Lagunatic

I was reading my 2002 C32 AMG manual last night to learn more about this car I just bought 2 days ago. There is a section that mentions E85 fuel and I'm wondering if the '02 C32 AMG is a flex-fuel car? The gas lid states "Premium Fuel Only" but I wasn't sure if this includes E85.

I have a '05 Chevy Suburban that will run the E85 gasohol. In Illinois there are a good number (still too few) of gas stations that carry E85 but there is one a few miles from where I live. I have found the MPG to be ~20% less than good 'ole unleaded but it's usually cheaper. The general rule of thumb is that E85 only makes financial sense if the price/gallon of E85 =< price/gallon of unleaded / 1.33.

For those of you more concerned with performance, E85 is said to have a 5% HP gain over unleaded. FWIW, I'm still not convinced E85 is a viable alternative to gas but it's nice to know if it's even an option on my C32.

amgmark

I have seen other people state that it would be a no no for our c32. I would stick to premium..

Hal H

You can use a MAX blend of 10% / 90% in the non-flex fuel versions.

the only W203 that was flex-fuel was the C320 models. These probably have different fuel system components that can tolerate the higher ethanol / methanol levels without adverse effects. Some of the rubber & metal parts in the fuel systems don't tolerate higher levels of alcohol very well unless they are designed for that kind of use

Might also have different ECM and possibly higher flow rate injectors to compensate for the flex fuel. Most cars that run E85 have to run richer to compensate for the lower energy content (BTU's) of E85 vs. gasoline blends that are <15% blends of alcohol.

Lagunatic

Thanks for the info. I'll stick with the premium gas.

Fifth Ring

So the manual "mentions" E85 but does not say that you can or cannot use it?

Lagunatic

The manual for my C32AMG covers many different C series MBs, not just the AMG. Since the manual is not specific to my model, I'm guessing that at least one of the C series cars accepts E85, but not all. Unfortunately, the manual does not specify which model it is. Based on Hal H's post, it sounds like the C320 was the flex-fuel car in the series.

jayitx

There's a section of my 2004 C32 manual (pages 353-355) that covers E85 fuel. Right on page 354 it says "Flexible Fuel Vehicles are identified by a label reading Premium Gasoline or E85 only! on fuel filler flap." It also goes on to say "For best performance and driveability it is recommended to use either one or the other fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates between the two different fuels should be avoided if possible."

clkcadet

you serious? if i can find an e85 station in my area im gonna try it out!

Lagunatic

Here you go, good luck...

http://www.e85fuel.com/database/search.php

clkcadet

nothing in my area, would have been nice to have though.

FrankW

we have a Shell gas station that's 91octane with 10% Ethanol and the gas price is always lower than other stations. I had run on them for quite a while till I read the tiny *** label that said they mix 10% ethanol.

jgsx

The owners manual explicitly says that you should never use E85 in the C32

NitrogenBalance

I've seen this 10% E85 sticker on many pumps in my area. What exactly could be the long term result of using this. I understand the harm posibilities with regard to rubber/less tolerable parts. I mean is this something that the gas stations should make more apparent?? Similar to Frank W. I was going to mobil(no longer a mobil customer for many reasons) and was using that mix for probably 3 months or so.

Just curious.

jgsx

If it's 10%, it is not E85 . . .
You're talking about up to 10% Ethanol. That's not E85

NitrogenBalance

Allright sure...10% ethanol.

I was just curious about this mix and the long term outcome of using it.