S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

28.1 MPG highway / 25.2 MPG mixed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 02:32 AM
  #1  
josephpampliega's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 87
Likes: 12
From: Vallejo, CA USA
15 MB Sprinter, 14 MB S550, 08 Smart Fortwo, 04 Dodge Sprinter, 87 MB 190E 2.3-16
28.1 MPG highway / 25.2 MPG mixed

It's been another 2000 miles since my last post a couple weeks ago and now I have a little over 36000 miles.

My gas mileage has been consistently very high compared to the specs especially the last 10000 miles even on mixed city and highway driving. Here in the San Francisco area it's not perfectly flat either and my highway driving I typically drive around 75 MPH.

Averaging 540+ miles per tank till refill of 22+ gallons. Sometimes I just fill because I don't trust the fuel gauge.

On my 2000 S500 I would typically get 490+ on the same 22+ gallons which significantly less.

Does anybody else get the same? Curious because it's not like I really have to try hard to get this mileage.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 09:08 AM
  #2  
Doctodd33's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 148
From: South Florida
ML350
i love the gas mileage on my new s550.....i get around 26 doing 70mph on the highway. But it takes a few miles for the computer to adujust cuz it always starts out at 20mpg. And that was with low tire pressures. I feel green.

T
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 12:04 PM
  #3  
Kar don's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
The S550 did get an award for being extremely environmentally friendly... it was mentioned on top gear or one of those shows.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 03:14 PM
  #4  
rtx2008's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
S400
I'm impressed with these numbers. Mine are significantly worse.

I've had the S550 4matic for 1500 miles and getting and average of 16.7 mpg at an average speed of 35. Even on the highway I haven't done much better than 23 mpg.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 03:42 PM
  #5  
JRAMGV8's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,574
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
Hey....28.1 on the Hwy.... not bad on the mileage for the S550, I dont know why Mercedes would say 16city and 24hwy. I guess its all how you have your foot on the pedal
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2007 | 12:11 AM
  #6  
sprink49's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 790
Likes: 17
From: West Palm Beach
2004 S500
Yes they get great mileage...so why do we pay a gas guzzler tax?
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2007 | 05:01 AM
  #7  
MB Fanatic's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
Likes: 1
From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Originally Posted by rtx2008
I'm impressed with these numbers. Mine are significantly worse.

I've had the S550 4matic for 1500 miles and getting and average of 16.7 mpg at an average speed of 35. Even on the highway I haven't done much better than 23 mpg.
It gets better with time. Also I hope your using premium gasoline. Plus the additional weight of 4-matic doesn't help much with the fuel economy, but it will get better with time. Let the engine loosen up a little.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2008 | 12:24 AM
  #8  
ajm0623's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 131
From: pittsburgh
'25 740i; '15 targa4s; '24 cayenne
awakening an old thread - just for yuks. my latest mpg highway numbers: 31mpg! on my 13,000 miles (broken in now) 2007 s550 4matic.

to wit: (a very boring) 60mph for 500 miles trip with windows/roof shut and the air conditioning on last week. chicago to pittsburgh via the turnpike system. 31 mpg!

on the return trip (pittsburgh to chicago), i did 72mph for the same 500 miles (obviously) with the windows down and the air conditioning off, and i got 28 mpg and a sunburned left arm!

this little unscientific study makes me love the s-class even more. and makes me smile when i see adverts on the tele for saturns and toyotas boasting about their 30 mpg highway driving. i blew those claims out of the water driving an arguably MUCH better luxurious auto.

thought you all might like to read about my little trip and the results. i know we don't buy these cars to save on petrol and by owning one none of us care about the $100 fill-up, but i wanted to test what it could do given i had the time and all. and to shove it back in the faces of those that tell us that we drive gas guzzlers. not necessarily the case, 'eh?

prius my ***!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 21, 2008 | 02:39 AM
  #9  
WSH's Avatar
WSH
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: CA
2010 CL65
Interesting data, ajm....

I get some ?6MPG in my daily <5mi urban commute....and some ?11MPG on my wkend pleasure drives on fast fwys/mtn twisties (but I accelerate and decelerate through various speed ranges for sheer sport and aural enjoyment)....

Expect to get an additional 1-2MPG when I "economize" by getting an '09 CL65 in Fall.....presumably, bigger motors don't need to work as hard as a humble 63 when pressed for perf....

