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This post is US-centric.
Since I bought my 2003 Cooper S (British Racing Green, black top) in May last year, I have filled it with super unleaded as recommended in the manual. But lately gasoline prices have been getting to me. While I get quite decent milage (27 mpg around town, 33-34 highway), I can't get used to paying $2.20 - $2.30 / gal. for 93-octane. So I have been using 89-octane for the last few months. As far as I can see or hear, there has been no downside to this: the engine never knocks, it doesn't strain audibly on hills or when passing at speed, it seems as responsive as ever, and the milage I have been getting seems to be unchanged. I live on the US east coast and have never driven the car above an altitude of 3000 feet; your results may vary in mountain country.
Does anybody know for sure if it's safe to use 89-octane in a Cooper S? I know what the manual says. What are the risks?
Since I bought my 2003 Cooper S (British Racing Green, black top) in May last year, I have filled it with super unleaded as recommended in the manual. But lately gasoline prices have been getting to me. While I get quite decent milage (27 mpg around town, 33-34 highway), I can't get used to paying $2.20 - $2.30 / gal. for 93-octane. So I have been using 89-octane for the last few months. As far as I can see or hear, there has been no downside to this: the engine never knocks, it doesn't strain audibly on hills or when passing at speed, it seems as responsive as ever, and the milage I have been getting seems to be unchanged. I live on the US east coast and have never driven the car above an altitude of 3000 feet; your results may vary in mountain country.
Does anybody know for sure if it's safe to use 89-octane in a Cooper S? I know what the manual says. What are the risks?