ML diesel MPG?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Near Niagara Falls, Canada
2013 ML BLUETEC JULY 31
I have instigated a lot of discussion on a couple forums about gas versus diesel because I've never owned a diesel, and the concept seems suited to a "truck." I haven't really been that concerned about fuel cost savings, but more about range between fillups and environmental aspects. From a cost perspective, at least for where I live and how we drive (~10k mi/yr, urban/suburban, high fuel prices) the best I could hope for in 6 years of ownership is a break even with the gas version. Range is definitely a plus for the oil burner, with perhaps 700 miles range on trips. On the downside, diesel is harder to find in the city.
Per the fuel economy.gov website, much to my surprise there is no clear advantage for the diesel, despite its higher mileage. They admit the mileage rating per the EPA may be conservative, but still not compelling. Resale value does seem to be in the diesel's favor, but maintenance is higher (AdBlue onlue needs to be replaced about every 10k, though). Then there's the quality inconsistency of diesel fuel sources to consider.
It's good to hear you're getting 23+ with the new gas model; I've never seen that high with my '06, even on the highway (I tend to drive a little fast, though). While I have a BlueTEC on order, I'm starting to lean toward the BlueEFFICIENCY.
Per the fuel economy.gov website, much to my surprise there is no clear advantage for the diesel, despite its higher mileage. They admit the mileage rating per the EPA may be conservative, but still not compelling. Resale value does seem to be in the diesel's favor, but maintenance is higher (AdBlue onlue needs to be replaced about every 10k, though). Then there's the quality inconsistency of diesel fuel sources to consider.
It's good to hear you're getting 23+ with the new gas model; I've never seen that high with my '06, even on the highway (I tend to drive a little fast, though). While I have a BlueTEC on order, I'm starting to lean toward the BlueEFFICIENCY.
Your getting $5G's optional sport suspension ??? and will only drive about 75000mi in 5yrs mostly in city. Diesel for Me
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
Bottom line (IMO)...the more Interstate miles you drive the more seriously you should consider diesel.The two diesel cars I've owned were both highway stars...highway beasts,in fact.Also it would seem to me that if you intend to tow stuff or live in a hilly/mountainous area diesel is almost certainly the way to go (although neither of those things apply to me).
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
Mercedes-Benz ML350
I have been recieving some messages from perspective buyers about mpg. Most are not comparing to just the diesel version of the ML, most are also comparing between different brands respectivly.
As with this pictures I am not trying to prove that gas is better than diesel, the facts are the diesel gets better mpg. However under my conditions I am getting the following in my ML.
Today on my drive home from work.
This is my last reset
Current range
As with this pictures I am not trying to prove that gas is better than diesel, the facts are the diesel gets better mpg. However under my conditions I am getting the following in my ML.
Today on my drive home from work.
This is my last reset
Current range
Last edited by jweezy; Dec 2, 2011 at 03:42 PM.
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
See my avatar. Normal is about 27MPG. 2007 ML CDI.
Best ever 33.5 mpg, but that took a really light touch on the go pedal for a 43 mile highway drive at about 50MPH.
Also I usually get 650 per tank, and best of 780 on a trip from Chicago to D.C. Usually about a 26 Gal fill up.
From what I understand, the 2012s do better with more power.
Hope this helps.
Best ever 33.5 mpg, but that took a really light touch on the go pedal for a 43 mile highway drive at about 50MPH.
Also I usually get 650 per tank, and best of 780 on a trip from Chicago to D.C. Usually about a 26 Gal fill up.
From what I understand, the 2012s do better with more power.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by dgiturbo; Dec 2, 2011 at 09:39 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
I sold my 05 Ford Excursion 4x4 diesel to get this ML. THe diesel option on the Ex was like $6k. On the ML its like $1500. I got the diesel instead of the lighting package because in my mind I could upgrade to HID's for about $100 if I want to. As for resale, who knows, the ML is to new. But if history is a predictor then the diesel will be worth more.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
Mercedes-Benz ML350
Dgi
My averages are not a highway as you can see my average speed is only 30 mph. Even less when you look at the full tank since reset.
If I was on highway it would be more, I don't touch the interstate on my ride home.
780 with a full tank is insane....if you had a couple more gallons you could have made 1000 miles...
I have only gotten a high of 550 miles, however that's mixed driving.
My averages are not a highway as you can see my average speed is only 30 mph. Even less when you look at the full tank since reset.
If I was on highway it would be more, I don't touch the interstate on my ride home.
780 with a full tank is insane....if you had a couple more gallons you could have made 1000 miles...
I have only gotten a high of 550 miles, however that's mixed driving.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Mercedes R320 CDi, ML320 CDi, Lotus Elise SC, 190E 2.3-16 turbo, 280SL
Our 2008 ML320 CDi gets about 20mpg in the city and about 28mpg at 75mph on the highway. High altitude and less AC use must help because it used about 10 percent more fuel when we lived in Texas. Both our ML320 and R320 will break 30mpg on the highway if driven carefully and not exceeding the speed limits.
