E10 fuel compatibility?

Sidewaze Samm

Senior member
Sth. Manchester/Cheshire border
Just read in this morning's paper (Times - not my usual) about forthcoming changes to the bioethanol content of petrol. :( IMG_20180828_124710_edit.jpg
Maybe it's just sensationalism - but if not, does anyone actually know what this means to our cars? Will those of us who have 'keepers' be running into compatibility issues?
 
Typical sensationalist headlines, because saying a new fuel is being considered to be used alongside the existing E5 doesn't get any attention.
 
I've no doubt they're making something out of (almost) nothing for the sake of column inches.
But it still leaves the question that in the longer term, for those of us minded to keep their E85/6 for good - especially applicable to M owners - when E5 eventually becomes like rocking horse to find, will our cars cope with E10 fuel? And beyond... E15, E20?
What can our engines run on?
Is there any mod to the engine that would extend its useable lifespan in an era of evermore 'environmental' petrol?
Is the M54 likely to be more impacted by this than the N52?
Just wondrin'... :idunno:
 
It looks like all Z4's should be OK, but I've only ever used V-Power! :x

Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership report 2017 "All cars first registered in the UK since 1st January 2011 have been suitable to use E10 and the majority of new cars have been warranted to use E10 since 2000"
https://web.kamihq.com/web/viewer.html?source=extension_pdfhandler&extension_handler=webrequest_1&file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowcvp.org.uk%2Fassets%2Freports%2FSuccessfully%2520Deploying%2520E10%2520Petrol%2520(LowCVP%2520final%2520report).pdf

'Can my car run on E10' guide says BMW - All models are OK post 1986
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/can-my-car-use-e10-ethanol-fuel-23625

ACEA member company petrol vehicles compatible with E10 reported as...
"BMW group: All petrol engine BMW models are cleared for the use of E10 petrol regardless of their year of manufacture but the minimum octane required should be observed according to the owner’s manual"
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1009524/E10-petrol-car-compatible-check-fuel
 
We have been using E10 for years on this side. The only negative appears to be fuel pump damage with extended storage, but even that isn't conclusive.
 
Well, some of us remember the Leaded to Unleaded conversion.... don’t worry, they just need a small timing adjustment & in some cases harder valve stems... or more recently VW’s Dieselgate... another small engine management adjustment... & now into years of deep litigation poo.

Engines will simply wear out quicker, after the warranty has expired, so you’ll have to spend more money to fix = replace more often = more sales = more Gov tax
 
Just got the email from shell to say they’re going to be switching to E10 fuels. They've linked across this government guidelines for e10 fuels. But slightly still skeptical on the long term effects of it on our 6 pots to be honest.

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/manufacturer/
 
Adil_3 said:
Just got the email from shell to say they’re going to be switching to E10 fuels. They've linked across this government guidelines for e10 fuels. But slightly still skeptical on the long term effects of it on our 6 pots to be honest.

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/manufacturer/

I'm sticking to this advice on that link:
"If you're still not sure, use E5 petrol. It will still be available in the super grade at many filling stations"
Let's hope that continues.
 
enuff_zed said:
Adil_3 said:
Just got the email from shell to say they’re going to be switching to E10 fuels. They've linked across this government guidelines for e10 fuels. But slightly still skeptical on the long term effects of it on our 6 pots to be honest.

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/manufacturer/

I'm sticking to this advice on that link:
"If you're still not sure, use E5 petrol. It will still be available in the super grade at many filling stations"
Let's hope that continues.

There’s certain super unleaded blends that use no bio ethanol at all but the rules state they still have to be labelled as E5, doesn’t help very much if you’re trying to avoid it :roll:
Rob
 
Smartbear said:
enuff_zed said:
Adil_3 said:
Just got the email from shell to say they’re going to be switching to E10 fuels. They've linked across this government guidelines for e10 fuels. But slightly still skeptical on the long term effects of it on our 6 pots to be honest.

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/manufacturer/

I'm sticking to this advice on that link:
"If you're still not sure, use E5 petrol. It will still be available in the super grade at many filling stations"
Let's hope that continues.

There’s certain super unleaded blends that use no bio ethanol at all but the rules state they still have to be labelled as E5, doesn’t help very much if you’re tying to avoid it :roll:
Rob
That was discussed on here very recently Rob. I think it's the new Esso one, but don't quote me on it.
 
enuff_zed said:
There’s certain super unleaded blends that use no bio ethanol at all but the rules state they still have to be labelled as E5, doesn’t help very much if you’re tying to avoid it
Rob
That was discussed on here very recently Rob. I think it's the new Esso one, but don't quote me on it.

Yes, it is Esso, but not in all parts of the UK.

Here's a link:- https://www.esso.co.uk/en-gb/fuels/petrol

I haven't tried it yet so don't know how much extra it costs - Shell charge a fortune for their V-Power.

But as my nearest filling station is a Tesco both my cars get Momentum.
 
Esso super unleaded is ethanol free in most of the UK. Probably the best option for older cars that don’t get through many tanks per year. I’ve used Shell V-Power for years, but they haven’t published anything similar, so I’m going to use Esso going forward.

F8496B82-A099-4B66-A6ED-3D8B5ED54A1A.png
 
It’s been used in Germany for over 10 years and I’m yet to hear any major concerns about it.

In fact, their largest motoring organisation ADAC is asking for an introduction of e20.

However, the higher the ethanol content the fewer miles per gallon you’ll get, so it won’t be as ‘green’ as people think…and in a lot of cases the ethanol is not from ethical sources but is coming from hundreds of thousands of hectares of deforestation to simply plant the faster growing plants for their biomass conversion.
 
We have used E10 everyday here in the States for years. The only issue I've ever seen is if you just let the car sit for long periods. The fuel seems to promote more rust and it gums up quicker than non ethanol fuel.
 
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