1979/80 280E Leaded or unleaded - Leaded or Unleaded

[pogilvie]

Just bought a classic 1979/80 280E saloon,  however I dont know if its leaded or unleaded , previous owner is not available due to illness, anybody have any ideas ?

Many thanks
peter

 

[MARKOVICH]

1979/80 280E Leaded or unleaded

IVE GOT A 1984 280E IM USING UNLEADED AND THE CAR RUNS BETTER THAN ON LRP 4 STAR DONT KNOW ABOUT EARLIER CARS BUT IF CHECK BACK OVER OLD TOPICS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPLIES TO THIS ANSWER HOPE THIS IS OF HELP

MARK

 

[ab1]

1979/80 280E Leaded or unleaded

The engine has hardened valve seats so lead is unnecessary but the M110 engine in Euro spec is deigned with RON98 octane fuel in mind.  Retard the timing by 1-2 degress for each octane point  below 98 to avoid pinking and detonation. Alternatively use a higher octane fuel such as Sh*ll
Optimax.

Adam
'73 280SE
'77 450SEL 6.9