whats so bad about low grade gas??
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
nothing really, if your vehicle starts to ping or knock, the knock sensor will retard the ignition timing so the knocking goes away. to you it will feel like a loss in power and performance. I would just stick to the 91
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
i know some people who use 89 grade and nothing happens. Really, the computers in the car adjust for timing, so if you don't use 91, it retards the timing for the adjusted grade.
If you use 89, you can't feel a power difference, i've tried. I, personally, would never go down to 87, but i usually switch between 89 and 91 and the car is fine.
There was an article a few months ago regarding octane ratings for cars. Quoted from one MB spokesperson "if you don't use 91, you may not achieve the performance numbers specified for the certain vehicle".
I know sometimes betwen 89 and 91 can mean difference with price, as prices have gone up again.
-G-
If you use 89, you can't feel a power difference, i've tried. I, personally, would never go down to 87, but i usually switch between 89 and 91 and the car is fine.
There was an article a few months ago regarding octane ratings for cars. Quoted from one MB spokesperson "if you don't use 91, you may not achieve the performance numbers specified for the certain vehicle".
I know sometimes betwen 89 and 91 can mean difference with price, as prices have gone up again.
-G-
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Besides the power loss when the spark is auto retarded, there is the possibility damage from long term use. Excessive carbon build up, burned or carboned valves and possibly some piston damage from detonation. If you can't afford what MB reccommends you should have purchased a car that the mfg. suggests regular low octane fuel.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally posted by sosh
Besides the power loss when the spark is auto retarded, there is the possibility damage from long term use. Excessive carbon build up, burned or carboned valves and possibly some piston damage from detonation. If you can't afford what MB reccommends you should have purchased a car that the mfg. suggests regular low octane fuel.
Besides the power loss when the spark is auto retarded, there is the possibility damage from long term use. Excessive carbon build up, burned or carboned valves and possibly some piston damage from detonation. If you can't afford what MB reccommends you should have purchased a car that the mfg. suggests regular low octane fuel.
It's each own's choice to put what they want in their cars. Some will follow precisely what to do, according to the manual and mfg recommendation, some will follow sometimes and some will disregard. What can ya do.
-G-
A good example are MB loaner's. Some dealers have old benzes and some give out new ones. I'm willing to bet most people who use those loaners refill with regular gas, not premium, cuz they see it's not their car, why would they want to waste their extra money on premium(91 or 93) when they can put in regular (87).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
Dude....you're driving a benz. If you can't afford the gas, then don't drive it!!
Why risk it?? Just get the premium gas.....do you really want to take a chance on damaging the engine??
All that money you saved on 89 octane can be put towards your new engine!!!:p
Why risk it?? Just get the premium gas.....do you really want to take a chance on damaging the engine??
All that money you saved on 89 octane can be put towards your new engine!!!:p
