I am newbee to this forum and a proud owner of a 1991 190e 2.6.
Does it really hurt the engine if I use 87 or 89 octane instead of 93 that I have been using.
Esp. considering the soring gas prices, I would really appreciate an insight into this issue.
Since the W201s do not have modern "anti-knock" sensors that will alter the timing in response to pre-detonation, using a lower octane fuel than specified is false economy and risky for your engine.
If you want better fuel economy, make sure your tire pressures are good, change oil frequently, don't use the A/C at night, highway driving at 55-60 gets better MPG than going faster.
There are lots of threads on this issue here and on other MB forums.
Although there are those who will give all kinds of advice -- particularly when they've only leased their cars, so they think it offers some license to abuse them -- stick with the recommendations for your car.
Basically most manufacturers nowadays engineer their cars to use whatever unleaded fuel you put in them, be it 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 or...102. :) The feedback loops actually will take advantage of higher octanes and adjust the engine accordingly.
However, on some models -- and some manufacturers -- this is not the case. The engine design, including compression ratios, valve gear timing and specs, and other considerations result in a mandate (not a recommendation) that the engine use a particular minimum octane rating. And that is still the case with MB cars, you have to use the minimum they specify.
I laugh out loud when I see Americans complaining about fuel at what? 2.50 a gallon? We pay 4.50 euro a gallon (5.40 dollars) and think ourselves a bit lucky in Ireland as our neighbours in UK are paying about 4.00 pounds sterling which is about 7 dollars![:0][:0][:0]
Anyway as stated buy the fuel the engine was designed for, any less is going to cause damage and thats much more expensive.
Thank you so much guys. wow! such quick replies awsome!
Got your point gregs and MTI. It did make me wonder how many othr guys were talking bout using low octane fuel for MB models.
n ur right mike in europe and asia gas is a diff story. we are spoilt in US [}:)]
yeah... we're spoilt in the USA.
I am still laughing every time I get gas.
Used to drive a Smart car when I back in NL last year for my holiday - actually spent more money on fuel than over here ( even knowing the Smart did over 50 MPG instead of 22-23 MPG for my W201)
as for the fuel.... yes definitely stick with what is recommended for your car. I always go for higher octane fuel. Better economy and the ride is much smoother.
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after driving my 84 190E 2.3 on both prem and reg - I get better milage and performance per penny using the prem. Also make sure your air cleaner gets cleaned / replaced quite regularly too.
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