scootr29

Hello everyone...I have a new C230 and it was showing a check engine light. I took it to the dealersjip and it needed an ECM update for fuel mapping. The tech said that the computer was having a hard time with the E85 fuel. And I had been running E85.

I will keep you updated on the car. Check with the service department to get your computer updated if your check engine light shows up.

Scott

e1000

lol - you should get vanity plates that say "CORNFED"

amdeutsch

You might want to do a search using search word 'E85' for more info on using it.

e1000

he should just be able to pump E85 into it and run it like normal, no?

scootr29

Yes since it clearly states on the inside of the fuel lid that E85 is acceptable.

Just giving a heads up.

amdeutsch

OK, hint since some are to lazy to STFF. Compare mpg with E85 and then again mpg with Premium. Now calculate the $ cost differential and apply it to the differences in mpg. There is a lot of this on the web as well as on this forum. There is more to it than just a cheaper $/gal when comparing both. While you are at it compare BTUs as well.

scootr29

Here is my experience with E85 vs Premium.

SC Gas Prices:

E85 ranges from $2.02 to $2.05 a gallon...average $2.03

Premium ranges from $2.35 to $2.50 a gallon...average $2.42

One tank of E85 will get 27mpg

One tank of Premium will get 28.5mpg

Do the math...you will come out ahead using the E85 in the state of SC.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

amdeutsch

Interesting gas prices. Wonder what the difference is between prices posted on the web here.

scootr29

Misprints corrected in the message above.

Also around here the E85 is lower than regular unleaded...I wonder how many people are running E85 in their cars that are not designed for them????

Scott

amdeutsch

Those numbers look like purely highway. What about strictly city. If that holds true then MB has done improvements in efficiency. My past experience, on a stronger motror, C320, showed worse differential.

scootr29

My time is spent purely highway....I had a 2006 C230 with a manual tranny and would see 30 - 31 mpg using premium. Generally city driving would knock me down to 25-26mpg.

I have gotten a new 2007 C230 with an automatic and the best I have seen is 28.5mpg coming back from MI 2 weeks ago. I am thinking with a little more break in on the engine it should be getting to 29-30 mpg.

I was amazed by the mpg numbers as a whole.

Scott