Poor MPG and excessive fumes

[DNB123]

Hi all,

I’ve recently bought a C200 MHEV 1.5l. Love the aesthetics and comfort of the car but I have some concerns about the MPG. I live in an urban area and travel 5 miles or so to work and I’m currently on getting 18mpg day in day out. I’ve taken it on 2 two hour plus motorway journeys and it’s just about got to 33mpg from reset. Is this common with all c200’s? Mercedes states it should be achieving an average of 41mpg. The car is also produces (in my opinion) excessive emissions from the back. I’ve seen other c200’s go past in my area (hence my love for them) and they never seem to be producing these fumes to the extent mine is (appreciate its cold, however it’s been doing it for a month or). Car is under warranty for 2 months more so if there are any faults looking to act.

Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Welcome!

I wouldn’t get too excited about manufacturers mpg claims we all know they are not realistic especially at this time of year any petrol engine does not run efficiently in freezing conditions especially with all the extra ancillary demands on it ie air con, COMAND, headlights etc I think 33mpg is OK you will probably get nearer to 40mpg in summer.

Another thing to consider is the weight of these vehicles my E53 weighs 2.5 tons and is averaging <20 mpg at the moment

 

[dry run]

Welcome

 

[V6Matty]

Another thing to consider is the weight of the right foot

Fixed that for you

 

[brandwooddixon]

The manufacturers consumption rates are rarely, if ever, achievable in day to day driving.
A 5 mile urban journey with a lot of stopping will hit the consumption rates and I suspect that the engine takes a good while to warm up.

A lot of short journeys introduces a lot of water to the exhaust pipe (its a by product of the combustion process). This will take a long time to boil off, until then you will see a lot of water vapour in the exhaust gases. Is this what you are seeing?
Once the initial start-up and catalyst heat up phase is over and engine rpms have dropped, place some paper towel close to the exhaust pipe outlet to see if it gets damp from the water vapour.

 

[Srdl]

Welcome. As has been said, short journeys on cold days will never get good consumption so 18mlg may not be far off, Also, it is quite a heavy car for a 1,5 engine so start stop will use more fuel. Check your tyre pressures though. Under inflated tyres will use more fuel. Correct figures should be inside your fuel filler cap.

 

[DNB123]

Thank you all for your replies! Nice to know there’s some helpful drivers out there!

 

[sonic]

Check you breaks are not binding.