How long is too long?

Is it bad? Not as bad as it sounds?

I'd just like to know.

Mike McKinney

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1989 300CE - 269,000 km
1994 SL600 - 59,000 km

Supposedly, if you idle more than 3 minutes, you should turn your car off. Also, if your call is idling a lot in traffic, then it needs oil changes more often.
Also, I have heard that it is good to put the trans in neutral if you are stopping for more than a minute, as this gives the trans a little rest. I do this.

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

On the other hand, owners of older diesels who live in northern regions have been known to leave them running all night, like truck drivers, to avoid starting problems the next morning when away from a garage/outlet for block heater.

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Steve
'93 400E