Should the Mercedes-Benz C-Class use 95 or 98 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses 98 octane gasoline, but it can also use 95 octane gasoline with minimal impact, although 98 octane is preferable. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank: Overfilling the fuel tank can easily block the vent hole. Once the vent hole is blocked, the pressure inside the tank will drop below normal, leading to poor fuel supply or even a complete stoppage. Overfilling also increases the vehicle's weight, thereby increasing fuel consumption. Additionally, gasoline can deteriorate, posing safety risks. Avoid waiting for the low fuel warning before refueling: While driving, always monitor the fuel gauge. When the gauge shows one-quarter of the fuel remaining, it's time to refuel. If the tank remains empty for too long, the temperature difference between the inside and outside can cause condensation inside the tank, leading to corrosion, degraded fuel quality, and increased engine strain.
As a long-time owner of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, having driven it for nearly five years and tried both 95 and 98 octane fuels, I firmly believe 98 octane is the better fit. High-compression engines in premium cars like Mercedes are designed with high-octane fuel in mind—it safeguards the engine and optimizes performance. While 95 octane is slightly cheaper (saving a few cents per liter), prolonged use may trigger engine knocking, compromising fuel efficiency and throttle response. The superior anti-knock properties of 98 octane deliver smoother acceleration, especially noticeable during highway overtaking. Notably, owner manuals often recommend 98 octane—my 2019 model explicitly requires it. For short urban commutes, 95 octane might suffice temporarily, but penny-pinching here is shortsighted; potential engine repairs would far outweigh the minimal savings. When using 98 octane, pay extra attention to ambient temperatures—summer heat heightens knock risks, so proactive fuel choice ensures peace of mind and extends engine longevity.
