So just got 05 MCS What a great drive but i got two questions. I can never remember is the current motor part of the alliance with Pegeot or Chrysler? And my MCS backfires is that normal? I'm running premium, and mid grade sometimes.

 

The alliance is between Chrysler and BMW and yes the back fire is normal. Enjoy

 

YES, the backfires are normal and oh how I love them:smile: (they mean your car is fast ). If you plan on getting an aftermarket exhaust be prepared for the backfires to be 10x louder. Welcome to NAM!

 

Yeah, love those backfires.

 

Hmm, Technically, is it really a backfire? Maybe, really dont know.

MINI did that on purpose because they thought it was "cool" to imitate the noise.

If anyone hasn't, listen to the open headers in a dragster. The popping is just a dump of excessive fuel (I believe) ... so those worried about MPG, I wonder how much fuel it uses.

On the other hand, it does sound COOL

 

OH I LOVE EM TOO! Friends were like what the heck is wrong with it, I thought it was normal just wanted to double check

 

Burbling is OK... Backfires sound like a gunshot and SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! This is NOT GOOD for an engine.

 

Agranger, your right it is more like a burble- still sounds cool. My MINI dealer said that premium is actually not recomended any more, mid grade is fine

 

Does the manual say that? If not I would get that in writing from the dealer in case you have issues down the line. Last I heard 91 is the minimum octane rating and that is premium around here. 89 is mid-grade. Let us know.

 

I will do that next time i talk to my dealer.

 

Use 91 or 93 octane...more octane = more power. The "brains" of the car will give you "MORE POWER" by advancing the timing....and enjoy the burbling.

Cheers

 

All of the threads I read say that the 'official MINI party-line" is to say that 93 is the only stuff you should put in there. A few dealers, on the side, have admitted that midgrade might be better in the summer where it is warm.

 

Yeah the service manager said premium and premium only, sales person was wrong i guess. Premium it is!

 

Please run premium 100% of time! The manual specifies premium and you risk engine damage with lower octane. And you definately get reduced performance with mid grade as the engine mgmt system retards the timing.