Shell Optimax Contaminated with Diesel

[steadyeddie]

I currently have a very poorly MCS Works with what appears to be contaminated fuel.

My car has been at the dealer a week now, Originally going in for a service only. I asked them to look into a lagg in the performance when setting off, and also in general when accelerating.
It turns out that a local garage forecourt has been selling Shell Optimax with 15% diesel in it. It looks like I have been running with dodgy fuel for approx 10 days to 2 weeks, approx 300 miles.

I am now wating to hear what BMW head office have to say in terms of long term effect to the engine. Having spent so much on the works kit (had it about 8 months now), I am somewhat perturbed by this problem.

Anyone out there in mini2 land who have their car in at Lister Park as well (apparently there are 3 other Cooper S's all with the same problem from the same forecourt).


Anyone any opinion as to possible damage to the engine?

[Olly.]

This sounds very worrying, so much for optimax improving performance.

Keep us updated with what happens

Olly

[steadyeddie]

Yeh, cheers.

The dealer should be hearing from BMW head office tomorrow.

[Polmear]

First, I'd look into suing the garage that sold you the misrepresented gas, next I'd change out the plugs. I think that the biggest problem would be fouled plugs, followed by clogged injectors.IMHO I really don't think that long-term damage would be done in such a short period of time, especially since the main difference between diesel and gas is the oil content and purity.

[LMB]

I'd definitely be taking legal advise, I would also be taking a sample of the fuel from the pump.

Keep us posted.

[Adriann001]

more inportantly which station did you use no names just a rough location (hope its not the shiply one)

[steadyeddie]

Wakefield Rd

[ScottyB]

God I hope that doesnt go on in OZ. Id be very peeved. Its bad enough were paying over a dollar a litre for fuel - but to find out its contaminated with diesel....

Inexcusable. Id be considering immediate legal action if BMW tell you there could be damage.

What about the numbers of other people buying Optimax from that station??

[PaulMc]

Once BMW have confirmed the cause and contamination, I'd start by speaking to Shell UK and 'tell' them what has happened at this one forecourt and that you are one of a few mini owners, let alone many more Optimax users that may have been effected.

I am sure Shell won't be happy about this situation either

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB

God I hope that doesnt go on in OZ. Id be very peeved. Its bad enough were paying over a dollar a litre for fuel - but to find out its contaminated with diesel....

Inexcusable. Id be considering immediate legal action if BMW tell you there could be damage.

What about the numbers of other people buying Optimax from that station??

An australian dollar is that ?.... a litre ?.... we pay 0.82 gbp or 2 aussie dollars !...

On topic, i've noticed my S has been decidedly rough over the last week or so, the odd hiccup etc etc... I use optimax 100% of the time, and am in the north... hope it wasnt the same tanker that filled our service station up !

[steadyeddie]

Just had word from BMW - no affect to my warranty. Having the fuel system drained and flushed out.

Only problem now is who will pick up the cost - there's bound to be some cost involved.

[Sparky 69]

I am one of the other mini owners.My bill was £3500.NO thats not a joke.luckily i,ve gone through my car insurance,but i still have to pay £250 excess.Have sent an email to Shell and am waiting to hear from them.Sombody owes me some money

[dietcokeplease]

Sparky, if you've claimed off your own insurance and have legal expenses cover, I'd be tempted to give them a call and earn the premium you pay them.

[RedMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by dietcokeplease

Sparky, if you've claimed off your own insurance and have legal expenses cover, I'd be tempted to give them a call and earn the premium you pay them.

When I queried why legal protection cover hadn't been included it in my renewal premium a couple of weeks ago MINI Insurance told me that it is included free as part of the MINI Accident Management deal on a new MINI.

I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere, and I phoned twice to see if I got a different story, but didn't. They weren't able to give me an answer to the follow-up question as to why they had charged me for it the previous year if the manufacturer included it for nothing..........

[marrsbar]

This troubles me.
I'm very troubled.