MINI2

Bananafishbones · Mar 16th, 2004, 09:57 AM

Apologies if this has been asked before, I'm a newbie! My MC is due in about 3 weeks, and I've heard good things about these 'super' fuels, but not heard of anyone using them in an MC. Anyone with personal experience of these in their MC? Is it any good, better performance, better or worse mpg? Is it safe to use these high octane fuels in an MC? How often do you fill-up with it? Do you mix it with regular unleaded? Are they worth the extra 5p or so per litre? Opinions please

SCB · Mar 16th, 2004, 10:06 AM

Another thread, I do hope this helps, http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=optimax and there may be other threads at the bottom of this one...

StevieB

Hat · Mar 16th, 2004, 10:09 AM

welcome along. There are several threads on this subject & no conclusive answers

They are definately safe to use & loads of both MCS & MC owners use either optimax or ultimate exclusively. i go for whichever of the 2 i can get when i run out. Personally speaking i haven't seen a difference in fuel consumption between regular unleaded & these high octane ones. what you do get is a smoother engine response & a more free revving engine. whether this is worth the premium price is a personal thing.

this thread has quite a bit of info http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...light=ultimate

Bananafishbones · Mar 16th, 2004, 10:33 AM

Cheers guys for the links, that was a lot easier than finding them myself, SORRY

Looks like the general consensus is that both of them offer better performance, and no difference in mpg. Opinions are divided on which is best, so I'll give both a try when the MC finally arrives. I'm lucky 'cos there's Optimax 2 mins from my house, and Ultimate 5 mins from work

Once I've burnt off the 'MINI Fuel' that BMW charge 25 quid for (my dealer is next to Asda, so guess what they'll put in it

), then it's time to experiment

SCB · Mar 16th, 2004, 10:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bananafishbones

...Once I've burnt off the 'MINI Fuel' that BMW charge 25 quid for (my dealer is next to Asda, so guess what they'll put in it

), then it's time to experiment

£25 you were lucky, my dealer stung me £40 for the pleasure (service); and I was too late in requesting the fuel of my choice, so have to use up the 'Tesco' fuel 1st (they have an account there...).

Bananafishbones · Mar 16th, 2004, 11:05 AM

Yes SCB you were indeed robbed

I've just rechecked my order/quote (I carry it everywhere, and have PDF versions on all computers, I can't be the only one?

), and it's £21.28 plus Gordon Brown's bit. Maybe Asda's petrol is so

they can't justify reselling it for £40 to me. Either that or they'll only put half a tank in

RedMini · Mar 16th, 2004, 12:36 PM

I have used Optimax exclusively in my MCS since Jan 03, and immediately noticed about 2 mpg gain.

My wife has been using ordinary BP Unleaded in her MC for the last 6 months as the garage is very convenient, but recently tried Optimax again. She noticed the difference in performance, and what's more her pupils - she's a driving instructor - did too. One said "the car's different this week, it just feels as if it wants to go".

Added to that the fuel consumption has improved from 22 to 26mpg (lots of slow stop/start work), and the Shell is only 3ppl more than she was paying for BP.

Overall her fuel cost should go down by about 10% using Optimax, but I'm sure that's not typical.

Jones · Mar 16th, 2004, 12:40 PM

Never used anything but Optimax (or occasionally Ultimate)....so cant make a comparison....just collect the points!!

Bananafishbones · Mar 16th, 2004, 01:01 PM

Thanx guys for your opinions. Must be good if you use it exclusively Jones. Interested to hear the mpg improvements RedMini, seems to be the best of both worlds...better performance and better mpg. So it's a bit more expensive, but the improved mpg cancels that out. In a few independent tests (Top Gear and Evo mags) they reckon Shell's claims of it being better for your engine, with it's improved cleaning properties, are true aswell. Is there really no downside?

Red Dwarf · Mar 16th, 2004, 01:45 PM

I can't find the news article on the web now, but I recently read that Shell were getting a bit of telling off for overstating Optimax's benefits.

Ian Clark · Mar 16th, 2004, 03:44 PM

I've tried Optimax, BP Ultimate and Fuel from a local "Carlton" station.

