500 SEL Mileage

[Brasilia Driver]

I've got a 1984 500SEL in near perfect condition. Just before I bought it, the previous guy practically restored the entire thing. While they were doing that, they noticed that the catalyatic converter was nearly plugged up. Since emissions are not required where I live, they basically removed the unit. . . said that I would probabally get more power and better mileage because of it.
The mileage I get seems on a par with trucks with bigger engines. I get about 14-15mpg around town.
Does this seem typical, or should I check the engine to see if it's running too "rich" or something?

[stevebfl]

Your mileage sounds fine for town driving. You might get as high as 20 on the road.

[pmckechnie]

I have the same car and get about the same mileage. I do get about 22 mpg at 70-80 mph on the interstates.
By the way, I read somewhere that the 84 500 only required 87 octane. I keep very good records of fuel consumpsion. I switched to 87 oct Shell from 93 shell and can' t tell a bit if difference. Mileage is about the same and the car runs about the same if not better.
Now I must say, I have ALWAYS used and recommended Preimun fuels, but with the price of gas now, I had to do something.

[Rockman59]

I switched to 87 oct Shell from 93 shell and can' t tell a bit if difference
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I have been using regular fuel in my '86 560 SEL for many years and it runs fine and gets excellent mileage. As long as you stay away from really hard, high performance driving the regular gas will be OK.