Jlight

Hello everyone - you may have seen me posting on the GL forum however, I had a chance to drive a 2008 320 Bluetec and I think I am totally hooked!! Love the GL but also LOVE the E Class Bluetec

I am doing my homework but hope to have a decision very soon.

I have a couple of questions:

1.) What is the true MPG people are seeing with the car city/highway/combined

2.) I REALLY like the 18"AMG Rims from the E350 Sport. IF I upgraded to the 18" Rims from the standard 16" rims -- would MPG suffer?

3.) How is passing power on the highway? My test drive was around town but am going back this w.end for more

4.) Long trips - how are the seats in the E-Class?

5.) I see lots of feedback that the nav system stinks any software fixes coming to help make the system more user friendly?

Observations:
Love the Pano roof - WOW!
Tend to like the E class in darker colors with tan interior...
Power is great off the line...
Seats seem very comfortable?

Look forward to your insights and hopefully joining the family!

dtrentr

I love my 2007 Bluetec. It's got gobs of torque, thus gobs of thrust for the interestate on-ramps. I get around 24 in town, 35 on the highway, and have averaged 27mpg over 11K miles. I like the nav system, and am sure that there are others that are easier to use, but having never had a nav, it serves its purpose for me. I like the seats, they're firmer than I'm used to, but that is ok. I bought this car for the 25-30 300 mile days I do in a year of business travel, and after 6 months really enjoy it on the highway.

Jlight

Thank you for your reply Dtrentr. Looks like a big thumbs up on the Bluetec. Your MPG's sound very nice - do you have the stock 16" rims?

I like how your car is loaded up, thats how I would like mine as well!!! I am with you on the NAV, it will be good for me to have as I don't have NAV in my current 3 Series Wagon.

dtrentr

Stock 16" wheels and Michelin MXV's. To be honest, I haven't taken the time to figure out the voice control yet; do enjoy the pano roof and get lots of comments.

Jlight

Funny the dealership manager said, "I really don't like the voice control (on the E-Class). I gather it is more complex than other voice controls out there?

I think the Pano roof is awesome!

Untertürkheim

It is not complex, quite easy in my opinion.

dheadingto

Does the fuel mileage get better as it breaks in? I have a 2008 E320 bluetec only getting around 30 mph on highway at 65mph with about 900 miles on car.
around town 24-25.

pinebaron

I have done 13000+ miles since delivery on July 29 this year and I was on vacation for three weeks after that. Love the car; I drive 80mph constant unless conditions suggest otherwise and I get 33.5mpg since I installed the new KD-Box (guys this is worth it), used to get 32mpg. Torque was great and is presently unbelievable with the KD-BOX (just released for the Bluetec), perhaps 450 plus lbs to -- perhaps 480 and is getting better as the computer tunes to the new fuel flow. I really use the passing power a lot on my daily commute (70 miles highway each way). If anyone from NJ reads this, you know we need the torque on I-95.
Navigation is great once you get used to it. Voice Command is the same. I love the sound but feel it could do with a few more watts of sound (when listening to not so perfect recordings). Preordered with P2, Panaromic roof, wood steering, all leather, trunk closer, rear side window shades. I am trying to decide which 18" chrome rims to purchase. I bought it because I got tired filling up my beloved Ford Expedition every other day (still have it for my hobbies) and love the new diesel technology.

Jlight

Thanks for the info Pinebaron! Is it true -- when you up size the rims (16" to 18" you decrease the MPGs?

33.5MPG at 80 MPH is fantastic!

Does the KD Box void the engine warranty?

Jlight

I hear the MPG's do get better after a few thousand miles! Do you have the standard 16" Rims?

Keep us posted.

pinebaron

Yep. I am so happy with the mpg; for me the most important thing is fewer trips to the gas station during the week. As far as KD Box voiding warranty is concerned I am not sure; but it is a 10 minute plug and play device. All one needs is a few cable ties (outdoor black ones from home depot, not the white ones that come mixed sets) that are good for heat installation in the engine compartment. I chose to install the KD-BOX in the engine compartment.

Yes, mpg got better past 5000 miles.

If I upsize rims to 18" and maintain the same overall tire diameter, I should not lose any mpg; maintaining correct tire pressure and tire rotation is very important to mpg, safety and tire life. I rotate tires every 5000 miles; I have rotated twice and have had three oil changes from new at 850, 5850, 11,800.

pinebaron

Wait till you do 5000 miles. I was about the same 30-30.5 till I crossed 5000, I most drove at 65-70mph. It shot up to between 32-34mpg and then I started pushing the car.

cyclerider

Some forum members are reporting a MPG decrease after switching to the wider tires.

Cameron Reddy

Makes sense. Put fat tires on a racing bicycle and you will feel it; very small differences... 25mm verses 28mm can be felt immediately.

In a car, however, I want fat tires for the increase in traction they provide.

X72

Of course you are going to suffer a small fuel economy penalty. The OEM Michelin tires are on the CDI for a reason; they are very low rolling resistance tires.

pinebaron

You may be right. One thing is good about these OEM MXV4 is that they provide excellent wear for the distance I travel. After over 13000 miles these tires show practically no wear at all. Reviews on TireRack were excellent for high mileage on these tires. On mpg I am not particularly worried to lose some if I go for 18" with 245/40/8 or 8.5. I will not go for staggered, since I need to rotate tires for better wear.

SPLe320

I have a 2007 Bluetec with 4000 miles. My fuel economy is about 33-34 on the highway at 80 mph abd about 24-25 around town. The seats are extremely comfortable. I tell people that ask "It has the torque of a V-8 with the economy of a 4." More than sufficient torque. Nav is just OK, and is much worse than in my Honda Odyssey.

Overall, I could not be more happy with the car.

Jlight

Thanks for the info I am very interested in the E320 Bluetec. The feedback I am reading (love this forum) is VERY helpful!! Thanks again!