190D milage... is 30mpg too low? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Merkey · #1 12-15-2009, 12:04 AM

I just did my first "real" mileage check on my 1984 190D... and got nearly exactly 30mpg...
My commute is 19 miles each way... at least 16 miles on the freeway at between 65 and 75 mph, then a mixed bag of side streets for the rest.
I am easy on the pedal, and dont rev the motor hard..

Is that about normal?
I was expecting 35ish.

Background:
Owned it about a month, 175k miles.
I have done:
New primary and secondary fuel filters, and new air filter, injector return fuel lines. A/C not working. Just replaced the speedo cable(that and the weeping return lines is why this is my first real mileage check)
Oil and filter change coming this weekend.

tbomachines · #2 12-15-2009, 12:13 AM

Sounds about right, don't forget your car has 175k on the clock. 5 speed or auto?

Edit: you might also want to verify your odometer is correct if you have a GPS handy. Mine is way off.

GregMN · #3 12-15-2009, 12:27 AM

That is about right. The later 5 cylinder and turbo models got better mileage due to a taller axle ratio.

2.2 - 3.46
2.5 - 3.07
2.5T - 2.65

Get your tire pressures up to the max. that the tire is rated for.

Merkey · #4 12-15-2009, 12:56 AM

Sorry... Its an Auto.
Have the tires set at 35psi all around... made for an interesting, but gentle 4 wheel drift on a looping freeway entrance in the wet the other morning... not due to power, for sure...

Anything I can do to improve the mileage?

ds190 · #5 12-15-2009, 09:07 AM

I rec buying Power Service Diesel Kleen (Pep Boys, Salvo, etc), changing the O & F, top off the tank with fuel and the correct amount of Diesel Kleen, and then drive 100-200 miles (or more) at highway only. Cruise at 60, tire psi as you have it, and that will tell you the best possible mpg for the car.

My 84 5 speed with 215K miles gets an honest 36 mpg highway only, and low 30s around town.

You might also consider doing the LubroMoly Diesel Purge treatment. Also, change the diff fluid and AFT fluid. You've done the air filter, so other than just keeping the car empty and accelerating as gently as possible, there really isn't much else that can be done to increase mpg.

pj67coll · #6 12-15-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregMN

That is about right. The later 5 cylinder and turbo models got better mileage due to a taller axle ratio.

2.2 - 3.46
2.5 - 3.07
2.5T - 2.65

Get your tire pressures up to the max. that the tire is rated for.

Would it be possible to retrofit one of those later 2.65 axels to a 2,2 liter? I'd imagine that one of those combo's with a five speed manual tranny would be the ulitmate in economy that these could achieve.

- Peter.

Graplr · #7 12-15-2009, 01:27 PM

Also, you may be experiencing a small drop in mileage due to winter blends of the fuel...depending on where you live.

Codifex Maximus · #8 12-15-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merkey

Sorry... Its an Auto.
Have the tires set at 35psi all around... made for an interesting, but gentle 4 wheel drift on a looping freeway entrance in the wet the other morning... not due to power, for sure...

Anything I can do to improve the mileage?

Make sure that:
* the brakes aren't binding
* the bearings are in good shape and well lubricated.
* the front end is in good alignment.
* the drivetrain is in good shape.

cscmc1 · #9 12-15-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

Also, you may be experiencing a small drop in mileage due to winter blends of the fuel...depending on where you live.

You beat me to it. I see a drop late each fall, when the winter blend makes it's debut.

tbomachines · #10 12-15-2009, 02:18 PM

Best way to increase mileage is by just driving more conservatively. I know with some of these diesels its hard not to floor it all the time since they're slower to begin with, but you'd be surprised how much coasting, easy acceleration, etc. help mileage. In gas cars it is even more drastic...been able to hit 30mpg in my stealth (usually tops out around 24) and 42mpg in my gf's eclipse (about 33 typically) just by driving less aggressively. That and PowerService is a good additive, keeps fuel from gelling, cleans injectors (supposedly), boosts cetane...very useful if you are in a cold climate.

Merkey · #11 12-16-2009, 01:39 PM

Living in Southern California... dont think it will make much difference.
Put in the Power Services Additive last night.

jobah · #12 12-16-2009, 04:33 PM

With the 5-speed and mostly highway driving, I typically get about 36 mpg (it does not vary much at all). I have gotten as high as 46 mpg on a drive from Chicago to Lake Placid through Canada. I drove VERY conservatively (trip done at approx 300kmi). I did Mich-Florida last December and averaged 37 with a high of 38 (odo turned to 400k near Atlanta).

benzguy300 · #13 12-16-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Would it be possible to retrofit one of those later 2.65 axels to a 2,2 liter? I'd imagine that one of those combo's with a five speed manual tranny would be the ulitmate in economy that these could achieve.

- Peter.

Yes it would it be I did in my 300TD it came with a 2.65 and i replace with a 2.25 I'm going to do it in my 190D I'm going to use one out off a 190E 2.6

EdzBenz · #14 12-18-2009, 12:33 PM

I would consistently get at least 40mpg with my 2.2L, 5-Speed 190D. What a great car it was.

pj67coll · #15 12-18-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdzBenz

I would consistently get at least 40mpg with my 2.2L, 5-Speed 190D. What a great car it was.

I'm starting to become interested in the possibility of a W201 precisely for reasons of economy. How do they stack up to W123's in other areas. I don't mean size I mean in terms of reliablility? I'd be interested in hearig from other owners. I missed a 2.2 Diesel 5 speed a couple of years back and have often regretted it.

- Peter.