08w204

I live in Germany and regularly cruise on the autobahn at greater than 100 MPH (162KPH), usually around 115. The tach reads appx 3500 rpm at 115 MPH. I'm concerned about engine wear when sustaining such high RPM's for extended periods of time.

The vehicle is an 08 C300 sport and now as 15k miles on it and has been dealer-serviced. The temp gauge stays within normal limits and I haven't had any other indicators of problems with these speeds, but don't want to have a blown engine once 100k comes around.

Any thoughts?

Here's gift for ya: Pic of doing max (130mph) and one of my car on a trip to Stuttgart in front of the MB customer receiving area...

C300Sport

I wouldn't worry much about it. I have always felt the C300 was a little low with their gearing but it does keep the load off the engine while cruising...just a little more wear and tear. If it makes you feel any better, a couple of cold starts puts more wear and tear on the engine than 100 miles of highway cruising.

lug

Just out of curiosity. Is that an American spec car? You don't get MPH speedos on left hand drives in Europe, also the external GPS indicates that it is not a car for European comsumption. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it

C300SportFahrer

6 Speed MT or 7G Auto?

Not to worry the Mercedes are actually built for Autobahn use. My cruising speed is always upwards of 100-120 miles an hour and no issues. As long as services are performed and your temp gauge doesn't move north much you have no worries.

Ever get a rental C class or other Mercedes here? Just rent one of those on a summer day and drive it at about 200-240 KM/H and see what happens.

Shawn

AsianML

I wouldn't worry. They were made to handle cruising at those speeds and higher all day long. I seem to recall that some W126 models (I don't remember which trim level) would cruise at 80 mph at 3k rpm and we all know W126s last forever.

08w204

Good eye!

Yes, I bought this car in NC and brought it to Germany with me. The GPS software manufacturer is different for Europe than in North America, hence the nav on the dash.

08w204

7sp auto tranny... I haven't have a rental here yet, might try to get something big and powerful for a weekend trip this coming summer. Thanks for the feedback!

Untertürkheim

Those engine speeds are just fine, although with the 6MT the gearing is horribly low, it would be about 500rpm higher (which is why I have asked about swapping differentials in other threads, preferably to a C63 LSD).

dubulup

I was able to attain a higher speed than what you are calling max...when I was in Germany with my US spec car.

I have a 6spd c300

Diesel Benz

Anyone checked if the rear differential is shorter on US C-class cars? On several E-class models that is the case. Unfortunately it isn't easy to change to the Euro gearing.

Untertürkheim

It is not. I believe the only E class that has a shorter differential is the diesel.

whiteongrey

You can run it a V-Max for as long as traffic allows with no problems - just be sure to change the oil as recommended.