Unless you want some expensive repairs down the road. Save a little gas money now and pay a huge bunch on repairs. You decide.
Is it horrible to put 87 octane in my car
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
The world is full of places where even 87 octane is not available. The engine can adapt to lower octane, but you will lose performance, and your mileage will go down. At 20 cents a gallon less, it does not make economic sense to use regular gas.
Your car will be fine, but your wallet will suffer.
Your car will be fine, but your wallet will suffer.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
05 c230K
For seven years I've put 87 octane in it. Every fill up except the first two. My car runs fine and trouble free. I average 29.6 mpg from day one. I'm now at over 110k miles. I dont see how 110k miles of an extra 20-30 cents per gallon would have helped
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,580
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From: San Francisco Bay area
C63 AMG
When I first got my car I asked the sales man at the dealer if I should put in regular or premium, he told me it doesn't matter. Then I spoke to one of the techs there and he said to only put in premium. Right now I normally put in the highest option they have at the pump (normally 91) in my car. I have put regular in a few times and didn't really notice a direct difference. As others said, pay an small amount now and save money in the future on repairs. Also you get more power and better gas millage so why not
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Middletown
Mercedes Benz C280
at 20 or 30 cents a gallon extra you are litterally saving like a $1.50 per fill up.. You drive a benz for christ sake.. Its ok to splurge.. Next you 'll be wanting to use non synthetic oil for your oil changes..
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 858
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From: New Joisey
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
let me share my story .......I used to put in 87 octane in my 07 C280.....bought it at 42k miles currently at 84k miles. So i started with the similar mind set going cheap on gas and for the first 3-5 months put in regular 87 octane gas must have put 20-30k miles on the car then the check engine light popped......got burned/slammed/absued etc etc.... by buddies here.....BUT with their help was able to resolve the check engine light issue, replaced all 4 knock sensor up front and switched to premium cost be $30 for each sensor and I DIYed it reset the check engine code and was good.
Now I am at 84k miles and have the check engine light popped again.........on diagnosis the following could be potential costs that I am looking at.....if have to replace the upstream oxygen sensors $177-$400 per sensor and the car needs 2 plus the labor cannot DIY it as it is in a very tight location........if I have to replace the down stream sensors they are any where from $75 - $99 per sensor and the car needs 2 I can easily DIY this one......currently am going with the option of replacing the air mass sensor as my indy dignosed the codes and advised to do so. Cost of the air mass sensor after applying the cupon code is $183 at rmeuropean the cost of this can range any where from $199 - $375........
Not saying that all of the above can be related to the cheap gas but most likely are the expensive parts which might get affected by putting in cheap gas as they are all emission related......
hope my above explanation helps......please switich to premium gas and avoid all these expenses........
javvy
Now I am at 84k miles and have the check engine light popped again.........on diagnosis the following could be potential costs that I am looking at.....if have to replace the upstream oxygen sensors $177-$400 per sensor and the car needs 2 plus the labor cannot DIY it as it is in a very tight location........if I have to replace the down stream sensors they are any where from $75 - $99 per sensor and the car needs 2 I can easily DIY this one......currently am going with the option of replacing the air mass sensor as my indy dignosed the codes and advised to do so. Cost of the air mass sensor after applying the cupon code is $183 at rmeuropean the cost of this can range any where from $199 - $375........
Not saying that all of the above can be related to the cheap gas but most likely are the expensive parts which might get affected by putting in cheap gas as they are all emission related......
hope my above explanation helps......please switich to premium gas and avoid all these expenses........
javvy
Last edited by Javvy; Jun 5, 2012 at 11:54 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
See post number 3 by Moviela for a good answer. I can use 87 without any real difference, as well. I've done it many times. The car is perfectly capable of adapting. The performance lost is extremely minor. It's only 4hp difference in a 300hp Lexus, for example.
My car also doesn't seem to suffer MPG losses on 87.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
let me share my story .......I used to put in 87 octane in my 07 C280.....bought it at 42k miles currently at 84k miles. So i started with the similar mind set going cheap on gas and for the first 3-5 months put in regular 87 octane gas must have put 20-30k miles on the car then the check engine light popped......got burned/slammed/absued etc etc.... by buddies here.....BUT with their help was able to resolve the check engine light issue, replaced all 4 knock sensor up front and switched to premium cost be $30 for each sensor and I DIYed it reset the check engine code and was good.
