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Super Unleaded

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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AndyO
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Super Unleaded

Post by AndyO » Tue May 23, 2017 6:54 pm

What's the opinion on super unleaded? Is it worth the extra cost? I understand it gives you extra MPG and cleans the engine. Is this true?
First time Z4 owner in Cheshire.
2011 E89 Z4 sDrive23i M Sport Auto. Black Sapphire. 19" 326M wheels. Purchased May 2017 (for pleasure).
2004 E83 X3 2.5i Sport Auto. Bluewater Metallic. Purchased June 2018 (for practicality).

csm180
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Post by csm180 » Tue May 23, 2017 7:01 pm

I had an e85 3.0 for 5 years, never used it, now in e89 and not using. I prefer to annually service my cars rather than wait for the mileage intervals. Use the saving of normal versus super to fund the additional service cost.
E89 23i pearl black.
E85 Titanium Silver 3.0se sold

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AlfaScozzesi
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Post by AlfaScozzesi » Tue May 23, 2017 7:12 pm

I always have in my "loved" car, not so much in any runabout.

The thought process being that the expensive additives will keep the engine better than fuel without. There are some who say better fuel economy levels the extra cost and although better I don't think it quite does this.

Not the way I drive anyway :cry:

Lots of threads and opinions on this.

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Tumnus
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Post by Tumnus » Tue May 23, 2017 7:32 pm

I've just put a tank of BP Ultimate in, I consistently get 34 - 34.4mpg on my work run with normal unleaded, so I'll let you know if I see any difference in mpg with super.
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AlfaScozzesi
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Post by AlfaScozzesi » Tue May 23, 2017 7:43 pm

Again most think it takes a couple of tanks to get the full benifit as the engine management adjusts to the different octane rating.

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sunnydays
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Post by sunnydays » Tue May 23, 2017 7:48 pm

I always run V Power Nitro 99 in my 35is. Increased mpg, Additives better for the engine etc.....
Last edited by sunnydays on Tue May 23, 2017 7:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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ronk
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Post by ronk » Tue May 23, 2017 7:52 pm

Have a search on the forum for previous posts - You will find every answer under the sun!
You don't stop playing when you get old - You get old when you stop playing!
So I bought a 35is with all the toys to play with. :thumbsup:

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Post by Scooba_Steve » Tue May 23, 2017 7:53 pm

I find I get enough extra miles out to warrant the cost. If it cleans better, then even better still.
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Tumnus
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Post by Tumnus » Tue May 23, 2017 7:55 pm

AlfaScozzesi wrote: Tue May 23, 2017 7:43 pm Again most think it takes a couple of tanks to get the full benifit as the engine management adjusts to the different octane rating.
Yeah when I disconnected my battery the car went back to a base fuel map, and it took about 200-300 miles before my mpg was back to normal.
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willgill
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Post by willgill » Tue May 23, 2017 8:08 pm

I Never run on anything less than SUL
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Worcester_spoon
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Post by Worcester_spoon » Tue May 23, 2017 8:59 pm

Super for me. In my mind it makes my car faster :driving:
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Maniac
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Post by Maniac » Tue May 23, 2017 9:25 pm

So on N54 cars at least they're mapped to utilise the better detonation characteristics of high Ron values and timing (therefore power) is reduced a little on 95ron.

I can confirm this on a dyno day where identical cars with different Ron fuel produced different power values. Difference was minor however at around 15hp.

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AndyO
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Post by AndyO » Tue May 23, 2017 9:43 pm

Thanks for all your comments. I'll definitely try super unleaded for the foreseeable and see how it goes.
First time Z4 owner in Cheshire.
2011 E89 Z4 sDrive23i M Sport Auto. Black Sapphire. 19" 326M wheels. Purchased May 2017 (for pleasure).
2004 E83 X3 2.5i Sport Auto. Bluewater Metallic. Purchased June 2018 (for practicality).

Busterboo
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Post by Busterboo » Tue May 23, 2017 9:46 pm

BMW say use 95 in the 35iS, so I do. :)
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Post by Kingfisher » Wed May 24, 2017 8:38 am

Busterboo wrote: Tue May 23, 2017 9:46 pm BMW say use 95 in the 35iS, so I do. :)
As you say ... the thing is designed to run on 95 so why use anything different? Extra mileage and faster acceleration may well be partly psychological after paying the extra! ... :thumbsup:
Dec 2014 ... E89 35is sDrive M DCT ... Red ... :driving:

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