a really nice car at a good price... anything I should know about these cars guys ?

one question I have is...
in the owners manual it says that you have to use premium fuel.,
now, when i had my '97 cadillac eldorado, it said the same thing, however,, the computer on board the caddy handled regular fuel just fine.., it made the adjustments so no harm was done..
can i run regular in the S320 like that ??

also, where can i buy a spare key ? it is the folding key with the integrated remote control...??

thanks,
kevin rea
ksrea@sbcglobal.net

 

My theory on premium fuel is that the factory doesn't recommend premium just to be mean. There is always a reason. I would think that either performance, economy or engine damage will be the result. An acquaintance used regular in his Harley that was supposed to be getting premium. He had engine overheating damage and is going round and round with the factory over covering it under the warranty.
Mark

 

Hi.

If the manual recommends Premium use Premium otherwise you could have difficulties with any remaining warranty should you incur any engine related difficulties.
Your Harley friend is on a loser I would suggest.

However modern engines are designed to "accommodate" lower grade fuels AT A COST.

Engine Management is now very sophisticated and if lower grade fuel is use the engine automatically resets the ignition etc to ensure the engine doesn't "PINK" or "KNOCK".
However, if the engine has been OPTIMISED for PREMIUM fuel the ignition settings will be such that fuel economy and power will be down on the stated figures.
This deterioration in fuel consumption COULD outweigh any first sight savings.

Bottom Line.
Like Coolvit I reinforce that RECOMMENDATIONS aren't made because of some conspiracy between the fuel companies and the auto manufactures.
Likewise when selecting tyres etc. The manufacturers have done a lot of work to maximise the ride characteristics to "normal" highway driving and sometimes DEVELOP unique tyres specially for OE fitment to overcome specific difficulties (vibtayion, noise, wear) or simply to maximise performance.

 

Ensure plenum drain is clear, especially if you live in an area with Pine trees.
Check for RUST on wheelarch lips.
Other problems are normal wear and tear with the exception of electronics which tend to be excellent or troublesome...random incidence. No preventitive maintenance. Just luck.

Good luck.

Current mileage.
Will go past 250k with no problem.
How much did you pay if I may ask?

Stuart

 

hi stuart.,

the '99 s320 i bought has 72k on it.
i paid 11,400.00 for it from a dealer.

kevin

 

I would definitely put premium in it. It's a premium car. If you were buying a $15,000 2007 Taurus, I'd put regular in it. But this...this is a Mercedes-Benz...it's worth the extra 20 cents per gallon.

 

I agree. You will only spend around $200.00 more per year if you go with premium gas. Well worth it even if it were 500.00 more a year.
If you are really worried about the extra cost then you may want to re-think your priorities.