Fuel Milage on w115 240d ?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chetwesley · #1 07-23-2008, 02:25 PM

I keep seeing craigslist ads where people claim their 1975 and 1976 240d is getting 35+ MPG. The ones I have seen recently have all been automatic transmissions.

Is there any chance this is true, or are these sellers stretching the truth to sell their cars?

#2 07-23-2008, 02:34 PM

Its called lying.

chetwesley · #3 07-23-2008, 02:40 PM

Maybe their trips are all downhill both ways?

What's a more realistic figure? 30MPG? I know they are a little lighter than the 123's which get, what like 28-32 depending on if it is auto or manual?

pawoSD · #4 07-23-2008, 02:49 PM

Generally people really concerned about mileage probably shouldn't be driving a MB.

If I could afford it I'd drive around in an S600 all day and not think twice about it.

nhdoc · #5 07-23-2008, 02:56 PM

Based upon my experiences with W115 240Ds you will not routinely see 30 MPG with them (in either manual or auto). Usually mid to high 20s is more like it. I think you could see 30 or low 30's on dead level freeway going no more than 60 without AC and with the windows up. People who are saying 35 (or I have seen some claiming 45!) are simply lying. If they lie about that they lie about everything.

#6 07-23-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Generally people really concerned about mileage probably shouldn't be driving a MB.

Right, if mileage is top priority there are dozens of cars that get much much better MPG.

28-32 is a reasonable goal for an automatic 240D if you are using it as a highway cruiser.

chetwesley · #7 07-23-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Generally people really concerned about mileage probably shouldn't be driving a MB.

If I could afford it I'd drive around in an S600 all day and not think twice about it.

I agree you can get much more fuel efficient cars, but I don't know of a more fuel efficient car that you can get for the price ($500-$2000) that is also as dependable and easy to troubleshoot and work on. Also, it is diesel which matters here in California, because it means that you never have to deal with the smog laws or paying to have it tested.

I have looked into getting an old VW diesel due to the fuel economy, but the price of the cars are often as expensive or more, and are more prone to failure than MBs.

For overall combination of economical factors, I think an old MB diesel is actually quite affordable in comparison to almost anything else I can think of... plus you can be pretty certain that you will be able to sell it a few years later for the price you bought it for if you want to... not many other cars that fall into that category.

BTW, if anyone can think of a car that is more economical in the areas mentioned, please name it, because I am in the market for a used car. I'm pretty set on an MB diesel because I have owned two of them before, but I could have my mind changed if there was something else obviously better... (not that I am going to find a lot of opinions about that here

)

Monomer · #8 07-23-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chetwesley

d.

I have looked into getting an old VW diesel due to the fuel economy, but the price of the cars are often as expensive or more, and are more prone to failure than MBs.

On the brightside, parts are far cheaper to replace, and junkyards usually have them by the dozen.

When I'm in the VW, I dont worry about it braking - I worry about someone hitting me. Deathtraps compared to the same vintage MB.

t walgamuth · #9 07-24-2008, 07:41 AM

On my 74 240d automatic it would do 17 to 18 around town and low to mid twenties highway.

Tom W

AlexCole · #10 07-24-2008, 07:58 AM

I filled up this morning and calculated 32.5 mpg. I have a 4 speed manual in a 1975 240D, and this area of Ohio couldn't be any more flat had someone actually designed it that way. I drive it daily, about 40-50 miles per day.

chetwesley · #11 07-24-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks guys for actually answering my question