RE: Is premium fuel really necessary?

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RE: Is premium fuel really necessary?

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RE: Is premium fuel really necessary? - 4/27/2007 6:45:59 AM

PBI 2001 C320

Posts: 156
Joined: 9/20/2005
Status: offline

I have a W203 C320, so with a 3.2 Litre V6 engine, twin spark plugs blurb!

For the US market, I would probably buy Premium, as that is closer to the UK and European octane levels.

In the UK and Europe standard (regular) is 95 RON Octane. I personally use Shell V'POWER - premium here is 97 to 99 RON.

Since switching to V'POWER im driving the same way - same journeys, and now getting 330+ Miles per tankful instead of 290 to 300.
Bear in mind my driving is usually quite heavy city mileage, and it all hills.
Motorway/Freeway driving is a credit and typically 400 to 450 miles per tank at 80mph.

In my point of view the extra cost is evenly balanced with extra mileage - about 10%+

Thats just my penny's worth.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Haute_Heir

I really think it's something silly for people to cause a fuss about on a luxury car forum. I mean, come on, it's slightly more expensive to buy premium gasoline, and the pros far outweigh the potential cons.

Like I last posted in the first paragraph, if one buys a premium car, but can't afford premium gas, then one must look at the big picture and realize that cheaping out on the gas isn't the most cost saving solution, selling the car and getting your priorities straight is.

(in reply to Haute_Heir)

Post #: 31

RE: Is premium fuel really necessary? - 5/7/2007 12:33:41 PM

ghatala

Posts: 6
Joined: 4/1/2007
Status: offline

octane levels are set by the compression ratio in the engine. The higher the compression the higher the octane. Even though my 94 C220 runs ok on 87. The better gas milage on 93 offsets the additional costs. We are only on the high end talking about a couple hundred dollars a year. I do over 100 miles a day mostly highway and getting 29 mpg and not disappointed at all. With the lower octane I can notice the difference at high speeds of 100 plus.

Have have my share of performance cars. 68 jag XKE 96 BMW Z3 and assorted triumphs and a SAAB sonnett. The higher the compression the slower you want the fuel to burn. The older english cars wouldn't even start with 87 octane. Just do what the manufacturer recommends.

(in reply to PBI 2001 C320)

Post #: 32