Well, I got it.

Where did you get the idea it will get 30 mpg?

My brother's 86 300E got 30+. In practical terms I'm looking toward 25+ but will work for more.

Has anyone tried running the next hotter plug in the engine. My (recently deceased) 91 Camry mileage jumped from 32mpg to 36mpg when I went with the next hotter plug and used 93 octane. Is this an useful thing to do with the E320 engine?

Collin

I doubt you will see anything better than 26 on the Highway. Remember, you have a real havy car for the power. I run Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. With a compete tune-up, I was able to get 26 with the windows up and the heater on (it was February). I average 20mpg city/highway. The 97 isn't a whole lot sleeker than my 89, but it is heavier.

Shoot, they come rated around 24mpg from the dealer.

Thanks. That's useful to know. Mid 20s will be a practical target. My driving is almost all highway, about 100 miles/day. After work I'm going to pick up some new plugs & a case of oil.

The only real issue on the exterior is that one edge of the top trim is coming up. I need to figure out how to make it sit flat against the roof. Thoughts, anyone?

Collin

I've owned the same model since new. I'm able to achieve 26.9 mpg on long freeway trips at consistent 65 mph; I don't bother checking local driving for I know it will be lower. The EPA for this model was 20 and 27 mpg.

I installed Bosch Platinum plugs - pre gapped with two grounding electrodes. They work fine but so did the original Bosch conventional plugs!

You should know that this model had a recall for its side door airbags in July 2000. You can call MBUSA to check if this update was done (free) to your car.

The only thing that I've noticed is that the car's front wheel toe-in really affects its steering and tire wear. Check the toe-in if you notice that the steering seems "squirley" at low speeds or that the tires are wearing excessively.

Otherwise, the E320 is a fine freeway cruiser that will give you a lot of satisfaction.

Looks like a trip to Wisconsin (from Columbus, OH) tomorrow to my grandmother's funeral on Sat.

I'll report the milage back to the NG.

Collin

Thanks for the air bag update. I'm planning to send in the little card for having purchased it used. But I guess a call would accomplish the same thing.

Collin

Condolences!

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling

Thank you.

I have a 2005 E320 with about 7K miles on it. On a trip to Virginia a month ago with the AC and running at a pretty constant 65 MPH, I averaged 31.6 MPG. Driving around town at home, I get around 23...