Now I am at 84k miles and have the check engine light popped again.........on diagnosis the following could be potential costs that I am looking at.....if have to replace the upstream oxygen sensors $177-$400 per sensor and the car needs 2 plus the labor cannot DIY it as it is in a very tight location........if I have to replace the down stream sensors they are any where from $75 - $99 per sensor and the car needs 2 I can easily DIY this one......currently am going with the option of replacing the air mass sensor as my indy dignosed the codes and advised to do so. Cost of the air mass sensor after applying the cupon code is $183 at rmeuropean the cost of this can range any where from $199 - $375........
Not saying that all of the above can be related to the cheap gas but most likely are the expensive parts which might get affected by putting in cheap gas as they are all emission related......
hope my above explanation helps......please switich to premium gas and avoid all these expenses........
javvy
Now I am at 84k miles and have the check engine light popped again.........on diagnosis the following could be potential costs that I am looking at.....if have to replace the upstream oxygen sensors $177-$400 per sensor and the car needs 2 plus the labor cannot DIY it as it is in a very tight location........if I have to replace the down stream sensors they are any where from $75 - $99 per sensor and the car needs 2 I can easily DIY this one......currently am going with the option of replacing the air mass sensor as my indy dignosed the codes and advised to do so. Cost of the air mass sensor after applying the cupon code is $183 at rmeuropean the cost of this can range any where from $199 - $375........
Not saying that all of the above can be related to the cheap gas but most likely are the expensive parts which might get affected by putting in cheap gas as they are all emission related......
hope my above explanation helps......please switich to premium gas and avoid all these expenses........
javvy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Poor quality fuel that leads to carbon build up and low octane fuel are not the same thing. You can buy high quality fuel that is 87 octane (i.e. Chevron Techron regular) or 91-93 octane that is low quality (i.e. Costco 93 Premium).
It's the low quality fuel that will cause carbon build up regardless of octane.
It's the low quality fuel that will cause carbon build up regardless of octane.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I am right about that last statement. Cleanliness of fuel and octane rating are not the same thing. Octane has to do with resistance to pre-ignition/detonation. Knock sensors can adjust timing to stop that.
Detergents in fuel are added by stations. Like Techron for Chevron and Invigorate for BP and V-Power at Shell. These clean the valves in port injected cars.
If 87 octane caused carbon build up can you imagine the number of cars that would be plagued by it?
Detergents in fuel are added by stations. Like Techron for Chevron and Invigorate for BP and V-Power at Shell. These clean the valves in port injected cars.
If 87 octane caused carbon build up can you imagine the number of cars that would be plagued by it?
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
I have had a simple answer, I just run premium in everything. It sort of started with one car and a motorcycle, and then a truck that didn't require it, but hey, the habit was easy to develop. I don't even think about which I get anymore.
It does irk me that metro-Atlanta stations charge 15 cents between each grade. 10 cents I can deal with, and when I leave the area and see other places are still 10 cents it just makes me grumpy, but...I also remember when Georgia had the cheapest gas in the South East. (grumpiness off...sorry)
It does irk me that metro-Atlanta stations charge 15 cents between each grade. 10 cents I can deal with, and when I leave the area and see other places are still 10 cents it just makes me grumpy, but...I also remember when Georgia had the cheapest gas in the South East. (grumpiness off...sorry)
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
(W203s) '04 C240, family member '05 C230 Kompressor
I'm aware of all the arguments above pro and con and know that Mercedes only calls for premium... And, I ONLY USE PREMIUM in my MBZ and BMW, however, just to add another relevant point from a reliable source, Consumer Reports says that higher octane is only for anti-knocking and that if your car runs on regular without knocking, then you're only wasting money for premium gas... I can't quote you the exact volume, issue, article and page but I do remember reading this.
I guess I skeptical about some things I read even when it is from what I consider a "reliable source" and so far I've done as the manufacturer suggests...
Jamie
I guess I skeptical about some things I read even when it is from what I consider a "reliable source" and so far I've done as the manufacturer suggests...
