What kind of Octane do you put in your C-Class?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2002
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Premium or Regular?
With a 35 cent difference between 87 and 91 in SoCal, filling up with premium is about $500/year more expensive.
Question: What happens if I fill up my 2002 C320 wagon with regular? Are there long term effects? Will it affect performance or mileage?
Thanks.
Newbii
Question: What happens if I fill up my 2002 C320 wagon with regular? Are there long term effects? Will it affect performance or mileage?
Thanks.
Newbii
Member
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From: Reno, NV
C240/6 Megma Red
Re: Premium or Regular?
Originally posted by MBNewbii
With a 35 cent difference between 87 and 91 in SoCal, filling up with premium is about $500/year more expensive.
Newbii
With a 35 cent difference between 87 and 91 in SoCal, filling up with premium is about $500/year more expensive.
Newbii
If you buy Hyundai or Kia you save even more. Come on you drive a MB you can afford that $500. Sorry have to give IMHO. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
On further thought...I decided to edit content of this post, with consideration to anyone I might have offended... Soonja Kamaswarani and her relatives included.
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
.... PING...
On further thought...I decided to edit content of this post, with consideration to anyone I might have offended... Soonja Kamaswarani and her relatives included.
Last edited by Rick; Jul 22, 2002 at 01:05 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Octane?
If you use a lower octane than recommended you could get premature detonation....'pinging' which
will hurt performance and your engine. Iv'e read where you can have your ECU set by the dealer for your car to accept lower octane gas. I don't know what the performance decrease is. Luckily you have the 3.2 liter engine that has good power to begin with.
will hurt performance and your engine. Iv'e read where you can have your ECU set by the dealer for your car to accept lower octane gas. I don't know what the performance decrease is. Luckily you have the 3.2 liter engine that has good power to begin with.
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
its not a good idea at all. Do you see that sticker on the inside of the fuel door, "Premium Fuel Only" thats should answer your question. Plus you would be amazed at how much gas you would save it you put it in winter mode and start in second gear.
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I guess luckily, we typically only have a 10 cent spread between 87 and 91 octane fuel here in the midwest. So, for me, presuming 12500 miles per year at 25 mpg (based on my current computer average for the past 2500 miles), it is only a $50 difference annually.
Best regards,
CP
P.S. You must do quite bit of driving to have a $500 gap for the 35 cent SoCal difference (at my mpg, that would be almost 36,000 annual miles driven).
Best regards,
CP
P.S. You must do quite bit of driving to have a $500 gap for the 35 cent SoCal difference (at my mpg, that would be almost 36,000 annual miles driven).
Super Member
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From: New Jersey
2008 C300 Sport
Your engine management system probably would compensate for the reduced octane. Of course, you would have a concurrent reduction in engine performance.
You bought a car with the MB tri-star, not the Chrysler penta-star. Do the right thing and use the 91 octane gas that the engine was designed to receive.
You bought a car with the MB tri-star, not the Chrysler penta-star. Do the right thing and use the 91 octane gas that the engine was designed to receive.
Super Member
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
I agree with Zspeed, if you buy a quality car you have to expect to only use quality components. People need to realize that buying the car is only half of ownership, the other half is maintenance. When you figure out how much you can afford for a car you have to factor in all the other aspects. Remember, parts are more expensive for European cars, so anything damaged because of a little skimpping now, can/will lead to more costly repairs in the future.
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ping pong!
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
I have often wondered if its the same buying this octane booster, some people say its not the samething! Try it out, and let us know how it runs on it.
For now, I just get my gas @ costco or sams club. I can't feel ne difference in cheveron, arco or gasahol, which is quite popluar here in the desert!
I don't own a mb yet, but I drive a 300z that takes high octane.
I'm trying to decide on a ml320 or C230k, But I'm afraid of all these complains in quality....
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
I have often wondered if its the same buying this octane booster, some people say its not the samething! Try it out, and let us know how it runs on it.
For now, I just get my gas @ costco or sams club. I can't feel ne difference in cheveron, arco or gasahol, which is quite popluar here in the desert!
I don't own a mb yet, but I drive a 300z that takes high octane.
I'm trying to decide on a ml320 or C230k, But I'm afraid of all these complains in quality....
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
Originally posted by Jimmy101
ping pong!
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
I have often wondered if its the same buying this octane booster, some people say its not the samething! Try it out, and let us know how it runs on it.
For now, I just get my gas @ costco or sams club. I can't feel ne difference in cheveron, arco or gasahol, which is quite popluar here in the desert!
I don't own a mb yet, but I drive a 300z that takes high octane.
I'm trying to decide on a ml320 or C230k, But I'm afraid of all these complains in quality....
ping pong!
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
I have often wondered if its the same buying this octane booster, some people say its not the samething! Try it out, and let us know how it runs on it.
For now, I just get my gas @ costco or sams club. I can't feel ne difference in cheveron, arco or gasahol, which is quite popluar here in the desert!
I don't own a mb yet, but I drive a 300z that takes high octane.
