'09 C300 - Pleasantly surprised (E85, driving assistance features and MB service).
08-12-2016, 07:14 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
'09 C300 - Pleasantly surprised (E85, driving assistance features and MB service).
Hey all!
New member here, just recently got back into the MB fold after a very long 17 year wait through Volkswagens and Mazda's. First car was a beater 1986 300E and I have wanted a Mercedes ever since, despite that car being pretty much beat to snot there was just something about it that made me fall in love with the brand.
Picked up a very gently used '09 C300 Luxury last weekend w/62k miles on the clock. It was a Miami car and is mostly pristine, needs a small bit of cosmetic work.
Had an opportunity to take it on a 2 day, 10 hour behind the wheel work trip to Tennessee and I returned with a completely new appreciation and love for Mercedes.
1) E85 flex fuel capable. I knew when I bought this car it was a E85 capable vehicle but the thought really never crossed my mind until I had 3.5 hours behind the wheel to think about it. Coming from cars that required regular unleaded or diesel my first ~$45 fillup of premium at Atlanta prices ($3.04) caused a little bit of sticker shock. When I went empty in TN I figured what the hell lets try E85, at $1.44/gallon and an .80 price spread between E85 and Premium what is there to lose? $24 later I was filled up with "E85" from Speedway and on my way.
- Performance is definitely reduced on E85. Performance feels about 85% what it does on Premium. Torque is definitely reduced and ***** to the wall performance is definitely reduced.
- No change in other engine characteristics (noise, harshness, etc.).
- Gas mileage I was able to compare by doing the trip up on Premium and the trip back on E85 with similar driving styles (~1/2 dozen WOT runs) and speeds (80 MPH cruise) both ways. I was pleasantly surprised that the car per the trip computer beats EPA estimates. 27.7 MPG per trip on the way up on premium (25 EPA rating) and 20.4 MPG per trip on the way back on E85 (19 E85 EPA rating). They were all different stations so the hand calculation method would have had just as much error as the trip computer has.
- Per my excel spreadsheet I took a ~26% hit in fuel economy but paid 35% less in Tennessee and 38% less in Atlanta for E85 vs Premium. Win win - going to go exclusively E85 on my C300.
- TN - Premium is $2.27 vs $1.47 for E85
- GA (ATL) - Premium is $3.05 vs $1.89 for E85
- Downhill assistance. Driving up and down the mountains can be a chore and many rentals have shown me how terrible the downhill experience can be if you can't control the transmission properly (Nissan CVT this is directed at you). The cruise control in the '09 C300 will actually downshift and if that is not sufficient brake the car to keep you at your cruise speed, additionally if you do major cruise adjustments (let's say 80 to 70) it will brake down to the speed you desire if the spread is too large. Although I am not certain if the brake lights are coming on when the cruise control is braking for you. One bad side is I don't know if I want a car riding the brakes all the way down the mountain to keep a set cruise speed.
- MB Service. Had one of my low beams go out the first night of my trip. Had a lot of idle time during my drive home so called my closes MB dealership (Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead) to inquire about bulb pricing. Told me to bring it in, buy the bulbs and they would swap them out in the service bay no charge. Recommended doing both at same time. ~$33 for both bulbs and 5 minutes at the dealership and I was out the door. This is INCREDIBLE service compared to VW or Mazda, guess I need to get used to a different experience.
The past 2 days have just re-affirmed I made the right decision to buy a lightly used MB, I know I am going to have to spend some high $$$ on maintenance and repairs but the car makes it worth it. I just spent a combined 11 hours in my C300 over 2 days and my body does not feel one bit of it which I cannot say of any other car.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share my joy of enjoying what MB has worked so hard on for over 100+ years now.
New member here, just recently got back into the MB fold after a very long 17 year wait through Volkswagens and Mazda's. First car was a beater 1986 300E and I have wanted a Mercedes ever since, despite that car being pretty much beat to snot there was just something about it that made me fall in love with the brand.
Picked up a very gently used '09 C300 Luxury last weekend w/62k miles on the clock. It was a Miami car and is mostly pristine, needs a small bit of cosmetic work.
Had an opportunity to take it on a 2 day, 10 hour behind the wheel work trip to Tennessee and I returned with a completely new appreciation and love for Mercedes.
