I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the correct
octane was used for the car. That the same gas was essentially used at all
stations.
Now this.
http://autorepair.about.com/od/generalinfo/a/110305.htm
Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota
recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far
enough to ensure optimal engine performance. A lower level of detergent may
cause a buildup of deposits on critical engine parts.
Scott Dorsey - 25 Jan 2008 19:42 GMT
>I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the correct
>octane was used for the car. That the same gas was essentially used at all
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>enough to ensure optimal engine performance. A lower level of detergent may
>cause a buildup of deposits on critical engine parts.
Strange, one of the nice things about the BMW high pressure fuel injection
system is that it is very difficult to clog anything in there up. The jets
are smaller than with low pressure systems, but the force of the fuel will
blast nearly anything out. Likwise the regulator itself does not clog
easily.
You still need detergents to keep the valve train clean, of course.
But you can get away with remarkably crappy gas that would foul up
most American cars.
--scott

Signature
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
Martin Stein - 25 Jan 2008 22:16 GMT
I heard that Shell, 76, Chevron and ? were part of a group that produces gas
to a higher standard than usual: http://www.toptiergas.com
>I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the correct
>octane was used for the car. That the same gas was essentially used at
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> far enough to ensure optimal engine performance. A lower level of
> detergent may cause a buildup of deposits on critical engine parts.
hsg@h-gee.co.uk - 26 Jan 2008 13:08 GMT
>I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the correct
>octane was used for the car. That the same gas was essentially used at all
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>enough to ensure optimal engine performance. A lower level of detergent may
>cause a buildup of deposits on critical engine parts.
Just as with most things you get what you pay for. Pay peanuts - get monkeys as
you have probably already found out when going to "Shady Backstreet Joe" for
servicing and body repairs.
Pay $5 for a pair of shoes and you get rubbish pay $100 and you get a good
quality pair of shoes that will actually fit your feet.
One of the things that you forget is the price of your car. Buy a base model
Chevy and you get basic transport buy a Cadillac and you get slightly more
refinement and comfort - buy a BMW or Mercedes top of the range and you get high
quality in both build and equipment and the Rolls Royce is the living proof as
is the Bugetti Veyron - not quite the thing for shopping at Wal-Mart/Tesco etc
as no trunk/boot.
Petrol/Gas has a base minimum standard. If its 80 octane it must be 80 octane -
period. If the makers add bells and whistles and make it better value than
brand X all well and good.
I have rarely seen a brand better then name brands that claim all the bells and
whistles. Both must work but which one works better is the question.
Hugh

Signature
Sir Hugh of Bognor
The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.
Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!
Hugh Gundersen
hsg@h-gee.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK
Pete - 26 Jan 2008 15:41 GMT
>I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the
>correct octane was used for the car. That the same gas was
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> http://autorepair.about.com/od/generalinfo/a/110305.htm
This is old news. Gasoline additive packages have always differed among
companies. I try to use Shell or Chevron most of the time.
Pete
hsg@h-gee.co.uk - 27 Jan 2008 09:30 GMT
>>I thought the only important thing about gas was making sure the
>>correct octane was used for the car. That the same gas was
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
>Pete
I used to use TOTAL until they stopped the loyalty card reward scheme. Now I buy
from the most reasonable outlet - I use diesel so not much going on there except
for the climate change when the additives change to stop waxing.
My BMW seem to run just as well on Supermarket fuel as it does on name brands
that cost that little more. I don't really bother that much as to brand than
price here in the UK which in itself is a government rip off.

Signature
Sir Hugh of Bognor
The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.
Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!
Hugh Gundersen
hsg@h-gee.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK