280SE Coupe, what gas mileage is right?

Hi guys,
I'm a complete nubie here and I'm based in Dublin Ireland. I own a new C200Kompressor but I'm really interested in using a 1969 280SE Coupe Auto(California car) as a daily driver, my wife can use the C !

Anyways I'm wondering what kind of gas mileage I should expect and what size the tank is. I need to make some approximate calculations based on this and I dont know where to start, as there are no other similar cars over here !

Also could somebody tell me where the electric window switches should be located? Mine are on the doors but on all others I've seen in photos they are on the centre console near the gear slector!

Thanks folks !

[Mark DiSilvestro]

These are not thrifty cars. even with the 6 cylinder engine and 4 speed auto-box. They are geared to get the best power and acceleration with a lot of revs at highway speeds. Expect about 12 - 15 (US) MPG in city driving, perhaps 17 - 20 on the highway. (You may need to convert to Km/Litre)
Could be worse if it needs tuning or fuel injection service. Some on this forum have
changed axle ratios for more relaxed and economical highway cruising. There was a 1968 280SE coupe on Ebay recently with the rare 5 speed manual gearbox which would have been my choice, but from the photos, the condition looked suspect. I can't answer you about the window switches as the coupe I have is a 1972 250 (114 body) with the switches on the console.

Mark DiSilvestro
1972 250C
1972 250
1961 180b (b as in 'basket case')
1965 DKW F12 Cabrio (also 'basket case')
1957 DKW 3=6 coupe (nice, original car)
1967 Sunbeam Alpine

I guess 20MPG on the highway isn't bad, I could live with that as that's the type of driving I do mainly.

Does anyone know if the axles ratios are different for European cars ?

Thanks guys!

[Mark DiSilvestro]

My book 'Mercedes Benz Production Models. 1946 - 1975' by Robert Nitske specifies a
3.92 ratio for 1967 - 1972 280SE models but a 4.08 ratio for USA versions.
Happy Motoring
Mark DiSilvestro

Hey thanks for that, I wondered if there was a change !

Might try and get a copy of that book too, if it's available !

[Mark DiSilvestro]

My book was published in 1977 and distributed by Motorbooks International
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020 USA.
I have seen more recent, expanded editions which include later Mercedes models.
Happy Motoring.
Mark DiSilvestro