Just bought the car. 87K, 95 E320 wagon. Stupid question, but the book calls for 91 octane or higher. Is this something I should adhere to? I burn 87 octane in everything else I own without problems. I don't think it actually makes all that much difference between 3.50 and 3.70 a gallon so I am happy to spend the difference if it is legitimate (paying 4.03 for dino diesel and 4.50 for biodiesel in the other MB right now so gas seems like steal). I'm never sure about some of these recommendations and the reasoning behind them. If legit then cool, fair enough and move on but I never know if say a board member of MB at the time also an Exxon board member!

I would use the 91. I have run 87 in my 300E and noticed it ran poorer. It won't blow the car up if all you can find is 87 for a one time fill up.

When gas is at these prices--what's the difference?!? Go for the 91...

-GH

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For Now:
1992 Mercedes Benz 500SL
1998 BMW 528i
2003 Honda Element
2002 CBR600F4i
1977 Coachmen Motor Home

That engine is a high compression HFM/SFI system with ECU capibilities to retard engine management parameters for the lower octane fuel, but with noticiable performance deficiency...so you gain nothing and wind up with a dirty running engine.

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A Dalton

up the octane scale. In my area 93 octane Shell is always the same price as other brand's 91 octane. I swear my M104 runs better and gives better gas mileage with the 93 octane.