What type of fuel should be used for the Mercedes-Benz E300?
2 Answers
The Mercedes-Benz E300 should use 95-octane gasoline. It is recommended that owners do not use gasoline with an octane rating lower than 95 for this vehicle. The anti-knock property of automotive gasoline is indicated by the octane number; the higher the octane number, the better the anti-knock performance. The anti-knock capability of gasoline is related to its chemical composition. The Mercedes-Benz E series utilizes three types of engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a low-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and a high-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers 184 horsepower and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, with the maximum torque achieved between 3,000 to 4,000 rpm and the maximum power at 6,100 rpm. The low-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 258 horsepower and a maximum torque of 370 Nm, with the maximum torque available from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm and the maximum power at 6,100 rpm. The high-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generates 299 horsepower and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, with the maximum torque achieved between 3,000 to 4,000 rpm and the maximum power at 6,100 rpm.
I've been driving a Mercedes E300 for almost three years now, and I have something to say about refueling. The manufacturer recommends using 98-octane unleaded gasoline, and I've always stuck to it. The engine runs incredibly smooth, with no noticeable vibrations or lag. Switching to 95-octane fuel isn't a deal-breaker, but you can definitely feel the difference in acceleration—it lacks that robust and seamless power, and there's always the concern about carbon buildup affecting long-term performance. From my experience, higher-octane fuel helps prevent knocking and protects the turbo system. Using 95-octane in a pinch is fine, but don't make it a habit. Of course, fuel quality varies by region, so it's best to check your owner's manual or fuel cap label for the exact recommendation. Given the high-end engineering of Mercedes engines, the extra cost for premium fuel is worth it. During every maintenance check, I inspect the spark plugs, and with 98-octane, there's zero carbon buildup—peace of mind and extended engine life.