The Carlton diesel was absolultely fantastic in my Focus Tddi. - Performance, MPG and Quetness was superb. It doesn't seem AS good in my Mini. Still got nice performance, quiet engine but MPG was less.

The BPUltimate I wasn't overly impressed with for my Mini. Didn't think the performance around town was as good although some have advised it's good for Motorway stretches.

I've found tha Optimax benefits me more than the other two in my Mini exclusively. More MPG, More performance and well, the engine is quiet anyway.

A Friend of mine uses Carlton ALL the time and his car loves it (Fiat Stilo) - runs really nice on it. Costs 79p/litre here in Liverpool.

northandy · Mar 16th, 2004, 03:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jones

Never used anything but Optimax (or occasionally Ultimate)....so cant make a comparison....just collect the points!!

And the top trumps !!!

For the record I've always Optimax.... had to resort to normal once when I couldnt find a Shell garage, and immediatly noticed a little stutter came back... its worth the extra IMO !

Bananafishbones · Mar 16th, 2004, 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ian Clark

I've tried Optimax, BP Ultimate and Fuel from a local "Carlton" station.

Sorry mate you'll have to explain 'Carlton' to a 'Southern Fairy' like me, never heard of it/them

Hickster · Mar 16th, 2004, 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SCB

£25 you were lucky, my dealer stung me £40 for the pleasure (service); and I was too late in requesting the fuel of my choice, so have to use up the 'Tesco' fuel 1st (they have an account there...).

I can't believe your dealer charged you for petrol. I assume you're talking about when you collect your car from the dealer. My dealer gave me a full tank of petrol free of charge (and a nice big bunch of flowers

)

I have to use Tesco. There are no Shell garages anywhere near me that I know off, just Murco and Esso and a BP. Did try the BP Advance fuel and didn't see any improvement TBH.

Tracie · Mar 16th, 2004, 04:41 PM

Have used Optimax in the mc since the free tank of petrol ran out....So i wouldn't really notice the difference...points and top trumps another reason to use..

RedUn · Mar 16th, 2004, 06:37 PM

optimax defo!!

used normal petrol the other day cus I was low and the difference was quite amazing the car jus didn't want to pull anymore

Parc77 · Mar 16th, 2004, 07:27 PM

Always used Optimax in my previous MCS and in the 2 week old one.....upps I tell a lie on the way back from the Heartbeat run on Sunday I thought I best be on tthe safe side for gettiing back to Leeds so ended up putting Morrisons Petrol in ....doh yes Morrisons petrol next it will be Netto/Aldi petrol. The 2 MCS's ive had both had a full tank of unleaded in when I picked them up from the dealers but ive noticed the differance when ive put Optimax in

Ian Clark · Mar 16th, 2004, 08:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bananafishbones

Sorry mate you'll have to explain 'Carlton' to a 'Southern Fairy' like me, never heard of it/them

https://secure.iicinternet.com/croeso/carlton.html
T'is a Local company in Liverpool.

Their Fuel is very good. As mentioned, friend is using it in his Stilo and put it in the Punto he used to have. Both 1.2l engines (1.2 16v on the Stilo) but really do feel as if they're bigger. the stilo is surprisingly quick

Although as mentioned the Optimax does seem a little better in my Mini.. but then it's a completely different engine to a Focus Diesel and a Fiat

Bananafishbones · Mar 17th, 2004, 07:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ian Clark

https://secure.iicinternet.com/croeso/carlton.html
T'is a Local company in Liverpool.

Nice link, not sure where I'd store several thousand litres of petrol though

Ian Clark · Mar 17th, 2004, 02:01 PM

Hehe.. they have a fuel station in Liverpool

Mar 16th, 2004, 09:57 AM	#1
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Shell Optimax/BP Ultimate - Opinions? Apologies if this has been asked before, I'm a newbie! My MC is due in about 3 weeks, and I've heard good things about these 'super' fuels, but not heard of anyone using them in an MC. Anyone with personal experience of these in their MC? Is it any good, better performance, better or worse mpg? Is it safe to use these high octane fuels in an MC? How often do you fill-up with it? Do you mix it with regular unleaded? Are they worth the extra 5p or so per litre? Opinions please

