[TouringPleb]

After some advice..

What's generally regarded as the best petrol?

I'm currently using BP Ultimate as it's convenient for me. There's also a Tesco next to the gym I go to which would be convenient. I also pass a Shell garage going to and from work but would be loath to use it, being on the A1 it's pretty expensive. Finally I also go past a Sainsbury's going to work.

So off those, BP, Shell, Tesco and Sainsbury's, which is the best premium fuel?

Thanks.

Edit forgot I also past a Esso everyday but that's really expensive even for regular fuel.

[Abzynthe]

In my experience, the Tesco Momentum 99 has been better than BP Ultimate in my RCZR, for that reason I have only used that in my 440i so far. I think out of all of them, you probably won't feel/see much difference.

[Jeff123]

I have not used Tesco or Sainsbury's premium fuel, but have used both Shell and BP over the years. Also a few tanks of Esso and Texaco.

I reckon that, for what I have used, Shell is the best - but there are 2 cheap Shell garages near me (virtually Tesco prices) so maybe I am biased.

I keep trying Shell V power every now and again, but just cant really tell any difference between that and standard Shell. MPG is certainly no better.

What I would say though, is that my first E90 diesel when I bought it at 2 years old sounded absolutely terrible (noisy and clattering) and was fairly sluggish. Stuck a tank of BP Ultimate in and I could tell the difference before I had even driven out of the petrol station. Felt like a different car.

I just use Shell or BP now.

[ajfoggy]

Costco

[RustyBitz]

Originally Posted by ajfoggy

Costco

Second that

[....,,,,..,,..]

I have been alternating between Shell V Power and BP Ultimate, with the odd Tesco trip for momentum.

Tesco gives best price for 99, then Shell V Power (98) and BP Ultimate (97).

As the nearest Tesco's is 7 miles or so away, not really cost effective.

The rest I avoid and just don't use.

[Broncho]

The cheapest they all buy it from the same supplier, who has refined it from shells and dead prawns.

[NISFAN]

Tesco momentum 99 for additional exhaust fruitiness.

Shell VP when not using above. Calmer exhaust sounds, but performance seems similar to the butt dyno.

[DarCol]

I always put V power in the Porsche and Standard Shell diesel in the 335d.

Only put VPower in the Pig to keep the engine clean, the performance increase is unnoticeable to me..

[simon.]

Shell standard with V power every 4 tanks was what I fed the M135i when I had it. Never any issue & it went well, that's for sure.

Momentum will be fine, just stay away from supermarket standard fuel.

[Nobby Clark]

Depends what you mean by best.
I ran my E46 on Tesco for 120k miles, never missed a beat. Also run my current cars on it.
It’s cheaper than the “leading brands”, same price as other supermarkets and Costco.
I also get clubcard points.

Do I get more mpg than other fuels? Don’t know don’t care. Is it quieter /smoother running? Seems fine to me. Is the performance any different? I doubt you’d be able to tell in a blind test.

[Ajs_435d]

I've done quite a few tests in my time tuning petrol cars on standalones and shell v power is the best for sure, tesco momentum is pretty much as good (key is additive level and octane). This on a dyno so I have experience and figures.

Personally I have found bp ultimate to be overpriced rubbish yes it's 97 as opposed to the above 99 but it's barely 97 Ron.

[DazC]

I pretty much solely use Tesco Momentum in my car.

[TodmordenLad]

Used Shell's posh stuff for the first 1500 miles in my 440i from new. Now use regular with the odd tank of special from time to time. No noticeable difference in performance or mpg

[MickyD'bo]

V Power for me.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Ajs_435d

I've done quite a few tests in my time tuning petrol cars on standalones and shell v power is the best for sure, tesco momentum is pretty much as good (key is additive level and octane). This on a dyno so I have experience and figures.

Personally I have found bp ultimate to be overpriced rubbish yes it's 97 as opposed to the above 99 but it's barely 97 Ron.

I don't see much difference (consumption/performance) in my normal use with RON 95 & 97 fuels, (Esso & BP).

When I've been up in Inverness I've filled with Tesco Momentum 99. That does make a difference, both in performance and consumption. Most noticeable change is with gearbox change points. Mid range torque is clearly higher and down changes are triggered at lower throttle inputs. I had my best mpg figure, for a run back from Inverness, after filling with Momentum.

Emissions Analytics reported Tesco Momentum recorded a decrease in fuel consumption of almost 5%, compared to Tesco RON 95, in a BMW E90 325i, over the NEDC test cycle.

[dopper99]

When I first got the car I ran it solely on Shell V power for a while. But the stuff from my local garage seemed inconsistent. A couple of tanks were ok and the car was lively but then another tankful, the car seemed “flat” as if I’d put normal 95 unleaded in it. It was all from the Shell V power pump.

So I ditched Shell and solely put Tesco Momentum 99 in now. More consistent, every tank has been good. Cheaper too, although that’s not really why I buy it.

[Ajs_435d]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I don't see much difference (consumption/performance) in my normal use with RON 95 & 97 fuels, (Esso & BP).

When I've been up in Inverness I've filled with Tesco Momentum 99. That does make a difference, both in performance and consumption. Most noticeable change is with gearbox change points. Mid range torque is clearly higher and down changes are triggered at lower throttle inputs. I had my best mpg figure, for a run back from Inverness, after filling with Momentum.

Emissions Analytics reported Tesco Momentum recorded a decrease in fuel consumption of almost 5%, compared to Tesco RON 95, in a BMW E90 325i, over the NEDC test cycle.

Esso/bp doesn't surprise.

My experience has been with high compression turbo motors and reaching MBT or pushing timing till knock then backing off using standalone ecu's on a dyno.

[Ajs_435d]

At the end of the day folks if the ecu can take advantage it will.

[Daftasabrush]

Always V Power, Tesco Momentum 99 if no Shell garage local, never anything else though. The only time it's had anything other than the above is when it was new and the dealer took it to Sainsburys to fill up (despite asking them not to).

The report Tesco commissioned regarding Momentum shows that it increases sooty deposits: https://d16vpkeamxept2.cloudfront.ne...fece4a1a23.pdf

Taken from: https://www.tescopfs.com/our-fuels/tesco-momentum99

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Ajs_435d

At the end of the day folks if the ecu can take advantage it will.

Is that the case only if your car is designed to run on higher octane? My SQ5 says 95 ron and I have to say Momentum didnt seem to make any difference...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Is that the case only if your car is designed to run on higher octane? My SQ5 says 95 ron and I have to say Momentum didnt seem to make any difference...

Many BMW model's filler cap will say "BMW recommends RON 95". Whereas BMW data may clearly state the engine is designed for RON 98. Also that consumption & output figures are obtained using RON 98. Sometimes stating engine output and consumption may be reduced using RON 95.

My N55 engine is designed for RON 98. Still says "BMW recommends using RON 95 fuel".

Many VAG engines are designed for RON 98, what does it say in the handbook?