Some of you mentioned 93 octane Shell. I was at Shell this morning (not buying premium as I don't have my MINI yet) and I noticed that their highest grade was 91. Is that a regional thing do you think? I'm in Northern California.

 

It is regional.

 

But which detergent and what percentage should be mixed?

Top Tier fuels make the grade due to how clean they burn as well as the additives used. They are indeed more environmentally friendly for many reasons.

No one has to use them. If you dunt(tm) want to, then great, but let's not pretend by adding some aftermarket fuel additive you can take any fuel and make it pass Top Tier standards.

 

Ahh, good point!

 

Yes, very good.

Although it's still all marketing hype.

 

And you know this how?

 

Anybody but Citgo.

 

I usually buy Wawa gas.

Does that mean anything to the Non-Easterners here?

 

Wawa gas? I think I get that after a night of Tequila and Mexican food.

 

I shell it out at Shell...

 

I always go wth Shell, no matter what country

 

shell or chevron the only way to go enviormentally and pollitically

 

I'm an easterner and it doesn't mean anything to me.

 

Maybe I shoulda narrowed Easterner down to PA/NJ'er...

 

+1

 

I thought 10% ethanol was the highest to be used in the MINI? I could swear I read this in the book (can't get to it right now).

 

Yes, but I have friends in NJ I visit and have made use of Wawa and its services.

 

I have studied a lot of this stuff in graduate school.

 

I looked that the Top Tier list. Texaco? When's the last time you saw a Texaco station? The list must be ancient. Ford recommends BP brand, said they tested a bunch and it performed best in their cars, but it's not Top Tier. What that tells me is that the Top Tier schtick is probably hype. But it probably works (look at all the Shell junkies on this thread).

 

British Petroleum for my British Percy seems to be treating her well!

 

Texaco stations are common here in...Texas.

 

So you guys did chemical analysis? Cool. Why not share the results?

Texaco stations are all over Texas. Texaco was on the Top Tier list before Chevron bought them.

 

I fill with only Chevron or 76. Worked for Chevron Research for 12 years and got a discount while I worked there. Got Chevron stock while there so I support my stock through purchasing their gas. I had a auto-shop teacher in high school that swore Shell gas caused engines to get deposits on valves and such and I haven't used Shell because of that. Very probably that's changed, but old habits and such.
Chevron (which bought Texaco) decided to keep the Texaco name in markets where brand loyalty was strongest.
Here in NorCal, I've never seen 93 octane, but I don't look for it either.

 

This is the ultimate BMW marketing trick. You go in to buy a fashion accessory (MINI hat) and end up buying a lifetime supply of gasoline!

 

I use Exxon, because it's all over the place where I live and Mystic seems to like it. I have used other brands (always major) and haven't noticed any difference, though.