I'm trying to decide on a ml320 or C230k, But I'm afraid of all these complains in quality....
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 867
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From: New Jersey
2008 C300 Sport
Originally posted by Boo2
I can tell a difference between Shell and Amoco here in Chicago, and Amoco is supposed to be on the same level as Shell. It seems to be a cleaner burning gasoline.
I can tell a difference between Shell and Amoco here in Chicago, and Amoco is supposed to be on the same level as Shell. It seems to be a cleaner burning gasoline.
Originally posted by Jimmy101
Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
Originally posted by Mark08859
Amoco is supposed to have fewer contaminants. Perhaps that may explain the difference. Just a guess.
Amoco is supposed to have fewer contaminants. Perhaps that may explain the difference. Just a guess.
Originally posted by Mark08859
The way I understand it, all major gas producers just make two grades. Their lowest, usually 87 octane; and their highest, usually 91, 93, or 94 octane. The pumps actually mix the two types together to make any "in-between" grades.
The way I understand it, all major gas producers just make two grades. Their lowest, usually 87 octane; and their highest, usually 91, 93, or 94 octane. The pumps actually mix the two types together to make any "in-between" grades.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 738
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'01 C240/6
Originally posted by Mark08859
Your engine management system probably would compensate for the reduced octane. Of course, you would have a concurrent reduction in engine performance.
Your engine management system probably would compensate for the reduced octane. Of course, you would have a concurrent reduction in engine performance.
Fact is that just about every car currently sold in the US has the ability to run on 87. The computer compensates the timing so that the engine will not ping.
As Mark points out, the compensation will result in reduced performance, however.
If MB made cars that pinged and predetonated on 87, or damaged their engines on 87, you'd hear complaints throughout the US. Lots of people are cheap (or don't really care, if for example they are just leasing/renting the car) and use 87 octane.
If MB didn't account for those people, there would be lots of trouble.
That being said, one should always use the octane recommended in the Owner's Manual, no more (waste of money) and no less (the car will run optimally on the octane it was designed for).
Last edited by SoCal240/6; Jul 22, 2002 at 05:59 PM.
Super Member
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Posts: 577
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
The manual states that any-octane gas lower than 91 should ONLY be used in emergencies, and in that case very very very sparingly. They say to only fill up with a few gallons of lower-octane gas at most and then find a source for 91 octane ASAP.
What's the MPG difference between standard driving and winter mode? (24 MPG vs. ???)
Originally posted by TimmyC230boy
its not a good idea at all. Do you see that sticker on the inside of the fuel door, "Premium Fuel Only" thats should answer your question. Plus you would be amazed at how much gas you would save it you put it in winter mode and start in second gear.
its not a good idea at all. Do you see that sticker on the inside of the fuel door, "Premium Fuel Only" thats should answer your question. Plus you would be amazed at how much gas you would save it you put it in winter mode and start in second gear.
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Posts: 2,924
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
i'm not really sure, but it would almost have to be better. The car doesnt rev as high, it better for city drivingcause once you get up to speed its all the same.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by Jimmy101
ping pong!
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
ping pong!
If ur that cheap, then buy the 99 cent octane booster @ pepboys!!!
Its better then nothing. Having worked @ a gas station I can
tell you all that gas is gas, gas does not come in 89 or 91 octane, the trucker basically adds the chemicals to it!
There definetly is a difference between brands as some like Chevron add additional additives beyond what the goverment mandates. Personally I would never put ARCO, Shell or no-name brand fuels in my car.
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From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
I have never put anything im my car but shell premium fuel i belive its 93 or 94 octance but i actually forgot. I am kinda picky when it comes to gas. Dont ask why but i never had anything but shell premium fuel in my cars.
Super Member
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
Originally posted by BlackC230Coupe
I have never put anything im my car but shell premium fuel i belive its 93 or 94 octance but i actually forgot. I am kinda picky when it comes to gas. Dont ask why but i never had anything but shell premium fuel in my cars.
I have never put anything im my car but shell premium fuel i belive its 93 or 94 octance but i actually forgot. I am kinda picky when it comes to gas. Dont ask why but i never had anything but shell premium fuel in my cars.
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From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Pinging is the short term effect....save a few cents at the pump today...and make your service rep a happy guy when he rebuilds your valve train/cam assembly at $94 per hour....oh, and warranty probably wont cover this.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Dexter, Michigan, USA
2002 C230k
Originally posted by Rick
Pinging is the short term effect....save a few cents at the pump today...and make your service rep a happy guy when he rebuilds your valve train/cam assembly at $94 per hour....oh, and warranty probably wont cover this.
Pinging is the short term effect....save a few cents at the pump today...and make your service rep a happy guy when he rebuilds your valve train/cam assembly at $94 per hour....oh, and warranty probably wont cover this.
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From: New Jersey
2008 C300 Sport
Originally posted by preyx
What's the MPG difference between standard driving and winter mode? (24 MPG vs. ???)
What's the MPG difference between standard driving and winter mode? (24 MPG vs. ???)
