E85?

Oct 2, 2007 | 04:47 PM

SilverMPower

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From: San Jose, CA

2008 C300, 2005 Odyssey Touring

E85?

I noticed today while getting gas that the gas cap door says 'Premium Unleaded or E85 only'.

Has anyone actually used E85 in a W204 yet?

Oct 2, 2007 | 04:53 PM

MBTex

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From: San Antonio

2008 C350

I'm not aware of how it works exactly, but I do know the cars are Flex Feul cars so they can run on both.

My question is whether or not it is possible to switch back and forth or do you have to go with unleaded or ethanol only? And, if you can switch back and forth, is it possible to fill a tank that is 1/4 full of gas with ethanol?

I'm not any sort of petroleum engineer so the way that stuff mixes is over my head.

Oct 2, 2007 | 05:23 PM

oblu

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From: Kirkland, WA

c300

for what it's worth, wiki says they can be mixed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexfuel

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you'll get fewer miles on a gallon of E85. But the real point is for manufacturers to get CAFE credit for selling a FFV.

I'd love to try it out, but theres only a single public E85 station in the entire state of WA; and it's nowhere near anywhere that anybody'd want to go.

Oct 2, 2007 | 05:30 PM

AsianML

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From: West Michigan

2007 E63

My van can run on E85 fuel. I tried it out Iowa where it seems like there will NEVER be a shortage of corn (LOL) and got slightly worse gas mileage compared regular fuel. Comparing the price of the two fuels and the gas mileage they deliver, E85 was not worth it for me and the van.

If you're willing, try it out on your C and see if it's worth it or not.

Oct 2, 2007 | 05:58 PM

MBTex

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From: San Antonio

2008 C350

There are a few stations in my city where I can get it...I might give it a try.

Only slightly off topic, I heard that it takes 1.1 gallons of gasoline to produce 1 gallon of E85 so I'm not sure how it helps the environment. But I will give it a try and see if there are any issues.

Oct 2, 2007 | 09:57 PM

RLE

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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA

'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944

E85

<<I'm not aware of how it works exactly, but I do know the cars are Flex Fuell cars so they can run on both. My question is whether or not it is possible to switch back and forth or do you have to go with unleaded or ethanol only? And, if you can switch back and forth, is it possible to fill a tank that is 1/4 full of gas with ethanol?>>

Since my incoming C300 is a flex-fuel vehicle, I asked my "personal Tech" at my dealer what he knew about it. He has been to school on the car so knew the answer.

To switch from premium gas to E85, the car should have less than five gallons in the tank with the reserve light off. Then when the oxygen sensors detect a lean condition caused by the 85% ethanol mix, the signal is sent to the engine management control unit and mixture is richened up, flowing more fuel. Which is why fuel mileage is lower.

Oct 3, 2007 | 09:30 AM

Chaz00Blue

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From: North Carolina

2008 C-350 Palladium Silver and MM.

E85 is 15% Gasoline and 85% Ethanol. Ethanol does not burn as efficiently as gasoline, and therefore gas millage will be significantly lower. Ethanol also tends to burn hotter in the engine.

My question is, if it will run fine on E85, then how can it possibly need premium fuel? If I have my facts straight the Octane rating for E85 is lower then regular gas.