Tesco 'Momentum'/Super unleaded

[JZ69]

Hi everyone.

I've just bought a 59 plate M3 saloon and as I am getting to the end of my first tank, I am considering the best options to refill. Seeing as I'll be doing this fairly regularly (previous car was a 330D.....) I wanted to know your opinions on the Tesco super unleaded, recently rebranded as 'Momentum'.

The car manual states not to drive with fuels with a high Ethanol content and never with E85 (85%ethanol, 15% petrol). I was under the impression Tesco's super got its RON of 99 from a reasonable amount of ethanol content and so was wondering if this was suitable. Have any of you tried it and if so, what do you think.

Many thanks,

J

[KadeSdad]

I don't use the Tesco one but I no others who do and they say its ok.

Shell V Power all the way for me mate!

[swanny71]

Only ever used V-Power or Tesco 99 in the M3 (and the TVR before it) and can't tell any difference between the two.

[Donbona]

Just use Shell V-power to beon the safe side.

[alpina527]

Shell V power is easily the best. I get kangarooing similar to the old e46 with Tesco 99. Failing that, the BP 97 is ok

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by Donbona

Just use Shell V-power to beon the safe side.

Liking the new avatar Taz!

(if you still have the C/Box pm me your paypal address)

[SenorFunkyPants]

I've been using Tesco 99 for a year or so having switched from Shell V power. I prefer Tescos fuel as it seems to give a performance edge over V power.
See also:
http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/t...s_Update.shtml

[Bolt]

whichever you choose - suggest you buy shares in the company .........as you will use lots of it !

[ROCKYJET]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

I've been using Tesco 99 for a year or so having switched from Shell V power. I prefer Tescos fuel as it seems to give a performance edge over V power.
See also:
http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/t...s_Update.shtml

Ive always gone the extra mile to use optimax as it used to be called and now V power in my old Z4 as I could always tell the difference.

Thing is, since I got the M , I've struggled to note the difference.
Started to use Tesco 99 a few tanks back and my buttometer says it definitely pulls stronger. Just my pennies worth

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

I've been using Tesco 99 for a year or so having switched from Shell V power. I prefer Tescos fuel as it seems to give a performance edge over V power.
See also:
http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/t...s_Update.shtml

Thorney's are sponsored by Tesco so they are not exactly impartial.

I think Fastford did a test recently of Vpower v's Tesco and Vpower came out top.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Fair enough...even so my own feeling is that the Tesco fuel "suits" the E9x M3s engine, I used Vpower for years (have the loyalty card and everything) and only reluctantly filled up at Tesco the first time when my usual Shell garage was out and against expectation the car seemed to run slightly better. Since then I have only used Vpower when I can't find a Tesco garage and the car always seems "off colour" when I do.

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Fair enough...even so my own feeling is that the Tesco fuel "suits" the E9x M3s engine, I used Vpower for years (have the loyalty card and everything) and only reluctantly filled up at Tesco the first time when my usual Shell garage was out and against expectation the car seemed to run slightly better. Since then I have only used Vpower when I can't find a Tesco garage and the car always seems "off colour" when I do.

Interesting. I'm loathed to use Tesco for anything as I hate their business model. I don't suppose you know if their fuel contains detergents and who makes it?

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by Ant Man

Interesting. I'm loathed to use Tesco for anything as I hate their business model. I don't suppose you know if their fuel contains detergents and who makes it?

Sorry mate, haven't the faintest.
(Don't know whether you guys have already covered this but....) What can cloud the issue is the "adaptive" nature of the ECU, which not only has to recalibrate itself to varying fuel octane but also reacts to driver style (in an attempt to increase economy in periods of calm driving).
So if you are used to a certain level of performance from one type of fuel and then fill up with a different one while the ECU is in "economy mode" your reaction can be that of disappointment when you first put your foot down.

[Steveo]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Sorry mate, haven't the faintest.
(Don't know whether you guys have already covered this but....) What can cloud the issue is the "adaptive" nature of the ECU, which not only has to recalibrate itself to varying fuel octane but also reacts to driver style (in an attempt to increase economy in periods of calm driving).
So if you are used to a certain level of performance from one type of fuel and then fill up with a different one while the ECU is in "economy mode" your reaction can be that of disappointment when you first put your foot down.

So, do we need to reset it?

[SenorFunkyPants]

Well according to the Master Tech I spoke to, a period of sustained WOT and high revs will set the ECU back to high performance mode.