2003 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 335

Technical data Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. When switching fuels, make sure that: Fuel level is below half full. Fuel level is above reserve (reserve warning lamp is not lit). Amount of added fuel is more than 5 gallons (20 liters). Ignition is off during refill. Immediately after refueling engine is started and operated for at least five 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. Cold weather performance It is possible that starting times will significantly increase at temperatures below 32°F (0°C). At low temperatures the use of a block heater is recommended (see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information). Rough idling may also be experienced at such temperatures before the engine is fully warmed up. Cruising range 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. i Use of E85 may reduce your driving range. Maintenance Please inform your Mercedes-Benz Center if you use or have used E85 fuel when your vehicle is delivered for maintenance or repairs. ! E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 14°F (-10°C). Hot weather performance At ambient temperatures above 95°F (35°C) start times may increase and be accompanied by a rough idle following the start. 335