So what mileages are you folks seeing?

Zach Woods said:

Hi Richard -

I guess that likely was me. I just didn't realize I was talking to the same person in two different places - many months apart.

Less than three weeks

In both cases I wanted to make certain we were comparing apples to apples. Folks are very focused on getting the best mileage they can. If they are hearing mileages that are not going to be possible with their vehicle's specifications this is just going to confuse the issue further.

Sounds like we can assume that you are doing the math right to convert volumes and distances properly.

We do know that your Sprinter has both a different engine and a different transmission (that are not available in North America). Both of these could have a big impact on fuel mileage.

You would be right to assume there would be a difference, in engine and auto configurations, but it should be no more than say three miles to the gallon less TOPS ranging in engines from the 308 through to the 616 CDi on the current Sprinters not the new one 2006 onwards.


I also have seen the following repeatedly (admittedly in a very un-scientific survey):

1. Folks that drive at lower highway speeds (60 mph or even lower - goal is to keep engine rev's down at least below 3000 rpm) are consistently getting better mileage.

This is not rocket science it's a proven fact! If one drives within this range you will have up to a 25 to 30% saving in fuel consumption, If you think about it, whilst in this mode your engine is running under almost zero strain it's as good as idle.

2. Folks that accelerate cautiously and manage to keep the turbo from kicking in as much as possible on acceleration are consistently getting better mileage.

Agree; If you can avoid excessive acceleration fuel being pumped into the engine will not require as much fuel to feed the higher RPM output a further saving on fuel, and less wear and tear on the engine management system.

3. Folks that try to maintain as steady a speed as possible (minimize deceleration and, therefore, re-acceleration) are consistently getting better mileage.
Now your seeing the big picture starting to emerge

Case in point: my wife and I both drive our Sprinter and our Mini. I get roughly 1 to 5 (difference is more dramatic in the Mini) mpg more than my wife does. I'm convinced that the difference is due to #'s 3, 2, and then 1, in that order of importance for us.

Proves your above point! different strokes for different Folks

It would be interesting to have some of the mileage champs trade Sprinters with some of the folks who are getting lower mileage. I am pretty convinced that, on average, the mileage figures would follow the drivers more so than the vehicles.

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Yes this does make sense, but it does depend on the given circumstances as to how the vehicle is being driven and where to and at what constant speeds? any thing above 65 miles per hour and the vehicle will consume more fuel.
My personal opinion is DCX made a bad management decision on offering two engines and the standard auto, that was not meant to be used for the larger Sprinters as it is used in the Vitro and VW T5 units it should have been the clutch less Sprintshift, both have been dropped for a new single auto for 2006 onwards it's out of a 2003 Mercedes sedan that will be interesting.

I've had a good look at edmonds and the yahoo spider biters having a constant and repetitive complaints over that auto tranny, it must be obvious to every man and his dog, that there is something seriously wrong in the U.S version of the Sprinter, it's not showing up anywhere else in the volume that is consistently showing up right through the North American sector, I'm starting to think it may be at assemble point down in North Carolina, may be a quality control issue? I mean does any one know how much of the Sprinter is assembled down in the old La France factory?
In the main manual there are fuel rating as to MPG possible between CDB Urban and open highway conditions vary depending on operating conditions, but when I hear 16 MPG and !8 to 20 MPG this is very poor figures for a Mercedes_Sprinter.
I'd be curious as to the MPG on a 316 standard Sprinter to the mid wheel base Sprinter up to the long wheel base Sprinter or even the 414 or 416 forgot which is which just to see a comparison Loaded and unloaded.

Here is a valid point to think about, second hand Sprinters are now starting to circulate form their original point of Origin, some have moved to snow country with out heater blocks as winter hits the U.S fuel changes from Summer to winter Diesel will also effect the economy of the sprinters right down to the point of stalling on a long distance run where intake filters are blocking up with snow which shuts down the Turbo unit , so a little extra care needs to be taken into account prior to a long winter haul with the proper additives to help prevent a possible breakdown , where one could be stuck in the middle of the wop-wop with only Jack frost to keep you company.
The new 2006 Sprinter has moved the intake filters to a different position so it's less unlikely for a filter to block with snow Brrrr'
Richard

rvdriverca said:

2006 153" pw m/h 55-60 mph 22mpg. in TX. flat out at 80mph 14.8 mpg none stop for 4 hrs.

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