Best mpg models?
 

I heard some in the early 90s got close to 50, what models got best/ over 40 mpg?

VW Jetta, The only MBs that do over 40 mpg are over on EBay. YRMV :)

I thought the 5 speed 190D's got over 40mpg.

But as stated above if you really want over 40mpg a VW diesel is the only option for a non-hybrid vehicle. My 04 TDI wagon averages 42mpg.

A 190d 5speed will indeed surpass 40 with ease on the highway, even my 606 flirts with 40 highway at times.

I squeezed 37 MPG out of my '98 once but I had drive ridiculously gently to get it. I would suspect that the 190's might deliver over 40 if you drove them the same way.

the 95 NA 300 with the 606 in top tune, and tires inflated perfectly, with the brakes perfect, and summer fuel, can top 40.

the 190 5speed is also great. the 190 2.5T is powerful and efficient as well.

they are all better comfort and safety wise than a VW. but the VW's will get better economy easier.

I believe you are correct, but were any of them built in the 90s that did?

TDIs were out in the 90s. 1996 Passat, 1998 Jetta.

Since he asked in a MB forum I just assumed he met MBs.

My 1987 euro 190d with 4spd hasn't gotten less than 41 mpg since my commute changed to mostly highway driving at 65-70 mph. If I got less than 40 mpg now, I'd be freaking out. The only time it was getting 37-38 was in bumper to bumper traffic in the city. I usually run around 525-550 miles between fillups and my mpg (same station, same pump, etc.) is ALWAYS 42-46 mpg depending on summer vs winter blend. When I was driving on a HEAVILY radar-ed stretch of highway with a strictly enforced 55 and 60 mph limit, I was getting nearly 50mpg, usually 47 to 49 mpg during spring and summer months.

There used to be a guy on this board years ago who had a 2.2L with a 5spd who regularly got 50 mpg...

Our 96 e300 was getting 34-36 mpg. I'm very curious to see what she does with a nice clean intake!

Yes- 5 speed and 4 speed 190ds get/got over 40mpg. As for VW diesels as the only non-hybrids getting 40+, I would have to assume you mean current US models, in which case that is mostly true. The only other one I can think of right now is the Audi version. In europe however, there are dozens of examples that run diesel and get 40+, even 50-60+: honda, toyota, fiat, mini, smart, skoda, etc., etc. And once upon a time, we had other diesels in the US that got high mileage- the reasons why we don't have them anymore varies by who you ask about it. In addition, I think you also mean hybrids which are running their complete electric cycles in ideal conditions, because otherwise most current hybrids are just 30-35 mpg cars when running gasoline.

I've been keeping m eyeys out for a good 190 for ages, not may of them around here

The 190d is very lite also ,just for example the 91 toyota mr2 weighs in a bit heavier than the MB 190 2.2 OF 1984 and that sucker is small.Combined with its well built motor and modern design you cant beat that car ,you do come across certain issues with the model but all in all its worth the effort in ownership.

Really? I don't think so.

MR2 Curb weight 2,350lbs (1,070 kg) (1988 NA)
2,493lbs (1,131 kg) (1988 SC)[3]

* 190D 2.2: W201.122 chassis, powered by an OM601.921. Built between 1984 and 1986. Curb weight: 2700 lbs.

Agreed- the w201 does have some issues for sure- the heater core is just one MAJOR example, but I think that if other manufacturer's cars held it together as long/well as our 80's MB models do- they would too!

I spend alot of time on the freeway commuting for work- and I'm shocked at how few cars I see as old as mine puttering on the interstate. The only car I saw today that was as "old" as my car? An SL with the top down in the left lane.... (OK I'll admit- it's the only one I NOTICED anyway!) I enjoy knowing that my 190 is getting twice what most everything else on the road is getting...

I had an opportunity to buy a blue 85 190d with a 5speed and 160K on the clock a few years ago- needed the usual stuff- and it was $1800. I almost did it but the wife.. er, intervened. Now she admits that if it ran, it would be saving us $200-300 a month in fuel... Next month or two we'll all be seeing $5 a gallon according to the talking heads. There will be alot of people rethinking what, how, where they drive, and an $1800 diesel getting 40+ on the freeway will be alot more attractive don't ya think?