K-A

Didn't know or missed that the 2012 E's have gone synthetic steering. I'm now curious to also feel that when I Test Drive one. Not too thrilled about it as I'm not a big fan of electronic-steering just yet.

Tomshark

I knew it was easy to add other than the fact there seems to be no discernable way to know how much is actually in the DEF tank ( please correct me if that is wrong )
I was just curious what people were doing.
I had wanted to get the diesel myself but the wife didn't like the extra noise. Perhaps next time.

Thanks

listerone

My understanding is that keeping the DEF tank topped off might not be wise because of the fact that DEF has a finite shelf life...2 years after manufacture,IIRC.In fact,it's quite sensitive to degradation in higher temps (80's plus) so,in the vehicle,it may be even shorter than 2 years.Of course I'm not a mechanic...or a chemist...so my suspicions could be totally unfounded.

aeggroup

I've heard the same thing. It's not a good idea to keep DEF tank topped off. Just add once per 10K miles.

ImInPA

If you use the .5 liter AdBlue bottles, they screw on and will not overfill. Very convenient. I actually keep a couple of them in my trunk. Using a funnel or spout, you can easily "hear" the tank fill up once it get to the filler neck. Once you try it, you will hear what I mean.

ImInPA

Not true. Most of the potential issues involving the adblue tank come from crystalization. Keeping the tank filled prevents this crystalization. Higher temps can increase the risk of crystalization, hence, keeping it topped off is a very good thing in high temps. Learned this from the Freightliner (MB) dealer. AdBlue is essential a 30% soultion of amonia. Amonia has a very long shelf life.

silberrosa

As confirmation to the MY12 E-Class fuel economy figures posted previously. The following site includes details on most 2012 models which are on the market.
www.fueleconomy.gov

Dema

Good fuel economy for one particular trip doesn't prove anything. You have to get daily similar numbers.

silberrosa

Well of course?!?!. However, the numbers from the EPA don't lie. Better is better no matter how you slice it. 30 mpg on the hwy is darn impressive and the real world will likely be even better. Great progress and finally DI from MB which makes quite a difference.

ImInPA

silberrosa. While I will not say the EPA numbers do not lie, in my personal experience, the only vehicles I have ever owned that exceeded the EPA numbers have all been diesels. In just talking with folks over a few decades of driving, most that I have spoken with do not achieve the EPA numbers on the highway, but do achieve close to the combined figure, abliet on the lower end. It is true that the new DI engines tend to offer more power and better fuel economy than their port injected predecessors, it is not as radical in real life as the hype would lead you to believe. Just enjoy whatever vehicle you drive. An mpg or two difference is not going to change your lifestyle.

K-A

Wait, so is M-B underrating their MPG numbers on the sticker, or is the 20/30 number the "official" number?

Why would M-B state only 18/25 then the EPA state 20/30.

20/30 is MUCH more like it, a brand new motor can't just have an increase of 1 MPG in this day and age, totally ridiculous.

BTW, not one Benz that I've had has met EPA numbers.... They've all handily exceeded it. The 17/24 MPG number is extremely low for an E, I only get 24 MPG (mind you, I only use the computer/IC to gauge this) when going uphill and facing a headwind.

On a smooth and even drive, I'll usually see 27-29.

jvc300

I just completed a 2400 mile round trip between florida to virginia and back. I have a typical 2011 E350 that I just purchased and I was getting 29.1 miles per gallon. Overall average was 28. I was getting a range of 550 to 600 miles per tank. I was amazed at the economy of this car.
Sorry about the quality of the pictures but they tell the story for the non-believers. I was driving between 68-74 mph.

This was 95% highway driving.

ghstudio

That's about what I get on my 2011 e350 BlueTec around town.....

silberrosa

ImInPA - I drive a diesel, and have for years so I get it, thanks. Just impressed with the gains of the gasoline model over the outgoing one. It is great to see that when pushed the engineers can realize such gains and this is why I point it out. The future of gasoline/diesel (ICE) is hopefully brighter than some would have you believe. With start/stop and further powertrain improvements, I hope this continues.

ImInPA

I agree 100%. Hyundai is kicking the proverbial CAFE's ***. I think almost all of their vehicles now offer DI engine choices. Their cars are almost all rated above 30 on the Highway. With piezo injectors, DI, start/stop, and the promise of KERS systems, we can expect to see continuing improvements.