Cool, others have the same or similiar. Engine and everything else is 100% stock. I'd have to look at when the spark plugs were replaced, but several years ago either at 60k or 75k (now at 130k) (service is coming this Spring). John's is the five speed automatic as are all our MY 1997 & 1998 (and later W202) C230's. By the way, he really knows his stuff about Mercedes so you all should chat him up. Tricks... not really. I do put in a new OEM air filter twice a year, run the stock size wheels & tires (15 inch by 6.5 inch wheels with 195/65 tires), and run the tires (Nokian NRVi) at about 34psi front and rear. I think the variable is driving style, though. Weeks when I get 26 mpg, only I drove the car. Often my lead-footed better half uses it on nights and weekends. Man she really chews threw a tank of gas. She's gotten as bad as low twenties when she drove it for a whole week. What is it with women from Texas, they drive either full gas or full brakes, never just coasting? (God, her milage in the M104 E320 is like 14 mpg, but then again the kids and I are contantly stuck into the seats by forward or backward force, we're lucky, folowing her formula one driving style, if she goes 200 miles on a FULL tank)! Any way, I drive the C230 in a spirited but "methodical" way. I was taught to drive deliberately smooth so I use the car's transmission to tell it what gear I want and drive the engine at it's "correct speed," which I think is between 2,500 and about 3,750. Within that range the M111 gives responsive, torquey and efficient power. On another note, Mercedes brakes rock. I had a Japanese rental today for work... its breaks were worse than the Fords I usually rent.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230