Hey I was wondering what would happen if I put regular gas in my 96 c280. It is required to put premium, but what is the actual reason for this? Is it just to boost some extra horsepower or is it an integrated factor in the design of the car.
You will over time damage engine components and catalytic converters... car will not perform and you will start to have hesitation issues.
If you are concerned about having to use premium fuel... sell your car and buy a Honda... this is one of the many things you have to commit to when you decide to purchase a Mercedes-Benz.
Don't be cheap and cut corners... you will not like the outcome.
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2000 C230K -- Travertine Beige Metallic
2002 ML320 -- Alabaster White
2002 ML320 -- Brilliant Silver - Dad's
1991 300CE -- Blue Black Metallic -- 129,000 miles -- Sold
1981 300SD -- Classic White -- 190,000 miles -- Sold
1977 240D -- Over 300k miles (Wrecked) -- My 1st car
As you can see by reading the different threads, everyone has their opinion on gas. I've run both regular and 89 in my 2000 C230, along with a tank of 93 occasionally and, to be honest, can't tell much of a difference in performance. I doubt that running anything but premium will screw up your emissions system. Remember, you are running a computer controlled car that adjusts for the differences in air flow, fuel, etc. I'm sure that the car doesn't perform quite as well running regular but, unless you are pushing the car hard (very aggressive driving), the average person won't recognize the difference in performance.
By the way, you will get the same number of opinions when discussing synthetic vs non-synthetic oils.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE..CONSIDER THIS...
i calculated the difference of having premium vs regular here in my area (toronto canada).
regular= 1.22$/ liter
premium= 1.33$ /liter
I always fill up with around 60liters of gas..around 3 times a month.
so... regular=$1.22 x 60 liters = $73.2
premium= $1.33 x 60 liters= $79.8
difference of $6.60 per fill x 3/month= $19.8
Premium is more expensive by only 20$ a month which is around 1,500kms for me. I think that is a fair price for the peace of mind that i get from knowing that I am filling my car with the recommended gas and therefore prolonging the life of my engine.
It's not a matter of opinon... If the car wasn't required to run Premium... they wouldn't post it everywhere... on the car, in the manual, in the service and warranty book... come on
And on the oil... god please tell me you use approved synthetic... if not, you better be putting some money away for a new engine in the near future.
Last edited by '91 300CE : 04-29-2008 at 07:21 AM.
i calculated the difference of having premium vs regular here in my area (toronto canada).
regular= 1.22$/ liter
premium= 1.33$ /liter
I always fill up with around 60liters of gas..around 3 times a month.
so... regular=$1.22 x 60 liters = $73.2
premium= $1.33 x 60 liters= $79.8
difference of $6.60 per fill x 3/month= $19.8
Premium is more expensive by only 20$ a month which is around 1,500kms for me. I think that is a fair price for the peace of mind that i get from knowing that I am filling my car with the recommended gas and therefore prolonging the life of my engine.
Well said!
__________________
1. 1988 420SEL (01/07/2005 to 04/22/2005)
2. 1990 420SEL (11/01/2005 to 11/17/2006)
3. 1995 S420 (12/02/2006 to 07/25/2007)
4. 1998 C230 in Black Opal Pearl Metallic (02/17/2007 to Present)
Mercedes uses high compression ratio motors in order to get maximum power out of minimum displacement. This involves more advanced spark timing than in a lower compression ratio motor. Premium fuel is required to prevent pre-detonation of fuel in the combustion chamber (knock).
If you use lower octane fuel the engine's knock sensor will detect this and will respond by retarding the spark timing to compensate. This will result in less power.
I can't say if you will be causing damage to other parts of your car by using regular or mid-grade fuel, I just don't know. But for the $20 a month difference between using premium and regular (thanks for the breakdown, GlennSter) wouldn't you rather just enjoy the car working as designed by the manufacturer? I don't think you'll save any money in the long run because the car will have to work harder to make the same amount of power. Working harder uses more fuel. It might end up being a wash, or it might end up costing you more.
Hey I was wondering what would happen if I put regular gas in my 96 c280. It is required to put premium, but what is the actual reason for this? Is it just to boost some extra horsepower or is it an integrated factor in the design of the car.
If anyone has any info, it would be appreciated
Thanks
Pedram
MB's are HIGH COMPRESSION Engines. Because of High Compression Engines you need Higher Octane.
Cars such as MB, Porsche, Corvette, Lamborghini etc are High Compression Engines. By and large you will find HCE in Luxury, Super Sport Cars.
If you use a Lower Octane Fuel, the Engine is not spec'd out for that.
You may or may not "see" or "feel" a performance problem.
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Charles Orlando, Florida United States of America
The manual spells out exactly what fuel to use and it's spelled out for a reason.
MB is not an oil company, so they're not stringing you along to make more money selling premium fuel.
It's a higher compression engine that runs properly with premium fuel.
Why do we have to go over this topic again and again.
Good discussion on this subject over in the "E" class section...guess 'cause I've a "C"class, they didn't bother to reply to my query. Query: What is the highest octane fuel permissible in a Benz. I was thinking about filling up with some 100+ octane racing fuel (unleaded of course) and seeing if there is any change in mileage and performance.Mine is an '05 230Kompressor. Wouldn't think of running regular in it. Fuel cost does not factor into this experiment, if it did, I'd be driving a Honda, Toyota etc. I know my '71 Shadow loved to visit the local airfield from time to time for a litle sip of avgas. Looking forward to a reply.
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