92 or 95 octane petrol?

General E30 related discussions -
Please put technical questions in E30 Tech Help forum below

Moderator: martauto

which do u use

95 always
6
55%
92 , why spend more
2
18%
depends on what ive got on me
3
27%
ive got a deisel , sucker :)
0
No votes
ive got a deisel , sucker :)
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 11
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:13 pm

gave 92 a try the other day, mainly coz it was cheaper :lol: have driven on it for a week and as weird as this sounds , the car actually feels stronger!?

whats the story boffins? what difference is it makin for the engine and am i taking a chance using it?

was there 95 always (from when they started unleaded) or is it a new thang

nice one lads/lasses
6potWil6pot
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2371
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: North London

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:15 pm

Isnt it 95 and 98 fuel for sale now?
I tend to use the "best" fuel for mine tho whatever it is :)
Image
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:18 pm

could be, but as a general sale they have 92 & 95. the super is 98 and they dont even put prices upon the board!!
6potWil6pot
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2371
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: North London

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:19 pm

Ahh i dont wander out of London very often, they only have 95 and the 97/98/Super/Optimax/whatever at the pumps around these parts 8O
Image
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:20 pm

dude .. im not even in the country :lol:
Ziggy
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 11534
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: floating round my tin can...

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:26 pm

I've never seen 92 in this country... TBH I wouldn't use it if I did!

I tend to go for 97/98 if I'm gonna do any "spirited" driving, or 95 if I'm going on a long run... I suspect motronic engines'd cope better with it than my jetronic, but lower octane than 95 sounds like a bad idea to me...
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
6potWil6pot
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2371
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: North London

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:32 pm

The sticker on my old 316i said it accepted 92Ron, i tended to pour supermarket slop into my 4 pots and they didnt complain :lol:
Image
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:58 pm

Stand by and listen to the oracle, for I am about to speak:
(I work for BP Logistics)

The lowest grade RON petrol available in the uk is 95 -this is regular unleaded.

Super Unleaded is 97, Ultimate Unleaded is also 97, and Shell Optimax is 98.

It all comes out of the same hole inthe ground - whereever you buy your fuel from it is always the same "base product". Additives are added at the terminal to make the different flavours.

So - why buy BP / Shell, when supermarkets are cheaper?

Because the additives make the petrol combust more cleanly, or give a higher RON. Also, supermarkets tend to cleav their tanks less often, and run them lower, hence you get all sorts off rubbish clogging up your fuel system.

Why buy Ultimate / Optimax over super? Because of the cleaning properties.

Ok?

To answer the question: I only ever use Optimax.
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:04 pm

Good stuff there Russ.

But you HAVE to use Optimax, because you have to run 98RON due to your car being an import, and a highly tuned turbo one at that!?

Another thing, it's probably not worth running a higher octane unless your timing is altered to suit....
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:11 pm

davetouring wrote: But you HAVE to use Optimax, because you have to run 98RON due to your car being an import, and a highly tuned turbo one at that!?
Well, fuel in Japan is actually 100 RON (I think) so correct - I do need to run Optimax but....
davetouring wrote: Another thing, it's probably not worth running a higher octane unless your timing is altered to suit....
this is true - hence the knock sensor, which adjusts the timing automatically to suit. So the MR will run on 95, its just feels slooooooow.

Of course, e30s dont have a knock sensor, so there is no advantage of running super over regular - however - I only ever ran optimax in the iS and when the head was off the internals sparkled!
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:16 pm

I meant no power advantage, but I reckon it's the best out there, and the additives in the fuel are probably what kept the engine clean, or probably helped clean in it the first place!

I think you're right about the 100RON in Japan, but 98RON is our closest equivalent, maybe chuck some octane booster in there for good measure!

