So I am driving around in my 2012 Cooper S and loving it, as usual.

I had just filled up the day before at a "cheap" gas place, just because I was there and needed gas. I got 93 Octane as usual, but I am wondering something.

I have gotten 93 octane gas there a few times since my last oil change and this last weekend I did my oil. I usually do my changes around 4k miles.

This time my oil was much darker and I had noticed the engine sound was beggin for a change.

So my last fill up at cheapo depot I put the car in sport mode and I noticed something, no pop. Like none. I revved and released and usually when I got only the best high octane gas I would always hear gurgle and pops.

So my twisted logic is this: The cheap gas place is slipping me 87 octane when I pay for 93 and that lower octane gas doesn't pop or gurgle as much in sport mode.

After realizing that sport mode didn't sound the same I ran my gas tank down, filled up with Shell 93 and suddenly it was popgurgle city.

Now I know what octane is and what sport mode is and I am just wondering if other people notice that their mini doesn't burp on cheap gas.

Thanks,
First post, how did I do?

 

This is why I only buy from Top Tier gas stations. Especially on a tune I can't risk knocking due to being fed low grade gas.

 

+1
http://www.toptiergas.com/
...and don't listen to the naysayers. It does make a difference.
Also, throw in a can of BG-44K a couple times a year.

 

+1 Love the 44k. It's great stuff. I also use their MOA every now and then during an oil change.