I'm getting in the 26 - 27 MPG range.
I tell you this car is awesome. Great looks, ride, performance (could always be better though) and great MPG. Doesn't get better than that!
Coming from a HUMMER it's so nice to fill up the tank for less than $50 and get 350 miles range per tank. Beats $100+ a tank and MAYBE 300 miles a tank. I'm loving it.....
I tell you this car is awesome. Great looks, ride, performance (could always be better though) and great MPG. Doesn't get better than that!
Coming from a HUMMER it's so nice to fill up the tank for less than $50 and get 350 miles range per tank. Beats $100+ a tank and MAYBE 300 miles a tank. I'm loving it.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: N. California
2008 Arctic White C300 Sport 6M
But you're right, tanktube. I try not to think about the rising costs and increasing mileage. I bought the car to enjoy it, not to worry about paint chips and tree sap and brake dust and pollen and hit-n-runs and break-ins and paint yellowing and rubber fading and... Well I still do worry about those, but try not to.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
Accelerator issues?
Has anyone noticed that the accelerator works "odd" at times. If you're deliberately driving slow and you push it slowly to go faster, it seems like it "sticks" and does not respond. You have to push it harder (too hard?) to get it to decide to go. (That's the opposite of what you want if you're trying to conserve gas.)
Two, when you've been on cruise control and you tap the brakes, the accelerator is nearly unresponsive. It has to be coaxed (bulled) into reacting. It's an odd feeling, pressing on the gas and the car slowing down.
I'm thinking the 'drive by wire' system leaves lots to be desired ;-)
Finally, try this: while running downhill on cruise, press the accelerator to speed up. Whoops, the brakes catch the car to compensate for the additional speed. The cruise control WILL NOT be overridden by driver input. (Most other cars will allow you to "speed up" while under cruise and then drop back to the cruise levels.)
- - - -
I've found that using the dump stalk to adjust speed is more effective and immediate than the accelerator. Dumb. Why??
Two, when you've been on cruise control and you tap the brakes, the accelerator is nearly unresponsive. It has to be coaxed (bulled) into reacting. It's an odd feeling, pressing on the gas and the car slowing down.
I'm thinking the 'drive by wire' system leaves lots to be desired ;-)
Finally, try this: while running downhill on cruise, press the accelerator to speed up. Whoops, the brakes catch the car to compensate for the additional speed. The cruise control WILL NOT be overridden by driver input. (Most other cars will allow you to "speed up" while under cruise and then drop back to the cruise levels.)
- - - -
I've found that using the dump stalk to adjust speed is more effective and immediate than the accelerator. Dumb. Why??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I've noticed issues too. Floor the car when from a stop, and it takes off.
However, be going 25-40 MPH and floor it, and it does nothing! ha-ha. I was trying to pass out in the middle of nowhere some kind of equipment one day, and I was flooring it, and it was doing nothing.
It's a bit strange indeed.
However, be going 25-40 MPH and floor it, and it does nothing! ha-ha. I was trying to pass out in the middle of nowhere some kind of equipment one day, and I was flooring it, and it was doing nothing.
It's a bit strange indeed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
...snip...
But you're right, tanktube. I try not to think about the rising costs and increasing mileage. I bought the car to enjoy it, not to worry about paint chips and tree sap and brake dust and pollen and hit-n-runs and break-ins and paint yellowing and rubber fading and... Well I still do worry about those, but try not to.
But you're right, tanktube. I try not to think about the rising costs and increasing mileage. I bought the car to enjoy it, not to worry about paint chips and tree sap and brake dust and pollen and hit-n-runs and break-ins and paint yellowing and rubber fading and... Well I still do worry about those, but try not to.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
C220CDI
Here are two shots of my "since start" display on a recent commute. Look carefully, the full trip got 31.5 mpg and the highest I saw was 32.4 mpg, 1 mile and a long hill from home.
31.5 MPG on the commute! The other pertinent data: 48 miles, .56 hour, 52 mpg average speed.
Um ...
How? Well, driving like an old lady, gas pedal used gently, very slow acceleration, and keeping it to the 60 mph speed limit. Yikes. Talk about being the (almost) slowest car on the road! But maybe the mileage is worth that?
Hey, driving a Mercedes, you don't have to drive fast. But what do you do while you're waiting for the world to come (slowly) to you? Simple, you watch all those other cars zooming by!
31.5 MPG on the commute! The other pertinent data: 48 miles, .56 hour, 52 mpg average speed.
Um ...
How? Well, driving like an old lady, gas pedal used gently, very slow acceleration, and keeping it to the 60 mph speed limit. Yikes. Talk about being the (almost) slowest car on the road! But maybe the mileage is worth that?
Hey, driving a Mercedes, you don't have to drive fast. But what do you do while you're waiting for the world to come (slowly) to you? Simple, you watch all those other cars zooming by!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: N. California
2008 Arctic White C300 Sport 6M
Why, did you sleep in your car on the first night you took it home? I did that with my first new car, fresh out of college. If you did something similar in your past, we might be related. Don't worry. We're everywhere.
And in regards to the discussion on various threads about the M-B computer gettin in the way of people's driving, a manual transmission would solve that issue right away.
And in regards to the discussion on various threads about the M-B computer gettin in the way of people's driving, a manual transmission would solve that issue right away.
Last edited by narky; Apr 11, 2008 at 10:03 PM.