Per my value judgment, any MPG data need to be risk-adjusted by healthcare costs/disabilities/oppty costs of lost wages, etc likely when alleged econoboxes are involved in a collision, vs same scenario w/a new S/CL.....
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2008 | 09:54 PM
  #10  
zimstyles's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Zimbabwe
W220- 2000 S320 German Import | W221 2008 S350 German | W205 C250 | W205 C180
Are any of you guys using the ZAS cylinder shutoff? Just curios
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:14 PM
  #11  
trumpet1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 2
2007 S600
Originally Posted by zimstyles
Are any of you guys using the ZAS cylinder shutoff? Just curios

The current S class does not use that technology as far as I know. (If you are referring to that system that would shut off half of the cylinders when not under a heavy load). The last I heard of that was in the W140 models. Can anyone verify what I'm saying or correct me on this. I've never owned a 12 cylinder until now so that tech knowledge is over my head.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:38 PM
  #12  
whoover's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Originally Posted by trumpet1
The current S class does not use that technology as far as I know. (If you are referring to that system that would shut off half of the cylinders when not under a heavy load). The last I heard of that was in the W140 models. Can anyone verify what I'm saying or correct me on this. I've never owned a 12 cylinder until now so that tech knowledge is over my head.
It was introduced on the W220 in 2001, never on the W140 I believe. The only US model to use it was the normally aspirated S600. It was dropped when the turbos were added in 2003. It was used on V8s in Europe, but never here. I don't know for how long it was used in Europe.

I also don't think the latest engines use it.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2008 | 06:14 PM
  #13  
hstmercedes's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
'25 E450; '25 GV70
BTW, the EPA ratings are for 100% gasoline and not the 10% Ethanol blend that we have here in CT. Since ethanol has less BTU's per gallon, gas mileage decreases approx. 0.5%, but the air is cleaner.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2008 | 08:59 PM
  #14  
MBZFAN55's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Originally Posted by ajm0623
awakening an old thread - just for yuks. my latest mpg highway numbers: 31mpg! on my 13,000 miles (broken in now) 2007 s550 4matic.

to wit: (a very boring) 60mph for 500 miles trip with windows/roof shut and the air conditioning on last week. chicago to pittsburgh via the turnpike system. 31 mpg!

on the return trip (pittsburgh to chicago), i did 72mph for the same 500 miles (obviously) with the windows down and the air conditioning off, and i got 28 mpg and a sunburned left arm!

this little unscientific study makes me love the s-class even more. and makes me smile when i see adverts on the tele for saturns and toyotas boasting about their 30 mpg highway driving. i blew those claims out of the water driving an arguably MUCH better luxurious auto.

thought you all might like to read about my little trip and the results. i know we don't buy these cars to save on petrol and by owning one none of us care about the $100 fill-up, but i wanted to test what it could do given i had the time and all. and to shove it back in the faces of those that tell us that we drive gas guzzlers. not necessarily the case, 'eh?

prius my ***!
Incredible mileage numbers - 31 ??? My prior W220 was in the high 20's but your mileage is fantastic - much higher than the window sticker estimates. As a sidebar, my CL63 which gets 12-13 around town pushes 23-24 on extended highway drives.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2008 | 09:52 PM
  #15  
MB Fanatic's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
Likes: 1
From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Yet we pay a freaking GAS GUZZLER tax.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 09:49 AM
  #16  
Mercedes22's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: London UK
S500 LWB ( W221 ) - CL63 Biturbo ( W216 ) CL 55 Kompressor ( W215 Sold ) C43 AMG ( W202 Sold )
It costs $ 218.00 to fill up over this side of the Pond. I agree with the mpg i've just covered 10,000 miles and I'm getting on a run 28 to the gallon.

Last edited by Mercedes22; Jul 28, 2008 at 09:52 AM.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 12:14 PM
  #17  
ajm0623's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 131
From: pittsburgh
'25 740i; '15 targa4s; '24 cayenne
here's some more anecdotal evidence from my 07 s550matic that i bought in may 07. yesterday, i scrolled to the screen in the dash called, "after reset," and here are the numbers. this represents the overall mileage since i took delivery of the car (as i never 'reset' this menu as i wanted a 'lifetime to date' set of values) circa 15mos of ownership.

12,939 miles
429.11 operating hours
30mph (average, i guess)
bang on 20.0mpg

therefore, if you trust the computers, i have a lifetime average of 20mpg for this 400hp beast; i'm not sure if that is good or bad?

admittedly, i have something of a light foot and usually (but not always) drive in 'c' (comfort) mode. i think the 7 gears makes the difference, though. to wit: when i was driving to chicago to pittsburgh per my original post above, the rpms were indicating 1,500; the engine just isn't working that hard at 60mph.

this is just my historical experience. carry on ,,,
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 01:22 PM
  #18  
MB Fanatic's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
Likes: 1
From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
if you average 30mph, your car isnt even close to being in 7th gear. The benefits really kick in when you are around 65 to 70mph so you can stay in 7th gear and really reap the benefits of the transmission.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:44 PM
  #19  
ajm0623's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 131
From: pittsburgh
'25 740i; '15 targa4s; '24 cayenne
sorry - i don't think i was as clear in my post as could have been: i meant the 7 gears help at interstate speeds; thus, the 30mpg figure i get when i am on the interstate. i know at an average of 30mph over the life of the car to date that i am not always in 7th. only at interstate speeds. cheers.
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 05:06 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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