Fuel - Is it my Imagination?

Discussion in '3 Series' started by bmwzoom, Feb 12, 2020.

  1. bmwzoom
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    bmwzoom WARLORD

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    Ok so already been done to death many times but I seem to get a better driving ability with normal BP derv compared to Esso and the supermarket brands:?. Never noticed on the 320ed but certainly seems that way on the 330d xd over the same journey. Am I going made:slow:

    Others??

    Thanks
     
  2. Mieke
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    Mieke WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I can't really comment as I always buy the cheapest diesel regardless of brand.
    Most of the fuel comes from the same refinery - in my case Stanlow.
     
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  3. snrbrtsn
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    snrbrtsn WARLORD

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    A good friend is a tanker driver, from what he offloads, I’d assume it’s imaginary, albeit probably mild temperature related
     
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  4. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    I've found diesel fuel varies in engine feel and performance, (additive package makes a difference) and not just in my vehicles.

    On a slightly different note, had a chance to fill with 99 RON Momentum while in Inverness on Saturday. That definitely makes a difference in the 535i, compared to the 95 RON fuel it gets locally.

    I've posted before how it changes the characteristic of the engine and gearbox, did the same for the drive home.

    Same this time, plus the engine was totally vibration free at idle, sat at some temporary traffic lights.

    Peter
     
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  5. kleynie
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    kleynie WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I always use the premium stuff in the Macan as it’s known to make the DPF last longer between regens.
     
  6. Verbarthe
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    Verbarthe WARLORD

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    I ve always used 99 Ron Momentum for the 435i , always used it for my previous BMW s as well .
     
  7. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I’ve not noticed a difference with the diesels I’ve had over the years, but they haven’t been performance diesels by any stretch of the imagination.
    I had a Saab 9-5 that had an upgraded ECU, that didn’t like 95 at all, pinked and was down on power slightly, used Shell Optimax ( as it was called at the time) and was good.
    Now I’m wondering if using the Shell super derv may assist the new box I have. Worth a tank or two to try.
     
  8. Mieke
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    Mieke WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I can certainly see the advantage between Super and Premium petrol, especially for high performance engines. BMW Mottorad dealers always recommended using the higher octane Super unleaded on the sports bikes for smoother running and slightly better economy. But whether there is much difference of the same grade of fuel from different oil companies, I'm a little more dubious. I can see how the higher grade Premium Diesel with a higher cetane rating would be cleaner and more beneficial for the DPF, but most garages that I frequent only have the Regular. I might give it a try if I can find any. :)
     
  9. Kev2005
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    Kev2005 WARLORD Site Supporter Good Egg

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    I generally try to use Shell fuel wherever possible and I have noticed a increase in economy from using the V power diesel compared to the regular, i seem to get a few more miles out of the V power. However, due to the cost, i generally only fill up every now and again with the vpower diesel maybe after every 2 or 3 fills or regular shell diesel.

    Shell used to give away extra points for v power but thats all changed now.

    Kev
     
  10. Abh29
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    Abh29

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    The X1 I always run on normal Shell, but a couple of years ago i noticed my z3 was not running as smooth as normal , some of the pickup was lacking and the exhaust has lost all its "crackle" not as enjoyable drive as previous ( I had got to stage of considering changing the exhaust) . After a few months I called at a mates garage he checked it over and found no faults but asked had I changed fuel.A few months earlier my local Shell garage stopped stocking V Power so I switched to Tesco Momentum , run tank to nearly empty and changed back to VPower very soon engine was back to normal.
    Both car get a dose of BMW additive X1 every 6 month Z3 annually.
    Prior to giving up work 10 years ago I always used Vpower or BP eauivalant and could prove the extra cost was more that recovered in better mpg , my last three cars were Jag 2.2 , BMW 335 BMW 330 the BMW's each averaged 75,000 year , the Jag I only used for a short period.
     
  11. Alan Gunn
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    Alan Gunn

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  12. mystic sport
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    mystic sport

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    I always use momentum in my M5 when I can, however on the odd occasion I have had to put regular 95 in I honestly cannot tell any difference. It doesn't idle or run worse, seems to have every bit of power that 99 offers, maybe I am not sensitive enough to feel the difference but it is just as insane on 95 or 99. In the main though it has 99 in the tank.
     
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