V-power

[PhilK49]

I don't mean to flood the forum with new topics & if this has been discussed in the past I apologise. I'm wondering if the BMW Z4 E85/E86 should use super unleaded like V-power or is the engine capable of running on normal unleaded? I know some sports cars like my friends 2007 Impreza doesn't run at its full potential when on standard octane unleaded, even the BP stuff doesn't seem to make it run as well as Shells V-power. The ECU seems to go into a type of safe mode after a tank of using the standard unleaded & takes about half a tank more of V-power to knock it back into full power again. Just wondering if anyone has noticed anything like this with the Z4's?

 

[Dangerous-Dave]

It's an interesting question. So the car will run fine on normal 95ron with no problems. There was a good bit of research done by the jurno's (5th gear I think) which showed it made little difference to the performance. I've tried it in the Z4m and didn't notice anything.

Some love it (like your friend) some cant see the point, Take a look on YouTube and decide for yourself if its worth the extra ££ to fill her up. Each to their own.

 

[Adam D]

In the UK the handbook suggests that the quoted performance and power is achieved using 98 RON. The fuel flap sticker supports this.

It will happily run on 95 however you may find it pings a bit if trying to pull a tall gear at low speeds (my M54 3.0 would).

The S54 with higher compression and engine speeds recommend 98 RON.


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[itguy]

I use vpower and find the engine is slightly smoother and returns c.2mpg more. Remember it takes 2-3 tanks for the ecu adoptions to adjust to the higher Ron.

 

[boristhebold]

I often use Sainsburys 97 in my 3.0 as it is the only fuel station I pass without going miles out of my way and it seems to concur with the above, smoother and with better MPG so in actual fact, it is cheaper for me to run on 97 (or 98) than 95.

 

[PhilK49]

I often use Sainsburys 97 in my 3.0 as it is the only fuel station I pass without going miles out of my way and it seems to concur with the above, smoother and with better MPG so in actual fact, it is cheaper for me to run on 97 (or 98) than 95.

My mate says a lot of Subaru owners say the same, it's better performance & runs more efficiently so cuts cost even though v-power is more expensive per litre.

 

[Woots]

Do a search, there's about a million or maybe a billion threads where it's inconclusively discussed

 

[Simon_P]

Do a quick search its been discussed many times. I always fill up with V Power and the car runs and feels great. Sticking 95 or regular in it won't harm it as such but far a few pence more believe the properties of V Power to be worth it

 

[Quadracer]

Tesco have the highest ron pump petrol at 99 unless you can afford to run on BP Ultimate 102. I used to run the quads on 102 but at nearly £4 per litre only in the British Championship.
I have used 95 in my Zed on occasion when nothing else available but the engine gets a lot hotter, quicker than using super. It also (like you friend said) seems to take a while for the full performance to come back after the 95 has been in as if the ECU knows.

 

[domsz4]

I run bog standard 95 in my 04 3.0l most of my driving is in towns mixed in with a motorway journey once a week maybe. cruising at 75 on the motorway i don't see the point in paying for the more expensive stuff as i don't use the power. driving at 30-50 in the city centre again i don't see the point. anyway the nearest petrol station to me is asda so that's what it gets.

the car is fine with this, maybe a little pinking when you pull away in a higher gear but nothing much. mpg is pretty good on the motorway its in the mid 30's in town not so good but that the way i drive nothing to do with the petrol.

 

[Dangerous-Dave]

Doh, I should have waited to read your wisdom befor I filled up this morning. Oh we'll, just have to wait till next week to start on the good stuff

 

[NeilP]

In theory with the same driving style and all other things being equal, you would be able to see an increase in efficiency.

Not to mention that the engine would run better. I tend to stick a tank of v-power in every other fill up.

 

[PhilK49]

I run bog standard 95 in my 04 3.0l most of my driving is in towns mixed in with a motorway journey once a week maybe. cruising at 75 on the motorway i don't see the point in paying for the more expensive stuff as i don't use the power. driving at 30-50 in the city centre again i don't see the point. anyway the nearest petrol station to me is asda so that's what it gets.

the car is fine with this, maybe a little pinking when you pull away in a higher gear but nothing much. mpg is pretty good on the motorway its in the mid 30's in town not so good but that the way i drive nothing to do with the petrol.

The thing to take into consideration is its not just the power increase its the ability to conserve the mechanics of the cars engine. The higher octane means less knocking from the fuel in the engine when the fuel mixes with the air; the more knocking the more damage to the engine. You will probably find if the car is driven normal in towns etc then higher octane fuel would be better due to a higher chance of knocking effects from changing gear etc with lower octane fuels. But also higher reving from motorway use would also benefit cause the engine components will be running hotter.

 

[Swiftly]

I tend to use V-Power most of the time, although Tesco Ultimate is a good alternative and a bit cheaper as well. Mine doesn't seem to run as good using cheaper lower octane fuel from the likes of Sainsbury's or Morrison's

 

[jags_z4]

My Fabia VRS used to insist on 98 and to be fair it ran way better on Tescos Momentum, plus they do double points so if you tend to shop there it soon adds to the total if you fill up often.

 

[Ewazix]

I do low miles so it's V-Power for me, after a couple of tanks it got rid of occasional tinkle pinkle in high gear low speed pulls, and gives an extra 1 - 2 mpg but 95 is fine really.

 

[wegras]

I do low miles so it's V-Power for me, after a couple of tanks it got rid of occasional tinkle pinkle in high gear low speed pulls, and gives an extra 1 - 2 mpg but 95 is fine really.

With you 100% on that we also put V diesel in the X1 as mileage is low on that too

 

[stevenelmes5]

Well I use shell fuel save and it works fine but if I use asda or morrisons fuel my emission light comes on and that's on the 08 2ltr as soon as I put a tank of shell petrol through the light goes back off

 

[GregZ4]

Well I use shell fuel save and it works fine but if I use asda or morrisons fuel my emission light comes on and that's on the 08 2ltr as soon as I put a tank of shell petrol through the light goes back off

Had the exact same thing my 3.0Si....
Vpower = Happy Zed

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[buzyg]

I tend to use V-Power most of the time, although Tesco Ultimate is a good alternative and a bit cheaper as well. Mine doesn't seem to run as good using cheaper lower octane fuel from the likes of Sainsbury's or Morrison's

+1

Maily because I have Shell stations in both directions on the A38, when I'm heading East or West and two Tesco's on the way to the beach heading North.