1971 280SL Gasoline question

Hello folks need your help.

I recently purchased a 1971 280SL. "35,000 original Kilometers" This car must have been designed for German use since everything is in Kilometeres. The question I have that is not in the manual is the following: Does my 1971 requires leaded or unleaded gasoline. If this was required in this year, I pressume that the lead may lubricate the valves.??. Also my manual says that it requires 96 octane. Is this really needed or can I use 93 octane since that is what is available.

Thanks for your help.

Al.

[stevebfl]

Normal hi test gas should be sufficient. None of the MB engines were affected by the transition to unleaded gas.

This problem with valves burning from the use of unleaded gas was only on cast iron heads/seats.