300E Only Premium Gas?
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300E Only Premium Gas?
Hi I'm new here and new to Mercedes. I'm currently researching the mid to late 80s 190E, 300E, and 420SEL. I've noticed these cars weren't big on the overdrive gears but that's ok as it seems the engines are more than adequate for high speeds and efficient despite that fact. But then I noticed someone stating that the 300E requires premium fuel. Is premium absolutely necessary, and is it required for all of the mentioned models?
Any help appreciated.
Thanks!!
Any help appreciated.
Thanks!!
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1990 300ce 24v I6
No, I dont believe its necessary as they should have knock sensors. my 1991 300ce was run on regular for its whole life up until this summer. Sure, it seems a little more spritely now, but it was fine before!
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Originally Posted by Saijin_Naib
No, I dont believe its necessary as they should have knock sensors.
There are no knock sensors.
The only way for a 180 cubic inch engine to produce the horsepower the M103 produces is by high compression. High compression requires premium fuel. You risk damaging your engine otherwise (unless you live at 5000 fit ASL or above).
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Thread Starter
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Thanks guys for the responses so far. Keep up the discussion cause I'm learning more and more.
I've had experience with Cadillacs and friends with Caddys and they highly recommend premium for the Northstar v8s but I have never heard a knock in any of them. Could be just me, and could be just a Cadillac thing?
I take it there are no knock sensors for any older model Mercedes either?
I've had experience with Cadillacs and friends with Caddys and they highly recommend premium for the Northstar v8s but I have never heard a knock in any of them. Could be just me, and could be just a Cadillac thing?
I take it there are no knock sensors for any older model Mercedes either?
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From: Long Beach, Ca
lots of cars
Actually it depends on how you drive or tune the car. Right now i'm running 87 octane everyday and i have no problems. One thing you have to do is not to press so hard on the gas. You will know how much by when the engine starts to ping. Aslong as you don't accelerate too hard and drive nice and smooth you can run 87 forever..If you want to push the peddal alittle more then i suggest you run 91 octane with an octane boster. Also run a hotter plug if your going to use 87.
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From: OC California
'92 300E
My suggestion would be to always do what the manufactuar recomends when it comes to gas or anyhting else. it help secure a long and healthy life for your vehicle... even though it's tough with these damn gas prices.
me>
<premium gas
me>
<premium gas
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I tried 87 in Mine and she started running like an old maid.
SO I moved up to 89. She moved much much better.
Then one day I said ... Stop holding on to your wallet and put in 93
She smoothed out in such a way I had never felt. Everything about her FELT and RAN much better.
Tap the pedal... She was very responsive....
so 93 it is for me......
US figures...
SO I moved up to 89. She moved much much better.
Then one day I said ... Stop holding on to your wallet and put in 93
She smoothed out in such a way I had never felt. Everything about her FELT and RAN much better.
Tap the pedal... She was very responsive....
so 93 it is for me......
US figures...
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
"300" means 3 liters and that means 180 cubic inches.
A little (!) smaller than the usual 350 V8 Americans are used to.
Yet, the M103 produces nearly the same horsepower, that is about one horsepower per cubic inch. Unheard of as regards most American engines.
To do that requires a high state of tune which means high compression which means premium gas.
If you want to burn regular, get a Chevy.
A little (!) smaller than the usual 350 V8 Americans are used to.
Yet, the M103 produces nearly the same horsepower, that is about one horsepower per cubic inch. Unheard of as regards most American engines.
To do that requires a high state of tune which means high compression which means premium gas.
If you want to burn regular, get a Chevy.
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definitelt premium
If you read in owner manual you will find that if you close to sea level MB recommend 91 and up. If you live 3000 ft or more above sea level MB recommend mid grade. My MB is E320 1995 I buy gas from Costco so it is not that bad to pay for premium gas. It cost about 20 cents more than regular gas so I dont mind paying more. I dont drive this car that much anyway. I still think premuim gas is the way to get your car performs.
