2500 mile observations

[mofarmer]

A few thoughts and questions after putting the first 2500 miles on my first MB. Neat car, very different though, I keep discovering new things about it, some good some not so good. I am somewhat disappointed with the fuel economy, only around 18-25 mpg. The cruise control, after lurching and searching, quit. The power antenna has quit. And it’s a little doggy, but I haven’t driven any other turbo diesels so I don’t know for sure if the turbo is working properly. Now the good stuff, the mileage is still twice what our van gets, so far everything that I didn’t mention is working, including the climate control, it’s the most comfortable car we own, a blast to drive, and because there are so few of them around here it gets a lot of attention. And now the questions, I am going to change the oil and service it tomorrow afternoon. I have the oil and filter, what kind of grease is adequate, and is there a chart to insure all the zerks are found? I don’t want to miss any lubrication points, wouldn’t surprise me to learn that you need to grease the license plate bracket or the bumper mounts on one of these things. Once I have serviced it I am going to start on checking for fuel leaks (can’t smell any) alda, banjo bolts, do a diesel purge, check vacuum lines, etc. Gotta get that mpg up, that was one of the big selling points for buying an MB diesel I used to convince the comptroller of currency in this household.

[Panzermann]

Originally Posted by mofarmer

A few thoughts and questions after putting the first 2500 miles on my first MB. Neat car, very different though, I keep discovering new things about it, some good some not so good. I am somewhat disappointed with the fuel economy, only around 18-25 mpg. The cruise control, after lurching and searching, quit. The power antenna has quit. And it’s a little doggy, but I haven’t driven any other turbo diesels so I don’t know for sure if the turbo is working properly. Now the good stuff, the mileage is still twice what our van gets, so far everything that I didn’t mention is working, including the climate control, it’s the most comfortable car we own, a blast to drive, and because there are so few of them around here it gets a lot of attention. And now the questions, I am going to change the oil and service it tomorrow afternoon. I have the oil and filter, what kind of grease is adequate, and is there a chart to insure all the zerks are found? I don’t want to miss any lubrication points, wouldn’t surprise me to learn that you need to grease the license plate bracket or the bumper mounts on one of these things. Once I have serviced it I am going to start on checking for fuel leaks (can’t smell any) alda, banjo bolts, do a diesel purge, check vacuum lines, etc. Gotta get that mpg up, that was one of the big selling points for buying an MB diesel I used to convince the comptroller of currency in this household.

Were you driving in town or on the highway?

[sixto]

And what exactly is it you have driven 2500 miles?

Must be an older model if it has zerk fittings. Anything from 77 has sealed ball joints AFAIK.

Sixto

[mofarmer]

Most of the miles have been highway miles @ 65-70 mph. I am driving an 84 300td wagon. I just assumed there were zerks to grease, really haven't noticed any or looked yet, that's why I asked. Thanks guys.

_________________

84 300td Wagon

[Palangi]

I hope that car works out well for you. It looked like a beauty in the pictures.

Regarding oil filters, be careful what brand you buy. Best to avoid any marked "Made in India" or "Hecho in Mexico". Be careful not to pull any vacuum lines loose while changing the filter. Watch out for where the vacuum lines come off of the main vacuum pipe to the brake booster, those can be brittle.

Regarding mileage, on my 300D, it got about 22~23 MPG when I first got it. At first it had Goodyear tires (Badyear Maypop's actually), then switched to Bridgestone, same MPG. Latest tires are Michelin Symmetry. MPG is now about 26~27. Similar increase in MPG on my 240D, about 28 on Bridgestones, about 31~32 on the Michelins. If you do the math, it means the Michelins are basically free, considering the fuel cost savings. YMMV

[sixto]

The only grease fittings I know of in a 123 are in the door hinges.

Maybe non OE suspension parts have grease fittings.

Sixto

[mofarmer]

Originally Posted by Palangi

I hope that car works out well for you. It looked like a beauty in the pictures.

Regarding oil filters, be careful what brand you buy. Best to avoid any marked "Made in India" or "Hecho in Mexico". Be careful not to pull any vacuum lines loose while changing the filter. Watch out for where the vacuum lines come off of the main vacuum pipe to the brake booster, those can be brittle.

Regarding mileage, on my 300D, it got about 22~23 MPG when I first got it. At first it had Goodyear tires (Badyear Maypop's actually), then switched to Bridgestone, same MPG. Latest tires are Michelin Symmetry. MPG is now about 26~27. Similar increase in MPG on my 240D, about 28 on Bridgestones, about 31~32 on the Michelins. If you do the math, it means the Michelins are basically free, considering the fuel cost savings. YMMV

I bought the oil and filters at an MB dealer, filter box is sealed with tape sporting the MB star and says made in Austria. I have read enough here to be very cautious about vaccum lines. Thanks.

[vstech]

be the result of a defective odometer. they are very prone to failure.
check against mile posts to be sure you are reporting the mileage you are driving.
John

[sixto]

Greater wheel circumference than spec can throw off the odometer.

Sixto