Bluetec MPG
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: little rock,ar
E-320 Bluetec
I'll be on the road tomorrow for 400miles in my E-320 Bluetec. Will be mostly 60-70 mph, all flat, and will have the a/c on. Will report back on Wednesday my mileage. Still just 4200 miles on the car. Will throw in a couple of 3500 rpm hard throttles and see if that blow any dust out (seems kind of counter-intuitive).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
I did exactly that, as noted in my original post (which seems to be somewhat obscured now by exhaust talk). The only difference in what you suggested is that I did it at 75mph and not 65mph.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 395
There is a big difference between consumption at 65 MPH and 75 MPH. In my CDI, 65 MPH is 36-37 MPG, while 75 MPH is 32-33 MPG. I think this is why it was suggested you try the lower speed before being concerned your mileage is low.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
The other Bluetec owner I was comparing notes with stated his results at 75, so I was just trying to match his reference data as much as possible.
I guess the guys running in the Paris-to-Beijing run were all runing at 45-65mph or so to get the mileage they reportedly got.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 395
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
http://www.greencar.com/index.cfm?co...D=172&show=all
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...s/4200498.html
I'm not getting anything close to what's stated that was obtained in real-world testing mentioned in the above articles - at ANY speed.
(the last one includes driving at 130mph and travel through cities for an average of 25-30mpg).
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: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 395
That's not real-world testing. It is a Mercedes-Benz publicity stunt.
Between the three articles they mention betweeen 25 and 43 MPG. That's a huge spread...certianly you're getting something in between.
Between the three articles they mention betweeen 25 and 43 MPG. That's a huge spread...certianly you're getting something in between.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
My average is 25. Do you call that in between? Why is it so implausable that I'm getting something out of spec?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,574
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
I have read positive and negative on the fuel mileage but Im sure this car can range 36 or more on hwy. This is a car that I am leaning towards to get just because of the mileage and also its a Mercedes
. Too bad this is the only Diesel vehicle on a 4 door model sedan in the U.S. An S-Class bluetech would be awesome!!!
. Too bad this is the only Diesel vehicle on a 4 door model sedan in the U.S. An S-Class bluetech would be awesome!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 395
25 MPG for mixed driving of city traffic and 70+ MPH cruising is not unreasonable. The high figures quoted by MB press materials and the EPA are for very conservative driving with very few stops at 40-60 MPH; if you are outside of that range on either side, consumption will drop.
As has been suggested, try re-setting the computer on a flat surface with no wind at 60-65 MPH for a few miles and see what it reads. If it says 25 MPG, by all means bring it in.
The reason it is "so implausible" that your car is "out of spec" is because (a) the driving you described from your first post is not optimal for mileage, so you will not get optimal mileage, and (b) this isn't 1968 with carbureted motors that need the jets and timing set just right for maxiumum performance...it is completely computer controlled, and if any of the many sensors detect anything "out of spec", you'll get a 'check engine' light.
As has been suggested, try re-setting the computer on a flat surface with no wind at 60-65 MPH for a few miles and see what it reads. If it says 25 MPG, by all means bring it in.
The reason it is "so implausible" that your car is "out of spec" is because (a) the driving you described from your first post is not optimal for mileage, so you will not get optimal mileage, and (b) this isn't 1968 with carbureted motors that need the jets and timing set just right for maxiumum performance...it is completely computer controlled, and if any of the many sensors detect anything "out of spec", you'll get a 'check engine' light.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
I will be traveling this weekend to eastern GA. Once I get below the fall line (where it becomes very flat), I will test various speeds and report my results.
I have done this before, but at the time I didn't make specific notes on my findings.
Incidentally, I suppose there are other things that could impact mileage which don't involve the engine or sensors. Rolling resistance and transmission adaptation are a couple that come to mind off the top of my head.
Again, back to my first post, I already 'brought it in', and all they were interested in doing is pointing to the 'your mileage may vary' section on another Bluetec's sticker. Hell, they didn't even adjust the tire pressure for the tire rotation, so how can I give them too much credit for anything really?
I have done this before, but at the time I didn't make specific notes on my findings.
Incidentally, I suppose there are other things that could impact mileage which don't involve the engine or sensors. Rolling resistance and transmission adaptation are a couple that come to mind off the top of my head.
Again, back to my first post, I already 'brought it in', and all they were interested in doing is pointing to the 'your mileage may vary' section on another Bluetec's sticker. Hell, they didn't even adjust the tire pressure for the tire rotation, so how can I give them too much credit for anything really?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
The main thing removing the EGR will do is keep your intake path clean from oily soot. The engine can breathe easier with this disabled in some way or another. Just make sure that valve is closed if you choose to leave your EGR in place.
Removing the ALDA completely will allow you to provide full fuel enrichment off idle even before turbo boost builds to accommodate the increase in fuel flow. Your right foot controls the enrichment.
