Optimax

[stevec]

Hi guys,

Just picked up my first Merc (420SE) ten minutes ago!!!!

It's a 1987 D plate, and I was wondering if it's worth running it on the higher octane Sh*ll
Optimax?

If no one's noticed a difference, I'll stick with humble unleaded.

Cheers

Steve

P.S It's done 133,000 miles. With good servicing, how long can the V8 go on for before giving up?

 

[NormanB]

Hi Stevec

the V8 normally goes to around 134,000 miles before causing really major trouble - circa £4-5000 to sort - before that most jobs which crop up occasionally can normally be fixed for under a grand.

Regards
NormanB

(Edited by NormanB at 10:42 pm on Oct. 14, 2002)

 

[NormanB]

Hi again Stevec

Please ignore previous post - I know nothing about V8s' and my sense of humour is appalling - sorry;-)

Forgive me
NormanB

(Edited by NormanB at 10:44 pm on Oct. 14, 2002)

 

[JonathanC]

Steve

I have used optimax in my other car (i.e. non mercedes) and it does make a difference, however it is not spectacular. EVO magizine did a proper test and did record some improvements in acceleration using optimax (max of 0.2 secs) so it does do something.

I tend to use it every 4th tank or so just to clean out any deposits from the cheap rubbish you get at supermarkets.

Best advice - try it see what happens, if you don't notice anything don't bother again!

Cheers

 

[stevec]

Norman,
You're a very bad man!
I almost died after reading your first mail!
I'm alright now, and my S Class is still going strong!
Cheers
Steve

 

[Arnie]

Newer engines with adaptive iginition timing (with knock sensors) can probably better use the higher octane rating of Optimax.  However, I use it quite regularly and the difference is noticeable even on a 300E, 6cyl fixed ignition map engine. It cost a little more, but you do also get slightly better MPG.

 

[white190]

Too true Arnie With my R16 resistor set to 0 degree's retard the Optimax does make a difference but then so does any other make of Super Uleaded...

 

[Arnie]

Yes, I don't know that there's really any noticeable difference between Optimax and other Super Unleaded. It's just that the only garage near me to have "super" unleaded fuel happens to be Sh*ll and hence Optimax.