Mercedes E320 cabriolet, 1995, 55,000 mi. The owners manual calls for premium fuel. What is the effect of running regular fuel instead?
Mar 30, 2006 at 1:18 AM
1995 Mercedes E320 Regular Fuel Risk
MERCEDES BENZ
FRED182
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The compression is too high to support regular fuel. Low octane will cause pre-denotation (pinging) and damage the cylinder head/valves. It is aluminum. Don't add octane boosters they are worth a rats behind!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Mar 30, 2006 at 1:53 AM
In addition, be prepared for a Check Engine Light to illuminate, as the pinging will drive the knock sensors crazy to the point of triggering the CEL.
Apr 4, 2006 at 4:22 PM
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Suggested Repair
Use the premium fuel specified in the owner's manual. Regular fuel can cause pinging that may damage the aluminum cylinder head and valves and may trigger the check engine light through the knock sensors. Do not rely on octane boosters.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet with 55,000 miles asked about using regular fuel instead of the premium fuel required by the owner's manual. An expert said the engine compression is too high for regular fuel and that low octane can cause pinging and damage the aluminum cylinder head and valves. Octane boosters were not recommended. Another reply added that pinging can overwork the knock sensors and illuminate the check engine light.