I am looking into a 73 220d for sale locally. I think it might make an interesting addition the the fleet as diesel just shot up $.11/gallon today. I have heard people speak of the 220's phenominal fuel economy. Is there any truth to this? I average low to mid 20's in my 83' 300D turbo. That's OK, but 30s or 40s would be better. Does anyone have expereice with these cars and their fuel consumption?

daBenz averages a bit over 36mpg. Anything below 34mpg and I need to adjust driving habits to what the car wants. Best was 42mpg - nonstop, big tailwind and a general downgrade (eastbound from the Rockies). Travel mostly the two-lanes in the summer.

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daBenz - 1970 220D

for myself,it has been a while since i owned my 220d but i think 27 hiway was the best i ever got, that would be about 70 mph speed.

unless you routinely travel about 42 mph i dont see how you could ever reach high thirties unless your odo was off.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

My old '73 220D seemed to average 30mpg, no matter how or where I drove it. Your best bet for high mpg in a Benz, would be a W201 190D, which apparently can achieve 40mpg regularly. Any one of the VW diesels would be a better bet if your primary goal is to maximize mileage. I've had good luck with my old VWs. YMMV

When I drove my '71 220D (4-sp) from Va to Id, I got 34-36mpg in level ground, 60mph interstate cruising. The car ran for 10 hours a day so it was completley up to temp for almost all of those miles.

Driving around here in hilly terrain in Id I average 30mpg, but my driving is 90% highway at 60mph where the car will hold that speed. There are a number of hills where all I can do is rest the throttle on the floor and see what she'll do.
By comparison, my Chrysler LeBaron averages about 26mpg cruising over the same route at 65-70mph depending on my mood.

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1971 220D/4-speed ~250K mi. Family owned (dads side) through three generations since <5K miles.
1992 Chrysler LeBaron, 3.0V6 125K. Family owned (moms side) through three generations since new.
1977 Chevy Camaro Continual hotrod project
1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 472ci and nearly 19' long
1974 Fiat Spider Still needs work