Premium or regular?

 

I plan on using premium in my CMS.

 

I thought Premium was required for all BMWs/MINIs.

 

91 is recommended mid grade will work but not prefered.

 

Found this on Yahoo Answers:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...3092954AA7vgjb

 

Why not just read the manual?

 

I usually use 93, only go with 91 if its significantly cheaper (its usually only 3 to 5 cents less a gallon by me). I wouldn't use 89 or less unless I was in a pinch.

 

Shell 93 Premium

 

Well I would but my car just arrived in the country and I won't get my hands on it until next week.

 

If you use less than 91, you will get less power because the obc will retard the timing so you won't get predetonation which isn't good for your engine and robs power. Also, there is more potential power is lower octane fuel so the higher over 91 isn't going to get you that much more power if any. Remember, premium isn't better than lower regular or plus, it just allows for more compression before it ignites.

 

Thank you for all the helpful responses. So 91 it will be.

 

You can download a PDF of the manual in the owners lounge.

 

Oh yeah, and when the engine in your MINI has issues like carbon buildup and poor idle, and bad gas mileage, I am sure YAHOO will reimburse you for your loss.

Use Premium fuel, and follow the manufacturers "recommendations".....they say that for a reason. They are not OPEC !

 

Sadly Canadians do not have access to the owners lounge. Which is why I am picking your brains.

 

I used 93 in my R56 and now I use 93 in my R60. If I get stuck I'll put WAWA 92. I figure if I take care of the Mini it will take care of me.
Treat your MINI and spend the 40bucks for 93.

 

Surprised no one has mentioned whether or not to use gas that has been "enriched" with ethanol?

I believe that ethanol-free is preferred. I've found a small number of stations in my area that offer ethanol-free gas, and I've been making a point of filling up with it, in Premium!

 

It shows on the gas area 89 or higher. I use 89.

 

This is exactly what the owner's manual says:

"Super Premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
> Cooper S: 89
> Cooper: 87
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rating,
the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures. This
has no effect on the engine life."

 

Just for completeness. Here is the rest of the fuel statement. I'm sure there will be lots of love for the last sentence.

"Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differences
in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels containing
up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to defects
in materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental conditions
such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.

Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier

Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.

MINI recommends BP fuels."

 

I agree, besides saving a few pennies isn't worth it if you risk hurting your Mini

2010 HzB/Clubgirl, fairly loaded, much loved

 

if you use anything less than 91 your MINI should find a new owner! my Mia won't get anything less than 93 ever! my motto is, if you put the best oil in the car (which MINI does) you should put the best gas in the car. come on people it's not that much more to put it what you should put it... As long as it's an S.

 

I only use Shell premium 93. I also keep all my gas receipts in the glove box.
There are a lot of posts that some dealers try to blame the gas for certain problems. If you give them a handful of receipts that's one less thing to worry about.

 

I started to do that, too, to see what Im spending, but you have a great point! Thanks!

2010 BHz? Clubgirl, fairly loaded, much loved

 

I assume MINI lists BP because BP pays them to do so. MINI does recommend Top Tier gas, but BP is not on the list of retailers, so they kind of contradict themselves.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

The service guy I spoke with at Mini of Madison recommended not using fuel with ethanol when I was asking him about carbon buildup. Not sure if that was his opinion, or direction passed down from engineering.

 

Download the manual at MINI's Owner's Lounge online. It's way more fun to learn and have to wait.