2010 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 357

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 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. 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. 355 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. G Warning! Please inform your authorized MercedesBenz 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. 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: RFuel RFuel level is below half full. level is above reserve (fuel tank reserve warning lamp is not lit). of added fuel is more than 5 gallons (20 liters). is off during refill. after refueling engine is started and operated for at least 5 minutes. ! 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. RAmount RIgnition RImmediately 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. Gasoline additives A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only Z Technical data 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. Maintenance