1) E85 flex fuel capable. I knew when I bought this car it was a E85 capable vehicle but the thought really never crossed my mind until I had 3.5 hours behind the wheel to think about it. Coming from cars that required regular unleaded or diesel my first ~$45 fillup of premium at Atlanta prices ($3.04) caused a little bit of sticker shock. When I went empty in TN I figured what the hell lets try E85, at $1.44/gallon and an .80 price spread between E85 and Premium what is there to lose? $24 later I was filled up with "E85" from Speedway and on my way.
- Performance is definitely reduced on E85. Performance feels about 85% what it does on Premium. Torque is definitely reduced and ***** to the wall performance is definitely reduced.
- No change in other engine characteristics (noise, harshness, etc.).
- Gas mileage I was able to compare by doing the trip up on Premium and the trip back on E85 with similar driving styles (~1/2 dozen WOT runs) and speeds (80 MPH cruise) both ways. I was pleasantly surprised that the car per the trip computer beats EPA estimates. 27.7 MPG per trip on the way up on premium (25 EPA rating) and 20.4 MPG per trip on the way back on E85 (19 E85 EPA rating). They were all different stations so the hand calculation method would have had just as much error as the trip computer has.
- Per my excel spreadsheet I took a ~26% hit in fuel economy but paid 35% less in Tennessee and 38% less in Atlanta for E85 vs Premium. Win win - going to go exclusively E85 on my C300.
- TN - Premium is $2.27 vs $1.47 for E85
- GA (ATL) - Premium is $3.05 vs $1.89 for E85
- Downhill assistance. Driving up and down the mountains can be a chore and many rentals have shown me how terrible the downhill experience can be if you can't control the transmission properly (Nissan CVT this is directed at you). The cruise control in the '09 C300 will actually downshift and if that is not sufficient brake the car to keep you at your cruise speed, additionally if you do major cruise adjustments (let's say 80 to 70) it will brake down to the speed you desire if the spread is too large. Although I am not certain if the brake lights are coming on when the cruise control is braking for you. One bad side is I don't know if I want a car riding the brakes all the way down the mountain to keep a set cruise speed.
- MB Service. Had one of my low beams go out the first night of my trip. Had a lot of idle time during my drive home so called my closes MB dealership (Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead) to inquire about bulb pricing. Told me to bring it in, buy the bulbs and they would swap them out in the service bay no charge. Recommended doing both at same time. ~$33 for both bulbs and 5 minutes at the dealership and I was out the door. This is INCREDIBLE service compared to VW or Mazda, guess I need to get used to a different experience.
The past 2 days have just re-affirmed I made the right decision to buy a lightly used MB, I know I am going to have to spend some high $$$ on maintenance and repairs but the car makes it worth it. I just spent a combined 11 hours in my C300 over 2 days and my body does not feel one bit of it which I cannot say of any other car.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share my joy of enjoying what MB has worked so hard on for over 100+ years now.
08-14-2016, 08:03 PM
#2
Super Member
Welcome to the forums! Glad to have you!
No need to be sorry for a long post, its great to hear you're loving your Merc and why!
I'm pleased to see the MPG so high! My C350 doesn't get anywhere near those numbers!
It's funny you say that $45 is an expensive fill up... I can not appreciate this like I'm sure many Americans can as here in Canada I spend ~100 every time I fill up... And the highest octane we get is 91!!! Quite a **** off as I sincerely want to be running 95...
If you have found a dealership with good service close to you STICK WITH IT. As with all brands you will find bad dealerships. My advice, since you're on the mainland, find a dealership close enough to you that you're alright with them, and become a loyal customer!
If you need anything we're here to help! Just make sure to use the SEARCH BUTTON FIRST!
No need to be sorry for a long post, its great to hear you're loving your Merc and why!
I'm pleased to see the MPG so high! My C350 doesn't get anywhere near those numbers!
It's funny you say that $45 is an expensive fill up... I can not appreciate this like I'm sure many Americans can as here in Canada I spend ~100 every time I fill up... And the highest octane we get is 91!!! Quite a **** off as I sincerely want to be running 95...
If you have found a dealership with good service close to you STICK WITH IT. As with all brands you will find bad dealerships. My advice, since you're on the mainland, find a dealership close enough to you that you're alright with them, and become a loyal customer!
If you need anything we're here to help! Just make sure to use the SEARCH BUTTON FIRST!
08-15-2016, 09:38 AM
#3
Member
I'm curious about the performance drop with E85. E85 is closer to 100 octane and should give a significant boost in power. Any idea on why you would loose power with it?
08-15-2016, 10:55 AM
#4
Super Member
I believe the correct procedure with the cars is 50% premium 50% E85.