You have a knock sensor, they were introduced mainly due to emissions when Catalytic Convertors where introduced, whip your cat out! Maybe more power there?!
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
Richy325iTouring
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3490
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Newport SouthWales

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:17 pm

To answer the question: I only ever use Optimax.
Optimax has a limited shelf life though so i tend to stay away from it and use esso super now.

the otherthing with optimax and this has happend on too cars of mine onec its cleaned the tank it tends to block the fule lines with the crap so it a good idea to put a fuel filter between the tand and the metal fuel pipes. Had this problem on my rocco and took me weeks to find out what the prob wa untill i went into a vw specialest in barry they asked what fuel id been putting in. my otherbm sort of cured itself.
Image
zaust
Zone day release
Posts: 13007
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Somewhere in Hertfordshire , or press Ctrl + W

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:20 pm

alwys super . i find it may cost more but you get more mileage out of it.
M30 Tech 1 Touring on gas.
Image
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:35 pm

Richy325iTouring wrote:
To answer the question: I only ever use Optimax.
Optimax has a limited shelf life
True, but its months, not weeks.
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
Richy325iTouring
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3490
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Newport SouthWales

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:36 pm

was nt sure how long just knew it had it

something else learnt today apart from being found im indisspensible in work
Image
Jhonno
Homo Hair
Posts: 20362
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: FLAT, FLAT, FLAT!!

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:49 pm

sainsburys is supplied by BP..

I use Esso 95 in mine mostly tho as it seems to run better n give a bit better mpg
User avatar
andyp
True Old Skooler
Posts: 6899
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: LONDON

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:53 pm

[quote="Russ"]Stand by and listen to the oracle, for I am about to speak:
(I work for BP Logistics)

I thought you worked for a tyre company or summink
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:59 pm

andyp wrote:
Russ wrote:Stand by and listen to the oracle, for I am about to speak:
(I work for BP Logistics)

I thought you worked for a tyre company or summink
I used to work for Goodyear - but now I work for BP.
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:01 pm

so how comes we have 92??
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:05 pm

johnono wrote:so how comes we have 92??
You dont. Simple.

Which forecourt is it? Who and where?
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:13 pm

denmark fella,

and it still costs 75p a litre on a good day! :evil:
Russ
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3128
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Solihull

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:15 pm

johnono wrote:denmark fella,

and it still costs 75p a litre on a good day! :evil:
o i c - I thought you where in the uk! My bad!

I'd guess you have 92 due to running diff additives, and being a bit, well, dutch! lol
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:23 pm

danish, u bod :lol:

but the whole point of askin was

will it fuk up the engine if i run on 92

so far a gather its a big YUP :!:
Guest

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:24 pm

has to be the shell optimax .
i alwys add a little millers octane boost ,just for a bit more ,and it certainly does the trick ,give it a try. :)
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:44 pm

If you read on the fuel cap, it says 91RON (I think) minimum so you will be ok.
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
Karan
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 8004
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:50 pm

i just use ultimate from bp, seems to do the trick....
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:52 pm

The trick being your car runs?! :D :wink:
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:56 pm

whats the score with additives

i heard that octane booster can be done but injector cleaner is leathal

:?:
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:01 pm

I think octane booster is ok, whether it works exactly as decribed is another matter.

Injector cleaner, I don't think it does any damage nesscessarily, but often does nothing to improve matters. Ultrasonic cleaning is the way forward for injector cleaning!
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:04 pm

i that someting i have to go and get done at great expense or is it relativly painless (bling)
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:06 pm

A while back, if you take out your own injectors I reckon at about 100GBP. Depends how many places have the equipment near you?
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
johnono
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4677
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: land of the vikings

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:07 pm

probably no one, but i can find out :idea:
Markymarc
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:24 pm

NORMALLY USE SHELL UNLEADED,BUT USE OPTIMAX IF I GOT A BIT EXTRA CASH ON ME :?

HAVE USED OPTIMAX WITH AN OCTANE BOOSTER BEFORE, WORK IT OUT TO BE AROUND 107RON :lol: MAN MY CAR WAS FLYIN FOR THAT TANK LOAD 8)
Image
Demlotcrew
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 13329
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:00 pm
Location: East Anglia

Post Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:27 pm

Paul325i
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6011
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2004 11:00 pm
Location: Essex, UK

Post Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:42 am

whoa another optimax debate, makes no diffence to the e30 engines, just use 95, they can run fine down to 91.