I'm not so much a gear head as others on this forum are so I'd like others' opinions: Is a premium fuel grade for a non-S R56 really necessary?

I understand higher grade for turbo and special parts, but what about just the stock? What are you guys' opinions?

 

I drive a Justa and I always use premium fuel (93 octane). I always go to Valero and only that gas station because my grandpa told me that every gas station has a different mix so I only stick to one. I honestly think its necesssary because when I first got my car, my mom put a mid grade fuel (89 octane) and my car started bogging on idle. When I switched to premium fuel it was back to normal. Hope I helped.

 

I use 93 despite the added expense, and use top tier gasoline from Exxon and Shell to take advantage of the different additives in each. I'll even fill-up with BP since the Countryman owner's manual recommends it.

 

The non-S has a relatively high compression ratio (last I checked it was actually higher than the S when not boosted), which is why a higher octane fuel is recommended.

 

91 is the minimum octane you should use.

 

This makes me sad... but maybe will help the Mini run better on the bottom end. Thanks for the info.

 

Why are you sad? Your MINI should only get the best for it IMO.

 

Come on its only a couple bucks per fill up. I've tested both and I only run 93 no ethanol. Get a couple more miles per gallon and runs much smoother. Motor on!

 

Premium averages about 20-25 cents more than regular, when filling a 13 gallon tank that is a difference of $2.60 to $3.25 per fill up
How much are you really saving? Not worth it IMO

 

Premium averages about 20-25 cents more than regular, when filling a 13 gallon tank that is a difference of $2.60 to $3.25 per fill up How much are you really saving? Not worth it IMO

 

I guess you are right. Especially if you get better mileage.
It just looks like so much more as it creeps closer and closer to $4/gal

 

Didn't know that about the compression ratio! Also didn't know what the term "justa" meant until now. Thank you for that.

 

I recall that my owner's manual says "minimum 89, recommended 91+". So it'll be OK with mid-grade, but they recommend premium. Even for the "Justa".

 

I was filling up a Durango so this is like I'm making money!

 

Haha...me too, before Molly came home we had a 2001 Dodge Durango (15mpg, if I was lucky), not an R/T thank God and a 1999 Chevy Blazer, the Blazer was sold first and by default my Husband inherited the Durango. The Durango was traded for my Husband's 2010 Kia Soul Shadow Dragon SE #3 "SMAUG".

Seriously, if you are going to worry about a few extra pennies when you fill your tank, start using RedLine Motor Oil, I'm now getting 2mpg better because I switched to RedLine last October!!

 

I work in a rural area and noticed 91+ is scarce. The pennies don't add up to much... unless I have to go to one of those stations who is the only one with premium and jacks up the price. If I ever get in a bind and need to fill up here I feel pretty comfortable using a lower grade. But, have already picked out my stations that have a good price for prem.

How is HESS for prem gas quality?

 

I fuel up every Friday whether Molly is needing a drink or not...sign at Shell Station on corner reads..."$4.09"

I've posted this many times, don't really know how many have listened, probably not many but www.fuelly.com is a great place to keep track of MPGs and Costs, you'll also be able to see how other MINIs and cars are doing.