Jamie
Last edited by J.Christian; Jun 7, 2012 at 01:56 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
for those in the US the added cost is only about 20 cents per gallon, here in canada not only do we get ripped off for the price of fuel but the oil companies really charge a premium for premium at 15 to 16 cents per liter or 57 cents per gallon equiv and we only get 91 not the 93 you get south of the boarder
and we are a net exporter of oil so go figure, every other oil producing nation enjoys cheap fuel. BTW 21% of the oil imports to the US is from Canada the single largest foreign supplier
and we are a net exporter of oil so go figure, every other oil producing nation enjoys cheap fuel. BTW 21% of the oil imports to the US is from Canada the single largest foreign supplier
Last edited by Boom vang; Jun 8, 2012 at 12:48 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I've been running cheapo 87 for several years now. Started as an experiment, and realized I couldn't even tell there was a drop in mileage or performance. I don't even bother with Chevron. Then again, in Vancouver all of the gasoline sold comes from only 2 or so refineries (ie the gas is more or less identical minus the additives). Maybe in the States it's different?
The only problems I've had from my car of late is of an electrical nature. Unless cheap gas somehow affects your electronics.
Maybe it's different in Europe or USA, but the manual in Canada mentions something about not using more than 2/3 throttle if you put in 87, and that the car WILL still run. Works for me as I drive like a granny.
Not every place in North America has premium. This is probably one of the perks of having a US-spec (Canada follows 95% of US regulations for motor vehicles) car.
The only problems I've had from my car of late is of an electrical nature. Unless cheap gas somehow affects your electronics.
Maybe it's different in Europe or USA, but the manual in Canada mentions something about not using more than 2/3 throttle if you put in 87, and that the car WILL still run. Works for me as I drive like a granny.
Not every place in North America has premium. This is probably one of the perks of having a US-spec (Canada follows 95% of US regulations for motor vehicles) car.
Last edited by slammer111; Jun 8, 2012 at 10:37 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
When the engine is knocking from pre-ignition, the piston is rattling in its bore.
To me that is not acceptable. You can use any fuel you want it's your car,but, when it's time to sell your car will you tell the buyer that you fed your car's engine proper diet?
The engine's computer will retard the timing to stop the pre-ignition, that means you have to put your foot on the throttle a little more if you want to accelerate at the same rate as with higher octane fuel.
If the people that designed the engine recommend premium fuel, then use it.
To me that is not acceptable. You can use any fuel you want it's your car,but, when it's time to sell your car will you tell the buyer that you fed your car's engine proper diet?
The engine's computer will retard the timing to stop the pre-ignition, that means you have to put your foot on the throttle a little more if you want to accelerate at the same rate as with higher octane fuel.
If the people that designed the engine recommend premium fuel, then use it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
This is exactly the point. Can these engines tolerate regular - sure they can - they have a very forgiving ECU tune to protect the engine & run on crap in many areas of the world. On standard map all this means is that you will be running with retarded timing continuously which effects engine efficiency negatively. As the knock sensor detects the onset of knock the ECU will simply retard the timing to prevent it.
The only time you can do engine damage is if the fuel is so low in octane rating that the ECU can't retard the timing sufficiently.
The only time this is an issue is if people fiddle with Star & select a more aggressive engine map for higher octane fuel (that is available in the menu).
If your car has an aftermarket tune don't run on regular.
That said - for best performance & mpg (efficiency) run on the fuel octane rating prescribed by the OEM which is always Premium in the US.
Octane rating is a fuel's resistance to knock, pinging, pre ignition, detonation by whatever name you know it ~ high or low speed.
Octane rating & deposit formation are not directly related. Deposits are formed by using poorly refined gasoline that contains alphaltines etc.
The only time you can do engine damage is if the fuel is so low in octane rating that the ECU can't retard the timing sufficiently.
The only time this is an issue is if people fiddle with Star & select a more aggressive engine map for higher octane fuel (that is available in the menu).
If your car has an aftermarket tune don't run on regular.
That said - for best performance & mpg (efficiency) run on the fuel octane rating prescribed by the OEM which is always Premium in the US.
Octane rating is a fuel's resistance to knock, pinging, pre ignition, detonation by whatever name you know it ~ high or low speed.
Octane rating & deposit formation are not directly related. Deposits are formed by using poorly refined gasoline that contains alphaltines etc.
