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which fuel?

2338 Views 10 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  Mark999
Pulling in at the Shell petrol station we decided to fill our SLK with Shell V-Power Nitro +, it cost less than £2 extra to fill the tank than the ordinary unleaded petrol, my question is will it be that different than the ordinary unleaded and what benefits if any will it give me? R)
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Hi Chrissy... now you've started something! ;)

The use of premium vs regular fuel has been discussed quite a few times here (use search to find previous posts/threads on it)... some say it's not worth it, others say it definitely is... personally, I'm not really sure, but I do use Shell V-Power Nitro+ exclusively in my SLK! :tu:

Let the discussions commence... :grin:
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Always, always, always premium unleaded.
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You might find this video interesting. A test done on the UK programme 'fifth gear'.

https://youtu.be/WTaBngvsPrc

I used premium in my M3, and as a rule, the more BHP, the more benefits, but otherwise it's your choice.
Well by not having it and in a lifetime of using normal unleaded fuel you could save £5000.00 - £15.000 in fuel costs .

Most of the time your stuck in traffic especially my way .

Ive put the money towards another slk. :grin:
Ahh ... the old 'Which Fuel' debate ...

Rocket would be nice, but not widely available!!!

I use Shell V+ in the 55 and get better MPG out of it which kind of evens out the extra cost, plus in the V8 they recommend the higher octane stuff - not sure about the 230 though.

Try it for a few tanks and see if you feel / notice any difference. If you don't then stick with regular stuff
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Read the top tier portion of my techron thread and you should always use what your owner's manual (what's that?) recommends

http://www.slkworld.com/general-dis...ock-sluggishness-hesitation-top-tier-gas.html
Rule of thumb.


Keeping the car long term (say 5 years plus) probability is use the best you can. The additive packages are intended not just for better mpg/power, but also reduced servicing costs.


Not keeping a car long term then trial supermarket (and maybe an occasional shot of additive).


Supermarket fuel is often the same as the big boy fuels (normal unleaded) but without a comprehensive additive package.


Ironically, some engines do not like the additives. Go figure.


The fuels/lube recommended in the handbook are usually the ones used in developing the engine. So should be the most suited for normal use.


If you want a kick there's always aviation gasoline, nitro... but adjustments may be needed.
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If the manufacturer calls for premium fuel then use. If not then it usually adds no benefit. Most modern fuel injected engines can adjust for fuel and simply change the amount of fuel added to the combustion chamber.
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For me, since I've had the car, 30K miles, I have always used premium labeling at the pump. This is always the highest octane; but anywhere from 90 to 95 octane rating. Usually here in N.W. Georgia, USA, it's around 90. I rate how well the engine is running by the miles per gallon and most of my driving is on the interstate at speeds of typically around 75 mph cruising with bursts up to in the 90's or a bit higher to get around, through, or get ahead of the idiots. That said, I get anywhere from 29 up to 34 mpg with my best tank at 36........Lately, have found 93 octane WITHOUT ETHANOL..............Now that makes a difference with that 36 mpg tank and the average being 34.........

I get my regular maintenance at the dealer and FOR SURE use a load of "Techron" every 3K or so............God bless.......Dennis
I worked in the fuel additives industry a few years ago. We ran many field test vehicles to validate our formulations. A good additive package makes a huge difference, especially for keeping injectors and inlet valves clean.
Not all additives are the same, the biggest problem and hence cost is the development of heat stable detergents. The dose is important too some fuels have a keep clean dose, others (premium fuels) have a clean up dose.
Mark
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