Diesel Forum Forum for Diesel engine vehicle related discussion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

83 240d huge mileage decrease when freezing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 5, 2011 | 06:38 AM
  #1  
kingjohn1027's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Norman, OK
83 240D
83 240d huge mileage decrease when freezing

I have an 83 240D with 230k miles. I've been the owner since may of 2010. During summer and fall, I averaged 25-28MPG. When winter hit and the temp started dropping into the low 50's and 40's I noticed the mileage went down to the low 20's and high teens. Just during the past few weeks in Oklahoma, where I live, the temp has been down to near zero during the times I would be driving. The mileage is now decreased to a mere 15.7 MPG! The Mercedes owner manual states that lower ambient temps will cause a drop in mileage. But to decrease it by 10 MPG seems fairly extreme to me. But again, I am no expert. Has anyone experienced the same issue I am having? I am trying to figure out if this is a normal thing for high mileage Mercedes diesels when its freezing, or if there is another cause I am overlooking.

I do NOT use synthetic oil. I have solid compression on all cylinders, does not smoke, I've checked all lines and fittings for fuel leaks and found none, it is very easy to start even without a block heater, all filters are new, same driving habit, all tires age good and aired up. Since it has been freezing, I have added Power Services anti gelling cetane boost additive to the diesel.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2011 | 04:10 PM
  #2  
2slowcdi's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
2006 E320 CDI 235 hp 420 ft tq
Winter fuel will get you about 10% less mpg's and with the cold it will go down even more I filled my CDI up and got 19 mpg from my 25 to 26 mpg in town.

And the oil 15w40 is going to take a very long time to warm up and all the time its not at operating temp there is going to drag the motor trying to run.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 01:30 AM
  #3  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I would imagine that if the vehicle was pushing through snow it would increase fuel consumption.

One consideration is whether your engine coolant thermostat is working correctly ?.Is the engine running at the normal operating temp?.

In the old old days ! you could regulate the radiator air flow with manually adjustable louvers!.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 09:20 AM
  #4  
240D 3.0T's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Anything below 20mpg means there is an active fuel leak.

Even if you flog the **** out of your car, a 240D has no excuse to go below that.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
RobertG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
When temperatures go down your diesel fuel gets thicker, that means more fuel gets injected than if it was warmer. Later manufacturers incorporated fuel temperature sensors to help calculate the fuel more precisely.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 12:38 PM
  #6  
240D 3.0T's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Originally Posted by RobertG
that means more fuel gets injected than if it was warmer.
Incorrect.

Later manufacturers incorporated fuel temperature sensors to help calculate the fuel more precisely.
Also incorrect. The sensors were to prevent injection system damage from excessive temperatures.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 12:48 PM
  #7  
RobertG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
http://www.ge-mcs.com/download/tempe...20-535A-LR.pdf
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2011 | 12:52 PM
  #8  
RobertG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Originally Posted by 240D 3.0T
Incorrect.


Also incorrect. The sensors were to prevent injection system damage from excessive temperatures.
Please explain, I'm always ready to learn.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 08:28 AM
  #9  
240D 3.0T's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Originally Posted by RobertG
Please explain, I'm always ready to learn.
You answered your own question (No GE sensors are used on Mercedes vehicles) at this point you're merely trolling.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 09:16 AM
  #10  
RobertG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Originally Posted by 240D 3.0T
You answered your own question (No GE sensors are used on Mercedes vehicles) at this point you're merely trolling.
Tell me what is incorect about my statements?
Does diesel fuel get thicker in cold temperatures?
What is a pupose of FTS on a Computer controlled diesel engine?
I used GE page just for the explanation of the sensor, you added nothing.


The OP said that there are no leaks, yet , you insist that there are just because you said so?
Op asked for any pertinent information, I provided some and you say I'm trolling?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 02:32 PM
  #11  
dgiturbo's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
OP:
From what I have experienced, during winter, mileage will drop significantly. Had a Dodge Ram 2500 with the Cummins TD, and this ML and they both dropped MPG's in winter.
Seems like you have checked all probable culprits, so I would say that your fuel station may be using a blend of diesel diluted with more anti gell added. That would mean more fuel have to be injected to give the same equivalent power as the "summer diesel".
Also, do you start and idle the car to run the heater before you drive in the mornings for defrosting and comfort etc.? That could skew your mileage calculations to the downside. On my CDI, if I let it warm up even for 5 minutes in my driveway, my daily commute milieage drops 3-6MPG for the same style drive.
I know you say your getting a +-10MPG drop, but if a computerized CDI turbodiesel drops 3-6, then I see no reason why an older mechanical injection system shouldnt be a little more off.
Let us know what you find.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2011 | 10:49 AM
  #12  
KB3MMX's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
6.6 LBZ Dmax
Post

Originally Posted by kingjohn1027
I have an 83 240D with 230k miles. I've been the owner since may of 2010. During summer and fall, I averaged 25-28MPG. When winter hit and the temp started dropping into the low 50's and 40's I noticed the mileage went down to the low 20's and high teens. Just during the past few weeks in Oklahoma, where I live, the temp has been down to near zero during the times I would be driving. The mileage is now decreased to a mere 15.7 MPG! The Mercedes owner manual states that lower ambient temps will cause a drop in mileage. But to decrease it by 10 MPG seems fairly extreme to me. But again, I am no expert. Has anyone experienced the same issue I am having? I am trying to figure out if this is a normal thing for high mileage Mercedes diesels when its freezing, or if there is another cause I am overlooking.

I do NOT use synthetic oil. I have solid compression on all cylinders, does not smoke, I've checked all lines and fittings for fuel leaks and found none, it is very easy to start even without a block heater, all filters are new, same driving habit, all tires age good and aired up. Since it has been freezing, I have added Power Services anti gelling cetane boost additive to the diesel.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Here's some additional info on why you lose MPG in winter, in addition to the winterized fuel having a lower BTU content, etc:
http://www.lcbamarketing.com/why_die...y_drops_in.htm
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2011 | 10:59 PM
  #13  
240D 3.0T's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Originally Posted by RobertG
Tell me what is incorect about my statements?
Pretty much everything.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2011 | 09:14 AM
  #14  
RobertG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Originally Posted by 240D 3.0T
Pretty much everything.
I understand that you want to voice your opinion here, but there is a standard in a conversation. When you disagree with someone over stated comments, you show proof of where that person is incorrect and then that person either responds with aha or ohh.
So far you have not produced any info to contradict what is being discussed, you simply said that it's "wrong" and that is it?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:47 AM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE