Most liked posts in thread: Pump gas... which is the best octane?

:cornut: At sea level in San Diego, the highest(commonly available) octane that my son can get is 91 octane but then my son says that Californians are always so high that they think that they are in the mountains.:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Jason

 

It really kills me when people in my area try and cheap out and use 87 or 89.... REALLY????? If you don't want a sports car don't buy one!!!!!

:mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2:

 

Run 6 months on regular, then run 6 months on premium, bet the cost is a wash, and you run better on the premium...

 

MINI specifies highest octane available for best performance, either 91 or 93. With a mid grade octane you are leaving performance potential on the table. When you give the go pedal a swift push to the floor when using the mid grade you are not realizing the full potential. The ECU is going to try and adjust to the octane level with timing changes in order to protect the engine. All in all you will have a smoother running MINI with the 91 octane available locally.

The cost difference is very small when you look at it. Often the price differential is only about 10 cents/gal. On a full tanks that's $1.30. Assuming a fill per week that's only $67.60 annually. Is it worth the risk there might be an issue and the slight loss in performance to save 68 bucks?

 

Only 93 Shell or Sunoco for me plus a nice shot of VP M1 Meth.

Octane rating high ! :biggrin5:

FYI At the lower end of the Dragon the HD station sells 103 octane race fuel.

103 + Meth = FUN

 

Why mix, they sell 91 at the pump.

 

Interesting article in The Economist, Difference Engine: Who needs premium?

Full article - Octane ratings: Difference Engine: Who needs premium? | The Economist

 

These two websites should answer all your questions. Keep them handy in your MINI favorites folder for future reference for when you travel.

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada
Top Tier Gasoline

 

I only use Shell 93.....

Hmmmmmmm..... Interesting.....
So buy the 89 octane locally.... Put it in neutral, coast down the Rockies to sea level.... Magic...... start enjoying your instant 93 octane gas purchased at 89 octane prices.....

 

Gas Price difference

Here in Florida the difference in regular gas prices and 93 octane is 40 cents. But I totally agree with you in using the best, cause you "get what you pay for"!:wink:

 

+1 Here

 

I use the best I can get. Baring that I run 91. If I find myself low on gas & only carp gas is available I'll put a gallon in to get me to the good stuff.

 

I use Marathon 93 unless i can't find it and then it's Shell 93. I avoid BP like the plague.

 

I have to say I've run many tanks of BP through my MINI. No plague has decended on my MINI. Your mileage & resulting plague may vary. :wink:

Hey Mark if you are in Aruba what are you doing here? Best get to the beach & take in the scenery. :ihih:

 

^^^ Hey Chuck....
I have tools.... We could take Mark's Coupé out for a spin while he's away.....

 

I'd be up for that. What are friends for anyway? :smilewinkgrin:

 

I look forward to next month when I move to Texas and I get to have 93 octane. I usually fill-up with Chevron (Texaco) or Arco (BP) and ALWAYS 91 octane. No noticeable difference between the brands here in CA or NV.

 

Outside of the major metro areas you will find mostly 91 when in TX.

Just a heads up.

 

Interesting. Heading through West TX Hill Country it was all 93. I'm gonna guess the 91 shows up closer to the East and Gulf Coast?