Can the Mercedes-Benz E260 use 92 octane gasoline?

[DeSawyer]

The Mercedes-Benz E260 cannot use 92 octane gasoline; it generally requires 95 or 98 octane gasoline. The meaning of gasoline octane ratings: The octane rating represents the level of octane in the gasoline—the higher the rating, the higher the octane level. Car manufacturers specify the appropriate gasoline octane rating for each vehicle in the owner's manual based on the engine's characteristics. Considerations when choosing gasoline octane ratings: Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to use gasoline with an octane rating lower than the one specified in the vehicle's manual. Using lower-octane gasoline may cause premature combustion, leading to engine knocking. Incomplete combustion can also increase carbon deposits, potentially clogging fuel lines and injectors, resulting in fuel supply interruptions and engine stalling. Additionally, mixing different octane ratings is not advisable, as prolonged use can damage the engine, leading to issues like carbon buildup and increased fuel consumption.

[StHarley]

As a mechanic who frequently works with luxury cars, let me talk about refueling the Mercedes-Benz E260. The manufacturer's manual clearly states: You must use 95-octane or higher gasoline. 92-octane fuel has poor anti-knock properties, and the high compression ratio of Mercedes' 2.0T engine makes it prone to knocking during compression—that premature self-ignition of the air-fuel mixture creates a pinging sound that's painful to hear. In the short term, it might just trigger the check engine light, but prolonged damage to precision components like piston rings and valves could cost you three years' worth of high-octane fuel in repairs. If you encounter a situation on a long trip where no 95-octane fuel is available, you can use a small amount as an emergency measure, but it's recommended to add a bottle of fuel additive for remediation after returning to the city.

[CourtneyAnn]

My E260 has been running for five years, and I never take fueling lightly. Here's my personal experience: Once at a rural gas station, I was tricked into filling up with 92-octane fuel. Within half an hour of driving, I felt the throttle was sluggish, and the engine made a rattling noise when revving high. I was so scared that I immediately went to the 4S shop to clean the fuel system. The technician said that lower-octane fuel burns incompletely, causing twice as much carbon buildup as usual, and even affecting the catalytic converter. Now, I always check the octane rating before refueling. Although 95-octane is a few cents more expensive per liter than 92, it actually saves money when factoring in maintenance costs and depreciation. Remember, German cars have very delicate 'digestive systems'.

[McHarrison]

Having repaired Mercedes-Benz for a decade, I've seen too many cases of improper fuel usage. The E260's ECU constantly monitors knock sensor data—once abnormalities are detected, it limits power output, meaning you might suddenly find the accelerator unresponsive during hard acceleration. The bigger headache is warranty issues: if engine cylinder scoring occurs due to prolonged use of 92-octane fuel, the dealership can outright deny coverage, with repair bills potentially costing half an engine's price. While 98-octane is recommended for better engine protection, 95-octane is the absolute minimum. That fuel grade label inside the fuel filler door isn't decoration—it's a lifesaving reminder.

[DelLyla]

A friend of mine also asked this question when he first got his Mercedes E260. I did the math for him: based on driving 20,000 kilometers a year, using 95 instead of 92 would cost less than 2,000 yuan more in fuel annually. However, if using 92 causes fuel injector clogging, a single cleaning starts at 2,000 yuan; if knocking damages the oxygen sensor, replacement costs over 4,000 yuan. Not to mention the impact on resale value: if maintenance records show the use of lower-grade fuel, dealers will likely reduce the price by at least 10,000 yuan. With fuel prices rising sharply now, it's better to regularly check tire pressure and brake less—these fuel-saving techniques are much more practical than downgrading fuel grade.