Engine feels a bit sluggish
08-18-2008, 12:11 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Engine feels a bit sluggish
Hey,
We have a 2006 ML350 with 42,300 miles with daily driving of 95 miles on weekdays. Lately my mom has been noticing that the engine response has been a bit slower and the car does not pick up as fast as before. She even states occasional rare transmission lag between gears but it doesnt bother her,. I have driven it for a while and notice that it is not a peppy as it used to be when we got it new and until 35,000 miles. I wonder if it is because my mom has been using 87 octane gas for a long time or is it because we need to get the transmission checked out and reflash the memory or whatever you call it. When I press the accelerator with medium force the car picks up but it doesn;t really move as fast as it is supposed to. When I quickly let go the pedal, the RPM is still high and slowly downshifts. We did a servicing on it about 5 thousand miles ago and mentioned it to the dealer but they just serviced the car and did not do anything about that problem we are having. Any comments? Should I have my mom bump up octane to 89 or 92??
We have a 2006 ML350 with 42,300 miles with daily driving of 95 miles on weekdays. Lately my mom has been noticing that the engine response has been a bit slower and the car does not pick up as fast as before. She even states occasional rare transmission lag between gears but it doesnt bother her,. I have driven it for a while and notice that it is not a peppy as it used to be when we got it new and until 35,000 miles. I wonder if it is because my mom has been using 87 octane gas for a long time or is it because we need to get the transmission checked out and reflash the memory or whatever you call it. When I press the accelerator with medium force the car picks up but it doesn;t really move as fast as it is supposed to. When I quickly let go the pedal, the RPM is still high and slowly downshifts. We did a servicing on it about 5 thousand miles ago and mentioned it to the dealer but they just serviced the car and did not do anything about that problem we are having. Any comments? Should I have my mom bump up octane to 89 or 92??
08-18-2008, 06:55 AM
#2
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A couple of tanks of 92 octane will answer that part of your question pretty quickly.
Also, keep in mind that the Federally mandated 10% ethanol blended into the gasoline will hurt performance and fuel mileage, too.
Also, keep in mind that the Federally mandated 10% ethanol blended into the gasoline will hurt performance and fuel mileage, too.
08-18-2008, 03:55 PM
#3
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ML320CDI 2008 all options inc air suspension
I think that long term use of the wrong fuel ..ie regular instead of premium..will cause several problems. i think you are seeing the beginnings of these. MB says you can use regular only in a pinch and if you have to use it, to only put in enough to get you to a gas station and then fill up with premium. I would expect engine sensors to be tired and perhaps a carbon problem in the valves and plugs and if you have plugged up the convertor be prepared for some serious bills.
08-18-2008, 03:57 PM
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ML350 Bluetech
08-18-2008, 05:06 PM
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Yes, you should use premium fuel as Mercedes specifed. It is NOT an option and your car is NOT designed to adapt to regular fuel.
08-18-2008, 09:33 PM
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2011 GLK350, 2010 ML350, 2008 C63 AMG
Definitely the lower octane is messing with the engine, I have a 2006 ML350 with similar mileage and mine picks up power and switches gears - no problem
