I can't speak for any manufacturer other than MB, but I wouldn't run E85 in any vehicle not designed for it. The difference in fuel mixture requirements for E85 vs. gasoline are huge.

As most Forum members know, MB has been producing a limited number of "Flex Fuel", E85 vehicles since model year 2003, all C-Class 203's. According to the latest information I have (October 2007), MB says that at temperatures below 32F, starting time may be increased, along with rough idle until the engine warms up. Block heaters are recommended. Also, E85 is unsuitable for use at temperatures below 14F.



Manny, even though you don't plan on ever using E85 in your car, it's a good thing the software was updated. I believe your car was E85 compatible prior to the update (check the inside of the fuel filler door for the E85 sticker). The new software eliminates the possibility of the engine mangement system switching to the E85 program inadvertantly. I've had a handful of cars do this. They come in with the CEL on, and current fault codes for fuel trim issues. The idle was rough and they had poor power. We simply "flashed" the engine control modules and down the road they went. Within a week or two they were back with the CEL on again, this time with current fault codes for inefficient catalyst's. This was the result of the overly rich condition caused by the software glitch.