Flexible Fuel Vehicles
All models of the C 300 with automatic
transmission are Flexible Fuel Vehicles.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles are identified by a label
reading Premium gasoline or E85 only! on
the fuel filler flap.
These vehicles are designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
(E85), or on any mixture of these two. Ethanol
fuel (E85) is a mixture of approximately 85%
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.GWarning!
Ethanol fuel (E85) and its fumes are highly
flammable, poisonous and burn easily.
Ethanol fuel can cause serious injuries if
ignited or if you come into contact with it or
inhale fumes of it. Avoid inhalation of ethanol
fumes and skin contact with ethanol.
Extinguish all open flames before refueling.
Never smoke or create sparks close to
ethanol.
Switching fuels
For best performance and driveability it is
recommended to use either one or the other
fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates
between the two different fuels should be
avoided if possible.
When switching fuels, make sure:
R Fuel level is below half full.
R Fuel level is above reserve (fuel tank
reserve warning lamp is not lit).
R Amount of added fuel is more than
5 gallons (20 liters).
R Ignition is off during refill.
R Immediately after refueling engine is
started and operated for at least 5 minutes.
These precautions and recommendations are
supposed to prevent any difficulties when
starting and operating the engine which
otherwise may be experienced before the
engine has fully adapted to the different fuel.
If in spite of these recommendations the
engine does not perform properly, adding
more gasoline (at least 3 gallons [12 liters])
to the fuel may improve the engine behavior.
Fuel consumption
E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline. To ensure that engine performance
with ethanol fuel is similar to that when using
gasoline, the engine must burn more ethanol
fuel. As a result, it is to be expected that the
fuel consumption will increase when using
E85 compared to gasoline operation.
Maintenance
Please inform your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center if you use or have used E85 fuel
when your vehicle is delivered for
maintenance or repairs.
Cold weather performance
It is possible that starting times will
significantly increase at temperatures below
32‡ (0†). At low temperatures the use of a
block heater is recommended (contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information). Rough idling may also be
experienced at such temperatures before the
engine is fully warmed up.
! E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when
ambient temperatures fall below 14‡
(-10†).
Hot weather performance
At ambient temperatures above 95‡ (35†)
start times may increase and be
accompanied by a rough idle following the
start.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.355Technical data204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 355Z
