To E85 or not to E85?

[masoncop]

Sorry if this has already been discussed but I am trying to find some direction on whether or not to use the straight E85 in my 2008 ML350. What are advantages/disadvantages in using this fuel. Should I at least try it?

Thanks.

[lkchris]

The answer to this is painfully simple--if Mercedes approves it you can do it. If not, it would be foolish.

AFAIK, the only E85-approved Mercedes is a C-class.

[masoncop]

I'm a retard.....sorry.....I was talking about my wifes c300. After doing some other reading it seems that until the price of the E85 goes down that it is not cost effective to use it just yet. Not with a 20-25% decrease in MPG.

[94Wagenmeister]

Exactly correct. If it makes you feel good paying more for lower MPGs - for whatever reason - then do it. I used to run it in an agency-provided Taurus and had trouble in the cold weather. But it ran just fine either way.

[Kwik SC]

The good thing about E85 is the performance aspect.. Because it is 85% methanol you get the cooling effects of the alcohol while maintaining pump gas driveability.. What does that mean? On the Twin Turbo and Supercharged models a retuned chip could net you 50% plus HP over a regular tune with no negative aspects like you would get if you ran leaded gas in the car (ie: damaging catalytic convertors, paying $15 a gallon) The only drawback is it would require an update to your fuel system..

If there was an E85 station in my area I would in a heartbeat switch over and then have my S600 tuned for it.. I guarantee the car would make 150+ more HP yet I would be able to drive up the gas station and fill er up!! The only limit would be the transmission then..

[cbruce76]

I have on '07 C230 and I filled up with E85 for the first time today because the cost was 22% less than the cost of premium. So, I can take the hit on the mileage and still come out spending about the same, and feel good about doing my part to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

[hmankin]

Get your facts correct people; it's a 15% to 20% mpg hit on low performance engines. You will see a 5% to 10% decrease on mpg on high performance engines such as ours. Match this with cooler running engines, better lubrication (no olefins such as in gas) no carbon build-up on pistons, rings, injectors, plugs; expect to double if not tripple your engine life!!!! oh and more power as most of you mentioned.

I will be installing a FFI fuel flex international kit on my 2001 CLK320 this week and will let you know what I find on the items listed above. A gas station on route 109 on Long Island will be selling E85 this week.

BTW, it is a complete myth that the ehtanol in E85 (not methanol) will destroy your gas line.

BTWW, don't you mean ECM not PCM? Either way, how can I update (reprogram) my ECM for more HP? I have seen ECM upgrades in magz and online, but don't trust them.

All the best!

[Musikmann]

As long as 100% petroleum fuel is available I plan to use it in the Benz.

[steve e class limo]

Originally Posted by hmankin

Get your facts correct people; it's a 15% to 20% mpg hit on low performance engines. You will see a 5% to 10% decrease on mpg on high performance engines such as ours. Match this with cooler running engines, better lubrication (no olefins such as in gas) no carbon build-up on pistons, rings, injectors, plugs; expect to double if not tripple your engine life!!!! oh and more power as most of you mentioned.

I will be installing a FFI fuel flex international kit on my 2001 CLK320 this week and will let you know what I find on the items listed above. A gas station on route 109 on Long Island will be selling E85 this week.

BTW, it is a complete myth that the ehtanol in E85 (not methanol) will destroy your gas line.

BTWW, don't you mean ECM not PCM? Either way, how can I update (reprogram) my ECM for more HP? I have seen ECM upgrades in magz and online, but don't trust them.

All the best!

MORE POWER cool , can you post a list of parts and mods needed cheers