Fuel
The fuel chapter for the Mercedes E-Class (W212, 4th generation, 2009–2016) provides comprehensive information on the correct gasoline and diesel quality. Safety notes and recommendations help prevent engine damage and maintain vehicle efficiency.
Important Safety Notes
WARNINGFuels are highly flammable. Improper handling of fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion!
Avoid open flames, naked lights, smoking and sparks at all times. Before refuelling, switch off the engine and, if fitted, the auxiliary heater.WARNING
Fuels are toxic and harmful to health. There is a risk of injury!Avoid fuel contact with skin, eyes or clothing, and do not swallow fuel. Do not breathe in fuel vapours. Keep fuels away from children.
If you or other persons have come into contact with fuel, observe the following:- If fuel gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
- If fuel gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately and thoroughly with clean water. Seek medical attention without delay.
- If fuel has been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
- Change clothing that has become wet with fuel immediately.
Fuel tank capacity
Total fuel tank capacity may vary depending on equipment.| Model | Total capacity |
|---|---|
| E 500 E 500 4MATIC |
80,0 l |
| AMG vehicles | 66,0 l or 80,0 l |
| All other models | 59,0 l or 80,0 l |
| Model | of which reserve |
| Models with 59.0 l total capacity | approx. 8.0 l |
| Models with 80.0 l total capacity | approx. 9.0 l |
| AMG vehicles | approx. 14.0 l |
Petrol
Fuel quality (gasoline)
Note Do not fill diesel into vehicles with a gasoline engine. If you have accidentally refueled with the wrong fuel, do not switch on the ignition. Otherwise the fuel may enter the fuel system. Even small amounts of the wrong fuel can damage the fuel system and engine. Contact a qualified workshop and have the fuel tank and fuel lines completely drained. Only fill with unleaded premium gasoline with at least 95 RON/85 MON that meets European standard EN 228 or E DIN 51626-1, or an equivalent standard.Fuel to this specification may contain up to 10% ethanol.
Fuel that does not meet EN 228 or E DIN 51626-1 can cause increased wear and damage to the engine and exhaust system. Only use the recommended fuel. Using other fuels can cause engine damage. Do not refuel with- E85 (gasoline with 85% ethanol content)
- E100 (100% ethanol)
- M15 (gasoline with 15% methanol content)
- M30 (gasoline with 30% methanol content)
- M85 (gasoline with 85% methanol content)
- M100 (100% methanol)
- Gasoline with metal-containing additives
- Diesel
You can usually find fuel quality information at the fuel pump. If the labeling cannot be found at the fuel pump, ask the gas station staff.
Info
E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol. Your vehicle is E10-compatible. You can refuel your vehicle with E10 fuel.
E 180, E 250: If the recommended fuel is not available, you can temporarily use unleaded regular gasoline with 93 RON/83 MON.
All other models: If the recommended fuel is not available, you may temporarily use unleaded regular gasoline with 91 RON/82 MON. This may reduce engine output and increase fuel consumption. Avoid full-throttle driving and hard acceleration. Never use gasoline with a lower RON/MON rating.Info
In some countries, the available gasoline may not be sufficiently desulfurized. This can temporarily cause odor formation, especially on short trips. The odor formation stops as soon as sulfur-free fuel (sulfur content
10 ppm) is refueled.
More information on refueling.
AMG vehicles
Note Only fill with unleaded super plus gasoline with at least 98 RON/88 MON that meets European standard EN 228 or an equivalent standard.Otherwise, engine output may be impaired or the engine may be damaged.
If the recommended fuel is not available, you can temporarily use unleaded premium gasoline with 95 RON/85 MON. This may reduce engine output and increase fuel consumption. Avoid full-throttle driving at all costs.
If the recommended fuel is not available, you can use unleaded regular gasoline with 91 RON/82.5 MON in emergencies.
