Thinking about Driving to Alaska but.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blau · #1 12-07-2005, 01:15 PM

Hello guys/gals,

Don't want to start another debate about using 91 or 89 octane, but I was thinking about driving my ML320 next year(summer) to Alaska. I did it about 12 years ago (in another car), but as I recall I don't see many gas station having super unleaded. How critical is it to use 91+ octane on the ML. I am concern that it will not be a 1/2 tank here and there mixing super with regular, but I may be on regular for a long time (round trip is 7500 miles). On the plus side, it will be mostly highway driving at no excessive speeds (less than 70 mph).

What do you guys think there is got to be a forum member who is out there is the "wilderness". Or should I just use another car, maybe the Merkur, but that needs super too.

blau

Q · #2 12-07-2005, 01:48 PM

If you are truly concerned, you could always buy octane booster and add it as you fill up.

DCF · #3 12-07-2005, 03:56 PM

I bounce between 89 and 93 all the time, and have never had a problem, and really do not notice a difference in either power or knocking (99 ML 430).

Hatterasguy · #4 12-07-2005, 05:06 PM

The computer will compinsate. You will probably notice a slight reduction in power and fuel mileage.

Modern cars have knock sensors and will retard the timing to compinsate for lower octane fuel.

I'd take the G its a real truck and would be fun up their.

abud · #5 12-08-2005, 03:54 AM

Yes, I agree with "Q", you could always use octane booster.

Swizzles · #6 12-13-2005, 04:07 PM

And it was fantastic. You can get 91 oct just about all the way up. We went to Skagway and hiked the Chilkoot trail. We had a rough spot on the way back when we took the stewart Carthey hi-way, ran out of gas and ended up pumping purple from a rusty can from a gold miner of all things. Do the trip don't worry about your ML it worked perfectly! You can check out this link for pictures from the trip including my ML.

www.furgasonhomes.com/chilkoot