IOW, if you stomp to go-pedal from a dead stop too often, economy will suffer accordingly and a black cloud will spew out from your tailpipes just before boost levels rise. Approximately 2 mpg loss, on average, this way.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
It is confusing to think that relatively small increases in speed have resulted in such large declined in fuel economy. These cars should certainly not see any fuel economy drop off as low as 75-80 mph considering the highway fuel economy for the European consumtion test is done at 120km/h (75mph). This would lead me to believe that one could drive these cars up to 85 or 90mph (130-135 km/h) before significant losses are seen. The most important thing to remember is that A/C use and city driving will drastically decrease your fuel economy. Try using the climate conrrol in E/C mode and keeping the revs down on acceleration. Maybe also try to get an economy measurement of strictly highway sans AC.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
EGR + Alda
Yes.
The main thing removing the EGR will do is keep your intake path clean from oily soot. The engine can breathe easier with this disabled in some way or another. Just make sure that valve is closed if you choose to leave your EGR in place.
Removing the ALDA completely will allow you to provide full fuel enrichment off idle even before turbo boost builds to accommodate the increase in fuel flow. Your right foot controls the enrichment.
IOW, if you stomp to go-pedal from a dead stop too often, economy will suffer accordingly and a black cloud will spew out from your tailpipes just before boost levels rise. Approximately 2 mpg loss, on average, this way.
The main thing removing the EGR will do is keep your intake path clean from oily soot. The engine can breathe easier with this disabled in some way or another. Just make sure that valve is closed if you choose to leave your EGR in place.
Removing the ALDA completely will allow you to provide full fuel enrichment off idle even before turbo boost builds to accommodate the increase in fuel flow. Your right foot controls the enrichment.
IOW, if you stomp to go-pedal from a dead stop too often, economy will suffer accordingly and a black cloud will spew out from your tailpipes just before boost levels rise. Approximately 2 mpg loss, on average, this way.
I know in the older muscle cars (V-8 gasoline engines) with carburettors tuners can put in a replacement engine oil filler cap which vents directly into the engine bay. In newer MB cars this cannot be done for some reason.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
It is confusing to think that relatively small increases in speed have resulted in such large declined in fuel economy. These cars should certainly not see any fuel economy drop off as low as 75-80 mph considering the highway fuel economy for the European consumtion test is done at 120km/h (75mph). This would lead me to believe that one could drive these cars up to 85 or 90mph (130-135 km/h) before significant losses are seen. The most important thing to remember is that A/C use and city driving will drastically decrease your fuel economy. Try using the climate conrrol in E/C mode and keeping the revs down on acceleration. Maybe also try to get an economy measurement of strictly highway sans AC.
Enjoy the Bluetec. Forget the mileage.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: little rock,ar
E-320 Bluetec
On the run yesterday, temp @ 88F, tire pressure to specs, A/C on (if there's an economy mode on a 2007 Bluetec, I don't know where the button is), I got 33.4 going 65 on the two lanes,and 34.3 going 70 on the four lanes, road flat as a tabletop. EPA estimates are now 26/35, so I have a ways to go to get to that on the highway. I am keeping in mind that I only have 4.6K, so hope for some improvement down the road.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 395
These cars should certainly not see any fuel economy drop off as low as 75-80 mph considering the highway fuel economy for the European consumtion test is done at 120km/h (75mph). This would lead me to believe that one could drive these cars up to 85 or 90mph (130-135 km/h) before significant losses are seen.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
It is confusing to think that relatively small increases in speed have resulted in such large declined in fuel economy. These cars should certainly not see any fuel economy drop off as low as 75-80 mph considering the highway fuel economy for the European consumtion test is done at 120km/h (75mph). This would lead me to believe that one could drive these cars up to 85 or 90mph (130-135 km/h) before significant losses are seen. The most important thing to remember is that A/C use and city driving will drastically decrease your fuel economy. Try using the climate conrrol in E/C mode and keeping the revs down on acceleration. Maybe also try to get an economy measurement of strictly highway sans AC.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
Part of the joy of owning a new MB diesel is its torque, speed, refinement and luxury. If mileage is paramount buy a Jetta 1.9 liter TDi with a 5 speed manual transmission. You cannot get less than 40 mpg city and 50 mpg highway no matter how hard you try.
Enjoy the Bluetec. Forget the mileage.
Enjoy the Bluetec. Forget the mileage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
I drove a TDi
I can certainly understand why you've gotten the impression that I care about the economy. It was just a curiousity, and I brought it up here originally just for conversation and to see if anyone would say, "Hey, I've seen that, have them look at x." Other than that, I've lost neither sleep nor enjoyment over the whole thing.
I was not saying you are stingy on diesel. I owned and drove a 1999 VW
Jetta TDi and found that I no matter how hard I tried I could not get the mileage under 40 mpg. The car was bone stock for a couple of years after which I put in an Upsolute chip. 1999 was the last year the car can accept a "plug and play" chip.
Compared with my 2006 common rail straight six the VW was agricultural but I bought it for my sons to make sure they do not speed like me.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Carmel, IN
ML350 Bluetech
I have an '05 E320CDI which is rated 27 city, 37 highway. I drove from here (Indiana) to Hilton Head SC on 1 tank of fuel (100% interstate) and it was October so the AC was switched off most of the way. The trip computer only gave me 33mpg or so. Needless to say, in 3 years and 48k miles I've never seen anywhere close to 37mpg at anytime on any type of driving. Average has been closer to 29-30mpg. Maybe the guy you're comparing with just got lucky with exceptional mileage and you're seeing somewhat closer to normal?
