
E300 uses 95-octane gasoline that meets national standards, and the engine oil is 5W-40 full synthetic oil with a replacement cycle of 10,000 kilometers. The following is extended information about engine oil: 1. Sealing function: The engine oil forms a sealing ring between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external pollutants from entering. 2. Anti-rust function: The lubricating oil can adhere to the surface of parts, preventing water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases from coming into contact with the parts. 3. Cleaning function: The flow of lubricating oil washes away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.

I run a repair shop and have seen too many having issues due to fuel quality. The E300 must use unleaded gasoline of 95 octane or higher. If you bought the new model with 48V mild hybrid, the fuel cap directly states a recommendation for 98 octane. Last week, I just repaired an E300 that had been filled with 92 octane—the owner said they wanted to save money, but the engine had severe knocking, costing over 8,000 RMB to fix. The key is to check your engine model. The M264 engine has a high compression ratio; using low-octane fuel is like a person eating spoiled food—it will upset the system. When refueling, stick to major stations like Sinopec or PetroChina. Don’t try to save money at small, unreliable places, or you’ll end up with clogged fuel filters and even bigger problems.

Last year, I bought my dad a used E300, and I've researched this thoroughly. The older 274 engine runs perfectly fine on 95 octane, but for the newer models post-2020, it's best to use 98 octane. Once, while on a business trip in a small town where only 92 octane was available, I had to fill half a tank and added some fuel additive. The engine light didn't come on, but I could clearly feel the throttle response became sluggish. I'd advise against doing this regularly—Mercedes engines are as delicate as Swiss watches. Oh, and the gas station attendants always push fuel additives, but they're really unnecessary. Just make sure to change the air filter every 5,000 kilometers, and that's better than anything else.

Having repaired for 15 years, let me share some practical advice. The most accurate way is to check the label inside your fuel tank cap. Most E300 models sold in China require at least 95 octane fuel. Those high-performance versions with the blue sport emblem must use 98 octane, otherwise the ECU will limit torque output. Some customers ask if mixing 95 and 98 is acceptable - it's fine in emergencies but not for long-term use. Always double-check the fuel grade on the pump nozzle. Once, my apprentice used the wrong fuel and clogged the injectors, costing over 3,000 yuan to clean. Get into the habit of locking the fuel cap after refueling - fuel thieves specifically target luxury cars these days.

When my friend first got his E300, I was also puzzled about which fuel to use. I checked the manual myself: the domestic version requires RON95 or above, but real-world tests show that using 98-octane fuel can extend the range by 60 kilometers. The most noticeable difference is in cold starts—the engine runs smoother with 98-octane in winter. A key refueling tip is not to wait until the fuel light comes on; the fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, so you should refuel when the tank is down to a quarter. I’ve heard that in northern regions using ethanol-blended gasoline, you should choose pumps labeled E10 to avoid fuel separation. Those fuel additives promoted at gas stations are basically a waste of money—you’re better off saving that cash and cleaning the throttle body every 20,000 kilometers.

Last month, I accompanied my girlfriend to test drive the E300 and specifically asked the salesperson. The salesperson said the minimum requirement for the entire lineup is 95 octane, but the insert in the manual states '98 octane is recommended to enhance the driving experience.' Personally, I think 95 octane is sufficient for city commuting. However, if you frequently drive on highways or enjoy sport mode with full throttle, 98 octane can help reduce carbon buildup. When refueling, pay attention to the color of the fuel nozzle—green indicates 98 octane, so don't mix it up. Some experienced drivers suggest filling half a tank with 98 octane and half with 95 octane for better economy, but a 4S technician told me that the mixed octane rating becomes unstable and may actually harm the engine. For long-distance road trips in areas with poor fuel quality, carrying two bottles of the manufacturer's fuel additive is a safer bet.


