Does it hurt a car's performance? I know that in Milwaukee, people have complained about a lack of power once they pump oxygenated gas into the tank.

I don't think that ethanol and "oxygenated" gas are the same thing.

Gilly

I know. Just wondering about that in general. I know we talked about it over lunch and figured it wouldn't hurt the C280 but I was thinking about it for my truck and other car.

Ethonol or methonol have 60 % of the BTU value of what is called gasoline. I used that term because there is really no set formula for gasoline, and most companies recipes vary. For example, let us say you mix one gallon of ethonol with one gallon of Chevron. Your regular fuel economy is 20 mile per gallon. Now you have two gallons in your tank, but they will only move your Benz 32 miles. Add 60 % plus 100 % BTUs , devide by two for a combined mix of 80 % BTUs. Simple 4 times 8 equals 32 miles.
Is ethonal an oxiginator?, yes indeed. It also delays PING and can be used if your in a detonation pinch.
My opinion, using a high compression modified 6.3 as the test subject, 89 octane Iowa fuel with ethonol was the best fuel found in this years cross contry trip. East Coast 94 was terrible.
If you have a choice and want to boost octane, use TOLUENE, the paint thinner. Get it from your local paint store or hardware store. It's 114 octane, I and many others use it in racing events. Mix ratio to the target octane. Thank me later.

The owners manual for any vehicle will caution you to use MAXIMUM 10 % ethanol !!!
I have seen a few cases where it has caused havoc with the fuel system, mainy fuel pump pick-up screens deteriorating into a gooey mess.
I avoid such fuels ( Sunoco for one ), for that very reason.

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2007 C 230 Sport.