Premium fuel - Yay or Nay?

[R60BBA]

The cleaning agents in V-Power are patented.

I’ve mentioned this previously and it has also been mentioned during this thread but V-Power provides 99RON in addition to cleaning agents which ensure your intake and exhaust valves are kept clean from carbon deposits.

Whereas Tesco Momentum boosts its RON rating via using more ethanol, but does not offer the same cleaning agent technology that V-Power does.

If you want maximum performance from your engine whilst preserving its longevity you are better off with V-Power.

But at the end of the day it all depends on what you and your wallet are willing to pay.

 

[sunnydays]

I currently exclusively use Shell V Power on my tuned 35is, should I be switching to Tesco Momentum 99 based on the above?

 

[enuff_zed]

I must admit I thought V-power was 98, not 99?

It's all very confusing for us mere mortals.

 

[sunnydays]

I must admit I thought V-power was 98, not 99?

It's all very confusing for us mere mortals.

V Power is 99

 

[enuff_zed]

I must admit I thought V-power was 98, not 99?

It's all very confusing for us mere mortals.

V Power is 99

Ta. I sit corrected.

 

[R.E92]

The cleaning agents in V-Power are patented.

I’ve mentioned this previously and it has also been mentioned during this thread but V-Power provides 99RON in addition to cleaning agents which ensure your intake and exhaust valves are kept clean from carbon deposits.

Whereas Tesco Momentum boosts its RON rating via using more ethanol, but does not offer the same cleaning agent technology that V-Power does.

If you want maximum performance from your engine whilst preserving its longevity you are better off with V-Power.

But at the end of the day it all depends on what you and your wallet are willing to pay.

All of those premium fuels have cleaning additive and I'm sure they all patent their cleaning formula, it doesn't make it any more effective.

From the Tesco website:

Momentum 99 contains a special blend of additives to help keep the fuel system clean and working at its best.

Additionally, the higher octane level (99 compared to 95 for regular unleaded petrol) gives improved overall engine performance for those cars that are able to take advantage (generally sportier models).

From Costco's website:

There are two aspects of fuel quality which depend on the fuel brand and the individual retailer: deposit control additives and forecourt maintenance.

Deposit control additives:
Every grade of Kirkland Signature™ Fuel contains deposit control additive that keeps your engine protected and running like new.
Variations in deposit control additive formulations are the main difference between brands of fuel. Kirkland Signature™ Fuels have been proven to clean deposits and restore dirty engine components to like-new performance.

Station Maintenance:
Good station operation and maintenance means the fuel is filtered and that contaminants, such as sediment and water, do not find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco fuel stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so you may be confident that the fuel going into your car is clean.

Costco uses fuel filters in the petrol pumps to catch particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.

Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.

Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.

 

[R.E92]

I currently exclusively use Shell V Power on my tuned 35is, should I be switching to Tesco Momentum 99 based on the above?

There's very little in it for performance. I get slightly more frequent knock with VPower but nothing serious. If you have the standard MHD maps then you're fine with most fuels as they are very conservative with timing anyway.

It's £6 a tank less for Tesco Momentum or £8~ for Costco Premium which helps sweeten the deal.

 

[mikedelta]

I tested premium vs standard some years ago with a 325 coupe and found better mpg but the same mpg/£ as on standard, the performance was noticeably better though.

I've just re-done the test on our 330 coupe and the mpg increase far exceeds the extra £s so it and our recently acquired 2010 Z4 3.0 six both now run premium. In Sport mode you can hear and feel the difference, coming out of a 30 limit you get to 60 at an earlier point than before.