I misfuelled my C-Class - what should I do?

I filled my Mercedes-Benz C250 with petrol instead of diesel. I realised when the engine began to falter after about 25 miles and stopped the car. Mercedes-Benz recovered the car and took it to their Norwich workshop where they drained the tank, bled the lines and replaced the fuel filter. I filled the tank with Shell V-Power for my journey home - the car ran OK.

1) Will there be long term damage?
2) Should I do anything else (use an additive when I next refuel or get the fuel filter changed again before the next service - due March 2015)? I plan to keep the car for the next five years.

The man in the recovery truck said it was his third mis-fuel in a week and the service department at Mercedes-Benz Norwich said it was their second in two days - why can we put men on the moon but not stop idiots like me doing something so daft?

Asked on 4 December 2014 by Lochnagar

Answered by Honest John
Petrol sits on top of diesel in the tank and the fuel pick-up is at the bottom. But if any petrol did reach the high pressure fuel injection pump there could be damage. So stick with high lubricity diesel, preferably Shell V-Power for your best chance of survival (pays for itself in better mpg anyway).

Many new cars have misfuel prevention devices. All Fords, all Hondas, all BMWs, etc.
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