R500 MPG and seating for 6+?, misc. thots
just enjoyed a 1,000 mile roadtrip and averaged 19.7mpg cruising mainly 75mpg and w/ the car fully loaded. was hoping for more, but given the V8 and the car fully burdened w/ passengers and "stuff", i'm pleased. My prior E320 wagon probably would have gotten 24mpg, and my 2002 S55 would have probalby gotten 20-21.
on the question of seating, i'm wondering if anyone has looked into converting and/or acquiring the 3 seats configuration for the 2nd row. w/ 2 kids, most of the time we're fine w/ 6 seats but on ocassion, it's would have been nice to have 7 seats. i realize any changes will be difficult to match w/ our ash leather seats, but i'm more curious about the brackets on the floor and whether that's possible.
p.s. i was at MB dealer yday and looked at the GL's again - VERY glad we don't have it. while some people prefer the looks of GL's box, the interior space was MUCH smaller than i recalled - and the 3rd row seats were tiny - a big problem if using booster seats because the kids' feet will hit the seat back. lastly, the steering wheel wasn't padded like the R's(which are very comfy). in fact, none of the steering wheels for 08/09 E or C-class had the padded wheels and it was almost hard as rock. it reminded me of the dilemma of buying cars today - platform/performance is nicer on new cars, but the interior quality for $50-60k is surprisingly poor.
Patrick