Mar 16th, 2004, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
SCB StevieB Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bedford Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 129 Offline	Her is another thread have a look... Another thread, I do hope this helps, http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=optimax and there may be other threads at the bottom of this one... StevieB

Mar 16th, 2004, 10:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
SCB StevieB Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bedford Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 129 Offline	Petrol price at dealer ...sucks... Quote: Originally Posted by Bananafishbones ...Once I've burnt off the 'MINI Fuel' that BMW charge 25 quid for (my dealer is next to Asda, so guess what they'll put in it ), then it's time to experiment £25 you were lucky, my dealer stung me £40 for the pleasure (service); and I was too late in requesting the fuel of my choice, so have to use up the 'Tesco' fuel 1st (they have an account there...).

Mar 16th, 2004, 12:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
RedMini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Surrey, England Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 679 Offline	I have used Optimax exclusively in my MCS since Jan 03, and immediately noticed about 2 mpg gain. My wife has been using ordinary BP Unleaded in her MC for the last 6 months as the garage is very convenient, but recently tried Optimax again. She noticed the difference in performance, and what's more her pupils - she's a driving instructor - did too. One said "the car's different this week, it just feels as if it wants to go". Added to that the fuel consumption has improved from 22 to 26mpg (lots of slow stop/start work), and the Shell is only 3ppl more than she was paying for BP. Overall her fuel cost should go down by about 10% using Optimax, but I'm sure that's not typical. MCS JCW CR/CR ; MOD LY/B

Mar 16th, 2004, 12:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jones See you in my rear view!! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Many places.... Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 1,008 Offline	Never used anything but Optimax (or occasionally Ultimate)....so cant make a comparison....just collect the points!! *210bhp JCW MINI Cooper S (S950)*

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Mar 16th, 2004, 10:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Hat Wolves Did It! My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 15,956 Offline	welcome along. There are several threads on this subject & no conclusive answers They are definately safe to use & loads of both MCS & MC owners use either optimax or ultimate exclusively. i go for whichever of the 2 i can get when i run out. Personally speaking i haven't seen a difference in fuel consumption between regular unleaded & these high octane ones. what you do get is a smoother engine response & a more free revving engine. whether this is worth the premium price is a personal thing. this thread has quite a bit of info http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...light=ultimate

Mar 16th, 2004, 10:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Cheers guys for the links, that was a lot easier than finding them myself, SORRY Looks like the general consensus is that both of them offer better performance, and no difference in mpg. Opinions are divided on which is best, so I'll give both a try when the MC finally arrives. I'm lucky 'cos there's Optimax 2 mins from my house, and Ultimate 5 mins from work Once I've burnt off the 'MINI Fuel' that BMW charge 25 quid for (my dealer is next to Asda, so guess what they'll put in it ), then it's time to experiment

Mar 16th, 2004, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Yes SCB you were indeed robbed I've just rechecked my order/quote (I carry it everywhere, and have PDF versions on all computers, I can't be the only one? ), and it's £21.28 plus Gordon Brown's bit. Maybe Asda's petrol is so they can't justify reselling it for £40 to me. Either that or they'll only put half a tank in

Mar 16th, 2004, 01:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Thanx guys for your opinions. Must be good if you use it exclusively Jones. Interested to hear the mpg improvements RedMini, seems to be the best of both worlds...better performance and better mpg. So it's a bit more expensive, but the improved mpg cancels that out. In a few independent tests (Top Gear and Evo mags) they reckon Shell's claims of it being better for your engine, with it's improved cleaning properties, are true aswell. Is there really no downside?

