Im about 4 weeks away from getting behind the wheel of my 08 MC, just curious which level octane everyone uses? Does Mini recommend "premium" gas?

 

MINI recommends 91. I have a hard time finding it, and when I do its usually 2 cents cheaper than 93, so I just use 93.

 

Believe the owner's manual states premium. Here in Germany I use 90 octane (three different ratings here: 93, 90 and 88). I think as long as you use a good quality fuel (Chevron, Texaco, etc.) you can probably be okay with 87 octane, but wouldn't go any lower than that...

Hope this helps

 

Feel free to browse through all 422 replies in this sticky in the First Gear section.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=50189

 

Chevron 94.... which is $1.18 liter here / $4.46 a US gallon.

 

The highest readily available at the time...

 

92

 

Here in California the difference between 87 & 91, 91 being our top grade is about .20 cents per gallon. When you calculate it, it comes out to about $2.00 per tank full. $2.00 +/- every 300 or so miles will not break my bank.

 

93 when I can easily find it. If not then 91. Most gas station with 93 have 91 as well but as the poster above me said, $2.00 per tank is more than worth it to me. Never even considered anything lower than 91...

 

its not just a matter of good gas... if your car recommends the premium fuel, get the premium fuel. If you use a fuel with too low of a octane rating you will get poor performance, possibly detonation and even engine damage. Its dumb to put higher octane in a car that doesnt need it because you are wasting money, its dumb to put lower octane in a car that needs it because you could damage your engine.

 

Yes you can use lower octane fuel and the ECU will compensate for the WRONG fuel... ( it might run on disel - but thats not what it's designed for )

I run Sunoco 94 unless there is NONE - then 93, or 91 if i have to use sewer water...
The MTH ECU load i have is supposed to be tuned for 94... so that's what i try and find. Even to the point of Planing my routes and stops around it.

 

We use 89 on a 07 MC and usually fill with a top grade brand. I know some folks get emotional about this stuff. It is harder to find a rational discussion of the fuel grade.

I had a discussion with an engineer at Indmar (inboard manufacturer) and another engineer at PCM (also inboard boat mfgr) about a year ago. They both recommend 89 Octane in their engines in the literature but said it is OK to use 87 as long as you don't let it sit in the tank for more than a few weeks -- because gas tendes to decrease in octane over time, especially if it is stored in a hot environment.

That was an factor that I had not heard before.

IMHO, here are some factors that would cause you to fill up with high octane: driving aggressively, mountainous terrain, hot weather, heavy loads (people/gear), infrequent fill ups.

Here are times you might consider a lower octane: long trip, cold weather, rainy conditions, one person only (light load), flat road especially when cruising at highway speeds, frequent fill ups.

The reasoning is that you are trying to avoid conditions that could lead to pinging (pre ignition). One doesn't hear this sound much anymore with electronic ignition systems, but in the old days, the factors above certainly influenced the amount of pinging.

Hope that helps and doesn't put anyone's knickers in a bind

 

Turbo needs highest octane to perform the best.

The maximum possible boost depends on the fuel's octane rating. Also, Depending on the engine you may be able to run more or less boost than other cars. To run higher boost you need to have a source to cool the charging air. With proper tuning and efficient charge cooling, you can run upwards to 15 PSI of boost pressure on a stock motor. Ethanol, methanol and diesel can naturally allow for higher boost than a normal gasoline engine. -Wikipedia.com on turbo

 

The only time my MCS tasted 89 Octane is when my dealer filled up the first tank before I picked it up. They told me it's OK to use 89 but I think it's bunch of bologne and my car will never see anything below 91 for the rest of its life as long as I own it.

 

sounds like a cheapo dealership that just wanted to save a few bucks.

 

I use 92/93 depending on the gas station. I would never put lower than 91 since that is what is recommended. It's not worth the $2.00 as others have said.

 

My dealer did the exact same thing and that's the only time my MINI will ever see gas anywhere in the 80's. He swears it's fine as that's dealer policy. I actually wouldn't be surprised to hear it's MINI NA policy in general now that I know two dealers on opposite sides of the country do it. Even if it does 'perform fine' the price difference simply doesn't justify the risk. In PA at least...

 

Here in the U.S., gasoline is a commodity. The only difference between one "brand" and the next are the computerized selections made at the distribution facility by the tanker truck driver. I have read that most geographies only have one distribution facility, and I've read that New York being larger, has two.

In early October, I purchased a tank of 93 from a local brand which turned out to contain 15% ethanol -- this is 50% more ethanol than the R56 can handle. Repairs, including a new fuel pump, came to US$1300, and I am currently negotiating with the oil company prior to litigation.

BMW recommends "Top Tier" fuel -- while it is a marketing campaign for antifouling additives, the quality standard includes a maximum of 10% ethanol. Around here, there is only "top tier" brand available -- Shell -- so that is what I am restricting myself to.

Be careful out there.

Here's a link to the campaign: www.toptiergas.com
A link to the standard: http://www.toptiergas.com/deposit_control.html

 

The station closest to where i live is a Shell and they have 87 and 89 and 92. I filled mine up last night with 92. I see no point in saving 2$ a tank with a $27K car and risking anything at all.

 

No less than 93 in my car, unless I happen to be driving through podunk towns.... in which case I'll pray that the good gas mileage of the MINI will get me to the next big city.

 

What I find out here in beautiful Southern California is Shell 91 Vpower. She runs well with it and I wouldn't chance 87 or 89.

 

Chevron 91, nothing less...

 

Top Tier 93: Usually Shell or Chevron.