Best Cooper S Fuel? Super Unleaded?

[mouseman87]

Hey Guys

Due to collect my Cooper S on Friday

Big question is what sort of Unleaded Fuel is the best for MPG and performance etc.?

A lot of people say the super unleaded won't be any different than standard, where as some say in a car like a Cooper S it is better to buy say BP Ultimate or similar? Some have even said don't buy standard supermarket(Tesco, Asda, Morrisons etc.) fuel? Is this a problem? I had a Cooper D for 2 years and always used standard supermarket fuel without any problems?

If i didn't ask i guess id just buy standard unleaded fuel!

Thanks in Advance

[Hartge220]

I always use super unleaded in mine.

Tesco Momentum or Shell V power

[Tabintab]

What age is it?


I use regular unleaded & i have not seen any noticeable difference using premium fuels.



Tab

Quote: Originally Posted by mouseman87 (original)

Hey Guys

Due to collect my Cooper S on Friday

Big question is what sort of Unleaded Fuel is the best for MPG and performance etc.?

A lot of people say the super unleaded won't be any different than standard, where as some say in a car like a Cooper S it is better to buy say BP Ultimate or similar? Some have even said don't buy standard supermarket(Tesco, Asda, Morrisons etc.) fuel? Is this a problem? I had a Cooper D for 2 years and always used standard supermarket fuel without any problems?

If i didn't ask i guess id just buy standard unleaded fuel!

Thanks in Advance

[mouseman87]

It's a 2010 (60 plate).

Quote: Originally Posted by Tabintab (original)

What age is it?


I use regular unleaded & i have not seen any noticeable difference using premium fuels.



Tab

[Nick007]

There's not much difference between Unleaded and Super Unleaded (Octane number 95 vs 98) with 2nd gen turbo engines, at least I didn't notice lot of difference and it could've been only placebo. On 1st gen engines with compressor the difference is lot more noticable, as few of my friends say.
Mini manual says Unleaded for MCS and Super Unleaded for JCW. I see no reason why don't give MCS better juice too :-)

[Czar]

Always run with the maximum RON rated fuel 98 or above, and drive it hard, don't pussy foot around with it, and turn off the stop/start function, this function may help reduce fuel consumption/emissions etc, but does not do the catalytic converter any good, catalytic converters need to get very hot, to be efficient, and short stop/start journeys, are no good for it or your engine!

If your regular journey is a short one, then go the long way round and enjoy driving your MCS in the spirit, in which it has been designed, don't be afraid to use the full RPM band either, the ECU is self adaptive, and will adapt to how you drive and use your engine, so enjoy it.

[creedR56]

is the start/stop function only available on manuals?

[Czar]

Quote: Originally Posted by creedR56 (original)

is the start/stop function only available on manuals?

Yes.

[sad61t]

Quote: Originally Posted by creedR56 (original)

is the start/stop function only available on manuals?

Yes, but I can't remember the last time mine triggered. Too many short journeys I guess; even a 40 mile trip does nada in mid-Summer, and it won't trigger below about 10'C anyway.

[Poprin]

I have to say I haven't noticed any difference. I think the best advice is to find a petrol station that you think is good and stick with it and don't change your fuel supply all the time. For example one supermarket by me if I fill up there the car always runs like a dog. If I fill up at my preferred supermarket it's perfect and cheaper! Each supermarket gets it's fuel from various sources so if you find one that’s good stick with it.

I have noticed the difference with 'super' unleaded fuels i.e. V-MAX etc on other vehicles I've had... like my motorbike for example run loads better on V-MAX but then you are talking about a much higher level of tune. I would say most modern stuff unless you've tuned it or mapped it there is not much point. The manufacturer's set the engine up to run on a wide variety of fuels to compensate for the wide variety of fuels available.

I always used to run my cars on V-MAX but since the increase in fuel prices here in the UK I just can't legitimise the added cost anymore!

[Czar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Poprin (original)

I have to say I haven't noticed any difference. I think the best advice is to find a petrol station that you think is good and stick with it and don't change your fuel supply all the time. For example one supermarket by me if I fill up there the car always runs like a dog. If I fill up at my preferred supermarket it's perfect and cheaper! Each supermarket gets it's fuel from various sources so if you find one that’s good stick with it.

I have noticed the difference with 'super' unleaded fuels i.e. V-MAX etc on other vehicles I've had... like my motorbike for example run loads better on V-MAX but then you are talking about a much higher level of tune. I would say most modern stuff unless you've tuned it or mapped it there is not much point. The manufacturer's set the engine up to run on a wide variety of fuels to compensate for the wide variety of fuels available.

I always used to run my cars on V-MAX but since the increase in fuel prices here in the UK I just can't legitimise the added cost anymore!

Self contradiction!

Even you've admitted a noticeable difference, the truth is, because the N14/N18 MCS engines have a very high compression ratio 10.5:1 they run better on premium grade fuel 98 and above, and you don't need to be tuned (re-mapped) to gain or feel the benefits, the ECU self adapts, and adjusts the timing/fuelling trim maps to suit.

[Macguyvic]

The highest octane we get in South Texas is 93, which is super.

[Poprin]

Czar I wouldn't say it was a contradiction, I was saying that I haven't noticed a significant difference between high octane and normal fuels but I have noticed a difference between suppliers. I think it is worth trying your local garages because they (especially supermarkets) use different suppliers and there is a difference between good fuel and crappy fuel.

I think that the cost of fuel currently in the UK is so high it is hard to justify using premium fuels, if you've got the money or are using your car for something other than general commuting then that’s fine. If you’re talking about driving around normally with the odd blat here and there I can't see the point.

[jtanoyo1]

You are lucky. All we have here is Shell Super Extra which is 95RON. Similar to what you guys have in the west in 91RON.

[gatoman39]

only 91 here in CA. I try and go for Chevron or Shell