Mar 16th, 2004, 01:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Red Dwarf Stoke me a Clipper! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northamptonshire Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	I can't find the news article on the web now, but I recently read that Shell were getting a bit of telling off for overstating Optimax's benefits. Red Dwarf has left the room

Mar 16th, 2004, 03:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ian Clark MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Liverpool, UK Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 1,777 Offline	I've tried Optimax, BP Ultimate and Fuel from a local "Carlton" station. The Carlton diesel was absolultely fantastic in my Focus Tddi. - Performance, MPG and Quetness was superb. It doesn't seem AS good in my Mini. Still got nice performance, quiet engine but MPG was less. The BPUltimate I wasn't overly impressed with for my Mini. Didn't think the performance around town was as good although some have advised it's good for Motorway stretches. I've found tha Optimax benefits me more than the other two in my Mini exclusively. More MPG, More performance and well, the engine is quiet anyway. A Friend of mine uses Carlton ALL the time and his car loves it (Fiat Stilo) - runs really nice on it. Costs 79p/litre here in Liverpool.

Mar 16th, 2004, 03:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
northandy AWOL My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2003 Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 14,650 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Jones Never used anything but Optimax (or occasionally Ultimate)....so cant make a comparison....just collect the points!! And the top trumps !!! For the record I've always Optimax.... had to resort to normal once when I couldnt find a Shell garage, and immediatly noticed a little stutter came back... its worth the extra IMO !

Mar 16th, 2004, 03:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Ian Clark I've tried Optimax, BP Ultimate and Fuel from a local "Carlton" station. Sorry mate you'll have to explain 'Carlton' to a 'Southern Fairy' like me, never heard of it/them

Mar 16th, 2004, 04:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
Hickster Hitched to Mrs H My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The SOUTH Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 7,397 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by SCB £25 you were lucky, my dealer stung me £40 for the pleasure (service); and I was too late in requesting the fuel of my choice, so have to use up the 'Tesco' fuel 1st (they have an account there...). I can't believe your dealer charged you for petrol. I assume you're talking about when you collect your car from the dealer. My dealer gave me a full tank of petrol free of charge (and a nice big bunch of flowers ) I have to use Tesco. There are no Shell garages anywhere near me that I know off, just Murco and Esso and a BP. Did try the BP Advance fuel and didn't see any improvement TBH. D-lite-full

Mar 16th, 2004, 04:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tracie MINI less. My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Poole, Dorset.UK Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 2,508 Offline	Have used Optimax in the mc since the free tank of petrol ran out....So i wouldn't really notice the difference...points and top trumps another reason to use.. Need to Order Very Soon......

Mar 16th, 2004, 06:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
RedUn MUGEN POWER Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: s2ki.com Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 11,615 Offline	optimax defo!! used normal petrol the other day cus I was low and the difference was quite amazing the car jus didn't want to pull anymore

Mar 16th, 2004, 07:27 PM	#17 (permalink)
Parc77 MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Yorkshire Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 2,369 Offline	Always used Optimax in my previous MCS and in the 2 week old one.....upps I tell a lie on the way back from the Heartbeat run on Sunday I thought I best be on tthe safe side for gettiing back to Leeds so ended up putting Morrisons Petrol in ....doh yes Morrisons petrol next it will be Netto/Aldi petrol. The 2 MCS's ive had both had a full tank of unleaded in when I picked them up from the dealers but ive noticed the differance when ive put Optimax in

Mar 16th, 2004, 08:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
Ian Clark MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Liverpool, UK Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 1,777 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Bananafishbones Sorry mate you'll have to explain 'Carlton' to a 'Southern Fairy' like me, never heard of it/them https://secure.iicinternet.com/croeso/carlton.html T'is a Local company in Liverpool. Their Fuel is very good. As mentioned, friend is using it in his Stilo and put it in the Punto he used to have. Both 1.2l engines (1.2 16v on the Stilo) but really do feel as if they're bigger. the stilo is surprisingly quick Although as mentioned the Optimax does seem a little better in my Mini.. but then it's a completely different engine to a Focus Diesel and a Fiat

Mar 17th, 2004, 07:47 AM	#19 (permalink)
Bananafishbones a washin' 'n' a waxin' Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: nowhere special Local Time: 06:53 AM Posts: 100 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Ian Clark https://secure.iicinternet.com/croeso/carlton.html T'is a Local company in Liverpool. Nice link, not sure where I'd store several thousand litres of petrol though

Mar 17th, 2004, 02:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ian Clark MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Liverpool, UK Local Time: 07:53 AM Posts: 1,777 Offline	Hehe.. they have a fuel station in Liverpool

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