Mid grade gasoline for MB's??
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Cornwall, NY
e320 2000
Mid grade gasoline for MB's??
With premium gasoline approaching $2.50 ++/gallon, anyone have any opinions on the topic of using mid grade gasoline to save some money? Anyone know if different models or engines behave differently than the others?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Nashville
300SEL
I have no scientific research to provide, no. I would say its just play it safe advice. The car was designed to operate with premium fuel, so I would say why give the engine a reason to fail?
I have heard of people using mid grade and getting spark knock/detination under heavy load conditions. Detination will kill the engine at some point. Take for example, the '80s BMW M-Power engines, they never ran quite rite on US pump gas. The US gas never had quite enough octane for the highly tuned M motors, so after 100,000 miles or so, they self distruct its just a fact of life for '80s M owners to have to rebuild their engines after 100,000 miles. The same holds true in your case, yes you can run mid grade, but over time I would bet that your engine will wear out prematurely.
I have heard of people using mid grade and getting spark knock/detination under heavy load conditions. Detination will kill the engine at some point. Take for example, the '80s BMW M-Power engines, they never ran quite rite on US pump gas. The US gas never had quite enough octane for the highly tuned M motors, so after 100,000 miles or so, they self distruct its just a fact of life for '80s M owners to have to rebuild their engines after 100,000 miles. The same holds true in your case, yes you can run mid grade, but over time I would bet that your engine will wear out prematurely.
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From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
It is possible to run safely on <93 octane, but the ignition timing must be retarded. The R16 resistor for the EZL ignition control must be modified to retard ign. timing. On European models this can be changed by knobs on the firewall. In the US the resistor is a plug connection which was not meant for driver-changing. However fuel economy and power will suffer.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
I know that on the MB's with ECU timing retardation, you can run any grade of gasoline safely. it will lower the timing for the lower octane so that the engine will not detonate.
I'm not sure on the older models though, possibly may need dealer involvement to adjust that?
I'm not sure on the older models though, possibly may need dealer involvement to adjust that?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
It is easy to adjust the reference resistor on the older models (EZL ignition w/ KE fuel injection, and maybe LH). The resistor is strapped onto the A/C line to the right of the air cleaner.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southern California
2001 E 320
I dont think that you can actually save money on changing the grade gasoline you pump. You will, but IMO its not worth the risk and hassle. The way to truly save worthwhile money on gas is to drive less.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Southern California
2001 E 320
Re: Prolonging the Octane Issue
Originally posted by suntubi
anyone ever try Octane Booster? A tankful cost difference for me can approach $8.00!
anyone ever try Octane Booster? A tankful cost difference for me can approach $8.00!
Last edited by MBDriver; Jun 8, 2004 at 12:47 AM.