However, this results in noticeably higher fuel consumption and significantly reduced engine output. Avoid full-throttle driving.If only regular gasoline with 91 RON/82.5 MON or lower is permanently available to you, have the vehicle adapted to this fuel by a qualified specialist workshop.
Info
E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol. Your vehicle is E10-compatible. You can refuel your vehicle with E10 fuel.
BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles
Note Only fill with unleaded, sulfur-free premium gasoline with at least 95 RON/85 MON that meets European standard EN 228 or an equivalent standard.Otherwise, engine output may be impaired or the exhaust gas aftertreatment system may be damaged.
Info
In some countries, the available gasoline may not be sufficiently desulfurized. This can temporarily cause odor formation, especially on short trips. The odor formation stops as soon as sulfur-free fuel (sulfur content
10 ppm) is refueled.
Additives in gasoline
Note Operating the engine with fuel additives added afterwards can cause engine damage. Therefore, do not mix fuel additives with fuel. Exceptions are additives for removing and preventing deposits. Only additives recommended by Mercedes-Benz may be added to gasoline. Observe the application instructions in the product description. For more information on recommended additives, contact any Mercedes-Benz Service Center.Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use branded fuels with additives.
In some countries, the available fuel quality may not be sufficient. This can lead to deposits in the injection system. In this case, the cleaning additive recommended by Mercedes-Benz should be added to the fuel in consultation with a Mercedes-Benz Service Center. Be sure to observe the instructions and mixing ratios on the container.Diesel
Fuel quality (diesel)
WARNINGIf you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash point of the fuel mixture is lower than that of pure diesel fuel. With the engine running, exhaust system components can overheat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire!
Never refuel with petrol. Never mix petrol into diesel fuel.NOTE
Only refuel with diesel fuel that meets the European standard EN 590 or an equivalent standard. Fuel that does not meet EN 590 can cause increased wear and damage to the engine and exhaust system.
Do not refuel with
- marine diesel
- heating oil
- Biodiesel
- vegetable oil
- Petrol
- paraffin oil
- kerosene
You can usually find fuel quality information at the fuel pump. If the labeling cannot be found at the fuel pump, ask the gas station staff.
More information on refueling.Low outside temperatures (diesel)
In winter months, diesel fuel with improved cold flow properties is offered. In Europe, the EN 590 standard defines several climate-dependent cold weather classes. Refueling with diesel fuel that meets the climate requirements of EN 590 helps prevent operating problems. At unusually low outside temperatures, the flow properties of the diesel fuel may be insufficient. This also applies to diesel fuel from warmer regions that is not adapted to the climatic conditions.Info
For more information on country-specific fuel properties and особенно cold-resistant fuel grades, contact the oil companies, e.g. at filling stations.
Information on fuel consumption
Environmental noteCO2 (carbon dioxide) is the gas that, according to current knowledge, is mainly responsible for warming the Earth's atmosphere (greenhouse effect). Your vehicle's CO2 emissions vary directly with fuel consumption and therefore depend on
- how efficiently the engine uses the fuel
- the driving style
- other non-technical factors, such as environmental influences, road conditions or traffic flow.
Under the following conditions, the vehicle consumes more fuel than normal:
- at very low outside temperatures
- in city traffic
- on short trips
- in hilly terrain
- when towing a trailer

Consumption values were determined in the respective currently valid version
- for vehicles up to and including Euro 4 according to EU Directive 80/1268/EEC
- for vehicles from Euro 5 onward according to Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007
The fuel notes for the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) emphasize the importance of the correct fuel quality. Only by using the prescribed fuels can full engine output be achieved and damage to the exhaust system be avoided.
Especially for AMG and BlueEFFICIENCY models, the specific recommendations must be strictly observed to maintain the high technical standard.
Question: Is the Mercedes E-Class W212 suitable for E10 fuel?
Answer: Yes, the W212 is E10-compatible and can be refueled with this fuel.
Question: Why must gasoline with metal-containing additives not be used?
Answer: Because it can damage the exhaust system and the engine.
Test yourself
A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.