Wondered if anyone would come back on that one. Bet you have it as your ring tone...
Z3 2.2 M54 running on "premium" unleaded
- Thread starter GazHyde
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zedonist
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DivideBYZero
Zorg Guru (I)
I always use V-Power in the Z3. It does make a difference, these cars only produce the rated power output with high octane fuel
I also use V-Power exclusively in the M3, because moar ponies.
I also use V-Power exclusively in the M3, because moar ponies.
Never tried it will now I have read this.
Also a post so I can see 2* 2.2i Sport, Stirling Grey on the side together
Also a post so I can see 2* 2.2i Sport, Stirling Grey on the side together
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There is no extra mpg.
The only benefit of the high octane that the engine is designed to use, is the extra power under full throttle or high rpm when maximum ignition advance is needed.
If you don't need any of that at any time, then don't pay for high octane.
But on those occasions when you do need that, don't complain that low octane won't deliver it.
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smartbear
Zorg Legend
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The super unleaded has more detergents in it to keep the engine internals cleaner, so there is more than the extra power/economy benefit.
I have seen independent tests that show better economy, the fuel has a higher energy output so it stands to reason that it can produce the same energy as the normal stuff on a lesser amount, especially if your car has a knock sensor like our z3's do.
Regards
I have seen independent tests that show better economy, the fuel has a higher energy output so it stands to reason that it can produce the same energy as the normal stuff on a lesser amount, especially if your car has a knock sensor like our z3's do.
Regards
Sorry disagree in my case. I have done multiple tank full to tank full tests under various driving conditions and long road trips. Higher octane, particularly Shell V-Power, always returns better figures. Admittedly only marginal but enough to cover extra cost.
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If you are speaking of a Z3, and drove it throughout its envelope, then you took advantage of full advance enough to make that difference. The low octane gas hobbled the engine whenever full advance was needed, and reduced the mileage. As the Z3 manual says, use low octane only in emergency.
However, many conservative drivers routinely use low octane in their Z3. It will run fine, just not to full performance. Those people don't miss it.
On the other hand, high octane does not help an engine that is designed to run on lower octane. The manual for my Scion (Toyota) 1.5 calls for low octane gas, and I did the same tests that you did between low and high octane. I noticed no difference. I emailed Scion and got the following reply:
Scion Customer Experience Discussion Thread
Scion xB horsepower and torque [Incident: 060901-000071]
From: Scion <scion_mail@scion.com>
Reply-To: Scion <scion_mail@scion.com>
Response (Vernon) 09/06/2006 04:09 PM
… The vehicle is engineered and tested using 87 octane fuel. We recommend that fuel for optimum performance, reliability, and fuel economy on the vehicle. The vehicle does make the same power at maximum throttle position on 87 octane as it would on higher octane fuel.
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There is value in the additional detergent that is added to high octane gas. But high octane gas does not have more energy, and can have less:
"Octane ratings are not indicators of the energy content of fuels.... Where the octane number is raised by blending in ethanol, energy content per volume is reduced."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
"Time and again, people will be told that high octane fuel... will give them extra power and better fuel mileage than Regular octane gasoline because it contains more ‘energy.’ These blanket statements are simply not true. In fact, the octane rating for gasoline has nothing to do with the amount of power locked inside of it..."
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/gasoline-octane-myths.html
mini
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I have heard a small rumour that tescos , asdas fuel has more crap in them so in the zed will be nicer fuel for me as it only costs about 40 to fill any way , but when I fill the van its asda or tescos for me as it costs me 140 to fill , get the difference back in points see !! 
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I see.I have heard a small rumour that tescos , asdas fuel has more crap in them so in the zed will be nicer fuel for me as it only costs about 40 to fill any way , but when I fill the van its asda or tescos for me as it costs me 140 to fill , get the difference back in points see !!
DivideBYZero
Zorg Guru (I)
Yep, looks like your car is very similar to mine, main difference being the Chrome Kit Option on mine and the Oyster Leather on yours.
I read somewhere that the E5 fuel we're all obliged to use (5% ethanol) can attack the rubber parts in older fuel systems. Premium fuels, it is alleged, have no ethanol in them. Rumour, perhaps? Someone may have better information. I daresay 'older' means much older than any Z.
Absolutely, but most cars other than classics are not affected by the E5 at all. Now my son's 55 Pontiac suffered from valve seal deterioration but new material seals are now available so for a bit of labour it's now in the twenty first century. Will try to post a pic later today. Bought as his grad gift in 93 with 68,000 miles two small rust holes and a new interior. Painted two tone white top blue bottom metallic and it's actually my favorite car to drive. JIM
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That's a beautiful example of cars made in the days of the American Dream. A few appeared on England's roads while I was a schoolboy - the chap along my road had a Hudson Terraplane. That's somewhat older, I realise, but made with a similar philosophy. A period piece relegated to enthusiasts and the Havana taxi fleet...