I am thinking about buying a 1995-2000 C280 for my college age son. What kind of gas mileage should I expect? Any big difference between the straight 6/V6? Thanks

I "think" my 97 C280 ( M104 inline 6 ) is in the 23 + range but haven't checked lately. And the windshield is out for a replacement / headliner recover so it will be a bit until I finish the tank and get a #.

I'm somewhat partial to the 97, is it is the first year for 722.6 electronic shift 5 speed, last year for an actual metal key / M104 inline 6 .

The 94 - 5 - 6 would be OK also with the only real difference being a hydraulic shift 4 speed auto.

I don't know that fuel mileage is such a major issue when selecting an older used car. I sure would not pay a huge amount extra for better mileage if a otherwise good car could be had for less $ and use the difference to buy a bit more fuel.

Don't know whether it's on your radar, but an MB diesel might provide better mileage if that's on the top of your list.

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold

With that vintage C280 Id be far more concerned to have proof the crumbling wire harness under the hood was replaced. Expensive price wise and for time.

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1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

I have a 1998 C280 and get about 24 mpg in my daily commute to work. 10 mile rural/city drive. Although I have yet to take it on a road trip, I have noticed that a couple of longer drives has seen the mileage climb to 27+. Worst thing is it takes 93 octane, although I have run a few tanks of 91 with no apparent issues. The 1998 is the first year for the V6; previous models had an in-line 6.

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold

The harness issue was fixed in 96 , none of me 97 cars have any issue. Even at that, changing the engine harness is an hour job. My 97 needed a harness change due to mice.

On my 97 C280 I run mid grade fuel, power is a bit down if you really lean on it but this is an around town car. The 97 SL320 is really down on power unless I run premium.

Thanks for the responses, the numbers were in the range I was expecting, good but not great.