What fuel should I be using?

M

mason storm

Active member
I know there have been loads of threads similar to this in the past but I just wondered should I be using 98 rated fuel or higher in my 3.0si?

The manual says to use 98 but says it can run on 95 but am I loosing performance by using 95? With the current high prices I have been mostly using 95 these days while I always use to use 99
 
What's the point in owning a 3.0l engine and getting to enjoy to its fullest?

Some surveys have found that the extra oomph in higher power petrol pays for itself in better economy, smoother running and potentially less servicing issues.

Andi.
 
andicole0 said:
What's the point in owning a 3.0l engine and getting to enjoy to its fullest?

Some surveys have found that the extra oomph in higher power petrol pays for itself in better economy, smoother running and potentially less servicing issues.

Andi.
Click to expand...

Sure but do you know if the power rating for the car 265 hp is when using super and if using premium gives less hp?
 
I always use Super in the Z4 and Cooper S, now and again I'll fill up with VPower.
 
I always use tesco 99 in my 3.0i, had no problems.

It only costs 5p a litre more so not exactly a massive difference.

265hp will be based on using 98 Ron, so you'll be getting a slight loss in power when using 95 Ron fuel. Not much though.
 
mason storm said:
andicole0 said:
What's the point in owning a 3.0l engine and getting to enjoy to its fullest?

Some surveys have found that the extra oomph in higher power petrol pays for itself in better economy, smoother running and potentially less servicing issues.

Andi.
Click to expand...

Sure but do you know if the power rating for the car 265 hp is when using super and if using premium gives less hp?
Click to expand...

If the manual says 98 then yes its reported bhp will be based on that.

Andi.
 
Actualy put £5 worth of 95Ron in last week. Was either that or start pushing, as the Shell Garage, I had planned to fill at, was closed and the next one up the route had no 98Ron. Happily the next had some super for a fill up.

As you can guess I would recomend 98Ron every time. :thumbsup:
 
I use super in my cars.... but started using the Shell nitro plus in the S8.... runs nicer, pick up is a bit better and car seems to be smoother.... going to try it in the zed and see if I can notice anything in that....

of course, it could all be the placebo effect.... lol
 
I do mega miles and use 95, as I tend to sit on the motorway at 60mph in "Fuel save mode" :D

I have noticed that the difference between 95 and 98/99 is negliglble, so I stick with 95 to save the £3 a tank.

On weekend hoons though, its V Power Nitro all the way :)
 
mjgerrard said:
I do mega miles and use 95, as I tend to sit on the motorway at 60mph in "Fuel save mode" :D

I have noticed that the difference between 95 and 98/99 is negliglble, so I stick with 95 to save the £3 a tank.

On weekend hoons though, its V Power Nitro all the way :)
Click to expand...

That makes no sense to me... the ECU doesn't just adjust on one tank of fuel... so no real point filling it up for a run... it typically takes 3/4 tanks for the car to adjust....so it will adjust itself to the better fuel, just as you change back to 'saving mode'

plus.... you get more MPG with the better fuel as well.... well I do...

so your 'saving money' means less power, less MPG and no change when you do change over for 1 hoon at the weekend...

odd...... but as long as you are happy.... ;)
 
As good as the theory sounds I have tested this at length and it doesn't seem to make much of a real difference in the real world.

I ran 95 for two weeks (4 tanks of fuel) and then ran 99 for two weeks (3 tanks of fuel). Difference in MPG - 1.3.

I do find that switching to Nitro, even for the weekend, makes a near instant performance gain. No need to run three tanks of the stuff to get more poke.
 
I usually just fill up on whatever's cheapest, usually Tesco/Asda...

Might give fancy petrol a go though if it actually makes a difference? I figured it was just Shell marketing twaddle.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 2
 
Performance wise yes it does make a difference when coming from cheapy 95. I find the throttle response much better.
 
it could effect different engines in different ways... I get a 4mpg increase on the S8... can now get 22mpg on a motorway run...plus as said, it feels smoother and a better pickup...

I've never put better fuel in any car or bike and get an instant change from the ECU though....

something not mentioned (I don't think) is the cleaning ability of the newer 'super fuels' which again could be intangible, but so are a lot of things these days.... lol
 
To be fair the extra £3 a tank is probably worth it for the extra power, as well as the detergents you mentioned. I'm just really tight haha!
 
I didn't want to say that... lol :p ;)

anyway... it's only fuel... make a choice and get back to living... sometimes we all over analyse things to the point of obsession... I'm the worst for it... lol
 
Completely true. It's amazing that the marketing stuff can ultimately lead to a debate where you and I could quibble over £3 lol, so there are much more important things in life.

So far I've spent £1821.20 on fuel since I bought the car in January/February. I should probably stop thinking about fuel, otherwise suicide maybe on the cards.
 
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