[W126 Coupe] Economy gauge: 1990 560 SEC

[Andrew Sporner]

Well I have a new Benz and I think the older method was better.

In the new one (at least on my car) the consumption goes to maximum
(20l/100km)
and on the old car it really reflected what the engine was using at the
time.  I would
think they could have handled a "special case" so that the minimum fuel
usage would
be displayed.


Andy

On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 4:40 PM, <FPecar4525 at aol.com> wrote:


>  In a message dated 10/2/2009 5:49:18 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

> rkhallberg at mindspring.com writes:

>

> Lou,

>

> Based on how the "Economy" gauge on my 91 560 SEC behaves, I believe it

> is simply a manifold vacuum gauge.  If my assumption is correct, the

> correlation with fuel economy is very crude and basically yields very

> little past a bit of cockpit entertainment.  These cars, I think,

> predate accurate/inexpensive fuel flowmeters used in many of current

> vehicles to furnish data for the calculation and display of true fuel

> economy.

>

> Running in 3rd gear, I think, would keep the engine in a sweeter spot of

> the power curve, but would probably average out to be considerably less

> economical than running in 4th gear and letting the transmission decide

> when a downshift is needed.  These cars are designed for autobahn use

> and tend to be a bit sluggish below somewhere around 80, at which point

> they come alive and perform effortlessly.  My opinion is that they

> primarily should be enjoyed, so, when in the hills, drive it in 3rd if

> it makes you and the car feel better.

>

> Party On!

>

> Richard

>

>  *I agree with Richard*.  *In the "old" days I remember other

> "efficiency/economy" gauges on other vehicles which were merely measurements

> of vacuum at the manifold.  At the time, they were a new way of expressing

> efficiency but once microcomputers began to be introduced into the

> automotive world, went the way of "high button shoes and buggy whips".  That

> said, I love looking at that gauge on my '89 560SEC and yes, sometimes I

> actually alter my acceleration pattern based on what it tells me.*

> **

> *Frank Pecarich*

> **

> Frank Pecarich

>

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