C180 fuel consumption

[janaka]

I just got a 1996 C180 auto aparently in pretty good nick even though its done 84k.

Although I am not driving aggressively, Its doing only 23 mpg in town .

This is my first Merc but I was expecting at least 28 mpg.Is this normal?

Tried switching to E but havent had chance yet to finish the second full tank.

Or should I grit my teeth and accept that this is part of the price of driving a nicer car?

 

[jaymanek]

you should be using S mode. This is standard. W (or E) is for winter and causes the car to use more fuel.

 

[janaka]

town mpg for 1996 c180

Thanks for that but someone actually tell me what the town mpg should be pls

 

[wagamama]

you can check the MPG's on MB website

 

[Aletank]

I've got a 1999 C200 Auto (57,000 miles) most of my driving is town driving and I get the low 20'sMPG normally about 22.
If I do motorway milage its around the 30 mark.

I'd say your MPG is normal/about right

 

[janaka]

you should be using S mode. This is standard. W (or E) is for winter and causes the car to use more fuel.

I have tried E for one tank of petrol doing the same journeys and got 26 mpg!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

you should be using S mode. This is standard. W (or E) is for winter and causes the car to use more fuel.

E is for Economy though...

The only difference is, is that it doesnt use 2nd gear isnt it?

 

[NormanB]

I don't think it affects the 2nd gear start. To compare performance in 'E or S': In 'E' all other things been equal, the change thresholds are lower so you end up in top gear earlier. In 'S' mode then the converse is true and the box will hang on to a gear longer (higher rpm) which will take advantage of the increasing torque - particularly in a petrol engine, therefore the car will accelerate quicker and achieve top gear later ( the combination of higher revving/achieving top gear later consumes relatively more fuel).

The above is a comparison, all things been equal. Of course even in 'E' you can put the lead boot on, achieve kickdown, burn rubber and hoover petrol to your hearts content!