Wondering what "tricks of the trade" you use to get better gasd mileage from your diesel. For example with gas engine they say don't use A/C which is crazy if driving in the heat of summer, but I've heard that a diesel engine mileage doesn't matter if A/C is on or not.

Gas engine you are suppose to drive and go, is it the same for a diesel?

Any other driving tips you can give for getting the most out of a diesel engine is appreciated

Thanks from a former gas engine driver

 

Do not exceed 2000 rpm and you should do just fine...

 

be prepared to not go as fast as your used to going but holding the speed you gain very well.

 

Any driving tricks you use for gas apply equally well with diesel.
For example, turn off A/C, don't floor the pedeloff the line(yah, I know - its a diesel), don't bother warming it upjust drive and go, coast down hills, use the highest possible gear, accelerate slowly and evenly, and use cruise control where practical.

 

air in air out/ clean air filter non restricktive exhaust helps. Std tranny helps due to able to lug the motor more. 2000 rpms and under seem to give the best mpg in any diesel, but if I can afford a benz I'm doing at least the speed limit! It isn't classy to always getting past, I'd rather show them my rear iblem when going by.

 

You mentioned anything different - and I know you are mainly getting at how to get better MPG - but one thing that is different is that if you want a 300D to perform more like a gas engine - I find you keep your accelerator pedal further down and learn to keep the turbo spinning. Basically I listen and feel for the turbo operating - if I am wanting to drive it a little peppier - I make sure I have that turbo winding. Basically my wife, who drives a gas engine most of the time, gets in the 300D and tells me it is slow (her gas car is pretty comparable in performance). I've learned that those who drive diesels, have learned how to work the right foot to get them to accelerate better when they want to. Again I find that the accelerator pedal of a diesel is often operating down lower than on a comparable gas. If you operate a turbo diesel just like a gas, you will find it a lot slower. If you keep the turbo diesel with its turbo winding a bit, you will often find it has pretty decent performance. All this translates into the fact that most diesels I've driven - I drive with the accelerator pedal down further (like 1/3 to mid way), rather than the gas, where you inch it along and back off as it goes to fast. Once you figure that out - a good turbo diesel is pretty fun to drive.