Mileage Question

[MB-Convert]

My mileage has dropped considerablely - from 30 to 25. I searched various ways to see what others have done to rememdy this problem.

I came across a couple of posts where members indicated that diesel fuel from differnet sources really affected their mpg. One person said fuel made as much as 33% difference (I think that post was from 2002).

Is this the general experience - that fuel can matter 20-30% on mpg?

[kamil]

many factors...

diesel fuel (i get mine from a truck stop)
check the air filter
check fuel filters
use diesel purge
valve adjust

just some of the more common ones

[Tirebiter]

Year?
Model?
Mileage?

[MB-Convert]

1995
E300D
85,000

I purchased it with 80,000 in March.

I use 1/3 - 1/2 a botle of Redline 85 in each tank, after using a whole bottle the first time.

Air filter is brand new and fuel filters are ordered.

[P.E.Haiges]

MB,

I you think new fuel filters will increase you mileage, think again. Isn't it logical that new filters, if anything, will pass more fuel?

Take those new filters you have ordered and put them in the trunk for spares when the filters you now have in, plug up. It may take years if you don't have algea in your tank.

P E H

[Mark Herzig]

city or hiway driving?

[MB-Convert]

The 25 mpg is 75% city 25% highway. This tank looks to be doing a bit better on about the same mix of driving.

As to the fuel filter question, I am gathering fluids & filters for an early 90,000 service in order to have a base reference for future maintenance. 67.500 was the last one stamped in my book, and that was more than two years before I bought the car.

I'm still curious about the experienced variations in mpg between brands. That was really my question, but I genuinely appreciate all suggestions and comments.

[bjcsc]

I don't know if your service intervals are the same as a 123's, but if so you're 2500 miles over. No offense intended, but don't be the guy to kill that car...get your major service done or do it yourself. These cars only last if maintained.

[MB-Convert]

I don't think it's as bad as you might think. Other than having the 67,500 service stamped, the car did come with a receipt for a dealer (not MB) oil change at 79,500. In between 67,500 and 79,000...I don't know.

I changed the oil (Mobil 1 15w-50) myself at 83,000 miles. I also changed the air filter as pollen season was over and had been very nasty. Easy and cheap, so why not?

Again, this is why I 'm preparing for an early 90k service over Memorial Day. I assume brake fluid & coolant (it is green!) need to be done sooner rather than later. Thus, I 'm going to the whole 90k (early!) with the help of a mechanic friend who has serviced many MB's for an indy car dealer.

[bjcsc]

Good. You are definitely taking the right approach. Air filters, brake fluid, etc. are all cheap on the relative scale. I change my brake fluid every spring as recommended. Do you use an additive? I get about a 10% boost in mileage from "Power Service" which is readily available. With no other major changes, I would suspect your fuel. Perhaps you got some left over #2 diesel? Also, don't forget that, although unlikely, your odometer could be providing you with false info.

[Fuzzball]

I just got my best ever mileage with a 50-50 mix of City and Highway......25.4 mpg. On a trip last weekend, 100% highway, I only got 24.5 !

I'm still working to do all the things that are recommended to increase the mileage.

hmmm.....