Minimum fuel octane requirement for 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK320 ?

Question

I have a 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK320 with a V6 engine, and I would like to know if it's OK to use 87 octane gas to save some money. My owner's manual says that the minimum fuel octane I have to use is supposed to be 91, but considering today's gas prices I'd like to use the cheap gas if I can get away with it without damaging the motor. It makes sense to me if the manufacturer tuned the engine in the factory to get the best performance on 91 octane. But to my understanding, modern car engines come with knock sensors that automatically detect if there's any engine knocking due to low octane fuel, and will automatically retard the timing to make it run smoothly so how can the cheap gas possibly cause any damage? I'm pretty sure there's no difference in actual quality or purity between different octane fuels, so it's not like it would gum up my engine. I have a feeling that engineers are too conservative on paper and that it would probably be OK, although I might just lose some power.

Answer 1

The manufacturer recommends the MINIMUM octane that should be used in a vehicle. It is fine to put higher octane in the tank. You will be fine with one tank of lower octane in a pinch (since the gas in the tank will raise the average octane). Using lower octane continually will cause valves to burn. The higher the octane, the higher the compression can be before "early ignition" or knocking occurs.

If you can make the payments on an MB you should be able to take the hit for the higher octane gas. If you have a 20 gallon tank (your will be less) and the gas is 10 cents a gallon more a full tank will cost $2.00 more. No much savings for the engine damage that will occur.

In addition the new cars have computers that continually adjust things like the timing and fuel/air mixture as a result, "Engine management systems that adjust the octane requirement may also reduce the power output on low octane fuel, resulting in increased fuel consumption," ( see second reference).

Answer 2

Using low octane can cause knock specially if you have a high compression chamber. in the long run it will damage your engine and cost you more. second lower octane have less energy and you end up stepping on the gas deeper to reach a certain speed compare to a high octane high energy gas. Its just this simple if you can buy MB 2002 CLK320 you should be able to buy 94 octane gas for it.

Answer 3

2002 Mercedes Clk 320

Answer 4

trying to save money on gas will cost you in engine repair. even though they have a knock sensor, it's function is to detect precombustion and adjust the timing accordingly. those engines are made to perform and using lower octane gas in those engines will affect performance and engine life

Answer 5

It's a bad idea to use 87 instead of 93 in any luxury car. I have a Lexus IS300, and I tried using regular unleaded for about three months. It causes poor exceleration and "jerking" transmission shifting. I know it sucks paying the extra money for premium fuel, but I think it's worth it.

Answer 6

Yes. The CLK's soft lines make it a strong appeal to women. YOu can avoid this stigma by going with the CLK550 or AMG -- the big engine provides some machismo. A CLK320 is slow as a slug.

Answer 7

there are three answers above which are good.but if you cannot afford gas for your MERCEDES BENZ then sell it buy a cheaper car. you cannot afford gas but you are driving a benz. what you are doing is living above your means

Answer 8

93 oct.