I may be wrong, my car doesn't support E85, but I am 95% sure that's how it is designed to be used.
08-15-2016, 11:04 AM
#5
Member
Even a 50/50 mix should raise the octane. I've done this with non E85 cars, 1 gallon in a tank and it will make a difference.
08-15-2016, 11:03 PM
#6
Super Member
That's my guess for the performance drop.
08-16-2016, 10:20 AM
#7
Member
Trending Topics
08-22-2016, 11:55 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Oh I did a straight switch to E85, the RWD C300 is approved to use E85 but I don't believe the C350 or 4Matic versions are approved for it.
The performance drop off was really the first 2 tanks while I guess the ECU adjusted for the E85. Now it feels just as sprightly as it did on 93. Here in Atlanta the E85 station I use is $1.89/gal versus $3.04/gal for 93. While my mileage has suffered (11-12 MPG avg w/100% city driving) the price difference still makes the E85 worthwhile.
I will say filling up with E85 is a bit of a circus though, the intown ATL stations I go to is one of very few and only has 1 pump with E85. I had to play a 'I got here first' card with 1 GM vehicle and by the time I got done pumping my ~15.8 gallons on a pretty speedy pump there were 2 Escalades and a Suburban waiting for the pump. The 'I got here first' victim was a guy in a Suburban who told me I was going to ruin my car as 'Mercedes don't run on E85', he put his tail between his legs real quick when I invited him over to look at the sticker in the gas door. The two Escalade drivers just asked 'That takes E85?!?!' with a look of bewilderment in their face that an MB could take E85.
I'm definitely a convert of E85, unless price fluctuates up on E85 or down on Premium she is running 85% corn alcohol for the foreseeable future.
The performance drop off was really the first 2 tanks while I guess the ECU adjusted for the E85. Now it feels just as sprightly as it did on 93. Here in Atlanta the E85 station I use is $1.89/gal versus $3.04/gal for 93. While my mileage has suffered (11-12 MPG avg w/100% city driving) the price difference still makes the E85 worthwhile.
I will say filling up with E85 is a bit of a circus though, the intown ATL stations I go to is one of very few and only has 1 pump with E85. I had to play a 'I got here first' card with 1 GM vehicle and by the time I got done pumping my ~15.8 gallons on a pretty speedy pump there were 2 Escalades and a Suburban waiting for the pump. The 'I got here first' victim was a guy in a Suburban who told me I was going to ruin my car as 'Mercedes don't run on E85', he put his tail between his legs real quick when I invited him over to look at the sticker in the gas door. The two Escalade drivers just asked 'That takes E85?!?!' with a look of bewilderment in their face that an MB could take E85.
I'm definitely a convert of E85, unless price fluctuates up on E85 or down on Premium she is running 85% corn alcohol for the foreseeable future.
08-23-2016, 12:02 AM
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Welcome to the forums! Glad to have you!
No need to be sorry for a long post, its great to hear you're loving your Merc and why!
I'm pleased to see the MPG so high! My C350 doesn't get anywhere near those numbers!
It's funny you say that $45 is an expensive fill up... I can not appreciate this like I'm sure many Americans can as here in Canada I spend ~100 every time I fill up... And the highest octane we get is 91!!! Quite a **** off as I sincerely want to be running 95...
If you have found a dealership with good service close to you STICK WITH IT. As with all brands you will find bad dealerships. My advice, since you're on the mainland, find a dealership close enough to you that you're alright with them, and become a loyal customer!
If you need anything we're here to help! Just make sure to use the SEARCH BUTTON FIRST!
No need to be sorry for a long post, its great to hear you're loving your Merc and why!
I'm pleased to see the MPG so high! My C350 doesn't get anywhere near those numbers!
It's funny you say that $45 is an expensive fill up... I can not appreciate this like I'm sure many Americans can as here in Canada I spend ~100 every time I fill up... And the highest octane we get is 91!!! Quite a **** off as I sincerely want to be running 95...
If you have found a dealership with good service close to you STICK WITH IT. As with all brands you will find bad dealerships. My advice, since you're on the mainland, find a dealership close enough to you that you're alright with them, and become a loyal customer!
If you need anything we're here to help! Just make sure to use the SEARCH BUTTON FIRST!
Thanks for the heads up on the dealership and definitely plan on doing that. They were very professional and did a great job with my bulb replacement, now I have had one of my eyebrow bulbs take a dump so going to see if the same dealership offers the same free replacement service on those as I had a MB tech tell me those are a PITA the replace.
