[TQMp5135]

Hi All,

I have a 2014 435i with MPPK and MPE. I have only ever really filled it up with standard 95 octane petrol from whichever petrol station is the most convenient and thought nothing more of it.

In the owners handbook and on the filler cap, 95 RON is recommended. However, I’ve read on here and elsewhere that many people swear by premium fuel such as Shell V-Power for these cars due to greater performance and fuel economy.

Is it worth me making the switch to premium, higher octain fuel for N55 with MPPK? Is it better for it than 95? Any negative effects?

Many thanks in advance.

[dizzy619]

Certainly no downsides... Just try a few tanks and see what you think and do an accurate mpg test too... If your into that kind of thing.

[teaston]

It will free up a few BHP, but you'd be better off spending the money on a Tuning box instead as that will completely transform the performance!

[TodmordenLad]

The only higher octane fuel which makes a difference which I can detect in normal mixed cycle driving is Tesco Momentum - slightly improved response and slightly improved mpg. I think it's 99RON from memory
I've stopped using branded higher octane fuels anyway as they're just too expensive around my way

[planemad]

Normal fuel for me and 50ml of millers every 2nd fill up - (I always fill up at quater of a tank so keeps a nice level of millers in the tank).
I love this question, as all the car forums I visit - this always gets opinions going.

[Jeff123]

The car will run smoother on normal BP and Shell etc. IMO, Ultimate and V Power is not worth the extra money. Having said that, I put in the odd few tanks a year, but the difference in performance is marginal at best.

[Cero ceto]

I must admit I've never noticed any difference what so ever and think it's a plecebo so I stick with standard fuel fro BP, Esso or Shell. I will not however put in any fuel from a supermarket chain.

[ramparts]

For the cost of 5p a litre ( 2.50 a fillup), Momentum 99 is well worth it. On 40,000 quid cars, what’s a few pennies here and there in the grand scheme of things !

[HighlandPete]

OP is talking about a petrol engine with a performance tune. Slightly different than diesel users and different reasons for using a premium fuel

BMW petrol engines are designed around the higher octane (98 RON) fuels. If we want the maximum performance, then the higher octane fuel is necessary.

Whether worth it or not, is subjective. On costs probably not, but if you want to squeeze every HP out of the engine, maybe.

I know my N55 engine runs stronger on 99 RON, (Momentum) than on the standard 95 RON petrol. Can also feel the torque difference, which is reflected in different gearbox change points.

I can only get 95 & 97 RON locally, (97 at a stupid price hike). There is no real discernible benefit on my local driving, just extra cost. There are cheaper ways to add a 'cleaning' package.

[NotGotABimmer23]

You will get a few bhp, will you be able to notice, I doubt it. Personally I'm happy with 95 Ron.

[1966-TR4]

Ignition timing will advance a bit. You are more likely to feel that on light throttle, in my experience (ie on cars with adjustable distributors which I ran on high octane and a Millers additive combined).

[pdk42]

I can't discern any noticeable difference on my 335i between 95 and even Tesco 99. Maybe slightly better performance and mpg, but really very marginal imho

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by 1966-TR4

Ignition timing will advance a bit. You are more likely to feel that on light throttle, in my experience (ie on cars with adjustable distributors which I ran on high octane and a Millers additive combined).

Agree, that's a key way my N55 shows a clear day to day difference. Driving the same roads, it's easy to discern the difference when 'squeezing' the right pedal, and getting a different gearbox response. More torque triggering a down change on acceleration, where 95 RON wouldn't do so. Kick-downs are more brutal on 99 RON. Harder to modulate the down changing, as different throttle input is necessary than using 95 RON.

[SteveChester]

I didn't realise that Tesco was 99 these days - I thought that V Power and TescoM were 98... I'll pop down to Tesco and put some in the M4 tomorrow and save some pennies over the Shell stuff...

[TQMp5135]

Thanks all. I guess it’s just a case of trying higher octane fuel for a couple of tanks worth of miles and deciding whether I think it is worth it for the money.

I’m happy to make the switch as long as I can be certain that there are no long term negative effects. Some negative effects I have seen mentioned in relation to using higher octane fuel are increased carbon build up and increased engine wear due to the higher performance output. Any truth in these?

Interestingly, I also read somewhere that BMW recommends the use of 98 RON for use with the MPPK and that this is stated on the additional info/certificate you receive when you get it fitted. I don’t recall receiving such additional info. Can anyone shed light on this?

[Chasen335]

I can slightly tell a difference, but where I am there is no 93, I have to go to the 1 shop beside the track that has 100 unleaded and 110 leaded to mix.... 10$ a gallon gets pricey

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by TQMp5135

Interestingly, I also read somewhere that BMW recommends the use of 98 RON for use with the MPPK and that this is stated on the additional info/certificate you receive when you get it fitted. I don’t recall receiving such additional info. Can anyone shed light on this?

#41 includes a certificate.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post15337841

[A13x]

Shell V-Power in a petrol makes a huge difference in a 3 litre, sound, feel and efficiently is both increased.

Its pointless going for the premium if your in a diesel as the above only seems noticeable in a petrol.

[AlwynMike]

Only ever put premium in my 440.
Don't know if its better and don't really care.
I probably wouldn't notice any performance or consumption gain.

I do admit to a smug smile recently whilst filling up with Momentum to see that it was 4p per litre cheaper than standard diesel.

[Rhino at Work]

When I fist got my 340i I started on Sainsbury's Super (97 RON) and then after a while tried Shell 98 RON and thought it was better. I actually think that was just the engine loosening up and now I can't tell any difference between the two. Also the Sainsbury's 97 is always 10p and sometimes 15p less than the Shell

Never tried the Tesco 99. I suspect many posters on here will be amazed by this as Tesco is so ubiquitous but both where I live in West Leeds and where I work in Harrogate there are no Tesco petrol stations anywhere.

[doncarlyon]

The extra you gain in MPG should balance out the cost in my experience.

[GEP77]

Originally Posted by doncarlyon

The extra you gain in MPG should balance out the cost in my experience.

The cost difference for me would mean spending £125 more (and more like £300 if I were to use Shell) on fuel a year to use 97/98/99RON compared to ordinary Tesco fuel. From my personnel experience the difference in mpg between 95 and higher octanes is precisely zero. Driving style makes by far and the way the biggest difference. One of the biggest factors for me recently has been the 50 mph average speed limit on the M23. This has caused my mpg to improve by about 1.5 mpg overall (averaged over a number of months either side of the roadworks being setup.
Incidentally when I ran my car on 99RON (Tesco) it averaged 36.85mpg, when running on whatever 95RON is available (normally Tesco) I've averaged 37.24mpg.

As far as noise and refinement my car sounds awesome whatever version of petrol goes in it.