Premium Diesel

Zandoni

I've just got my first diesel car and a few people have recommended using BP Ultimate, has anyone got any opinions on whether it's worth the extra money.

Stevie_Palimo

I did have a diesel car for a while and whilst I never bought into the whole premium fuel arena the only thing I would suggest is to use a BB, or another large garage as I find the super markets own cheaper version was slightly poor quality and burnt off quicker than the rest.


People will argue the toss with me here as I mentioned this before and will make my point of saying personal preference/usage of cheaper fuels was not as good for my car as the main big players in the market.

CHR15

This little debacle can go on for pages with the Yeas and Neys.

I've had Diesels for years and have tried them all but to be honest, I haven't noticed a jot of difference between them.
I suspect there is a lot of placebo effect involved and I don't doubt the more expensive fuels have better detergents to help clean and burn more efficiency but is it worth the extra?

I use Esso standard Diesel, because it is closest to me, I also have no problem using supermarket fuels but will stick the odd tank of expensive stuff in from time to time.

My cars have been:
Mondeo 2.0 TDCI
Saab 9-3 2.2TiD
BMW 530D

Alter_ego

I use supermarket diesel. I have found it to return less mpg than big brands. However when I add Millers additive (other additives available) it returns the same as the big brands.
Presumably the premium ones would be even better.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Another vote for Millers Diesel additive, many think its snake oil and entitled they are to their own view.

Interestingly, and this is far from scientific, if you add the recommended amount of Millers to standard cheapo DERV it then smells the same as the expensive stuff, but works out cheaper.

sillygoose

If it's a company car with a fuel card so your not paying then why not..

If it's your own money then no, the BP is supposed to keep the engine cleaner but over several diesel vehicles I found no perceptual performance or mpg gains. Having tried them all in various cars I think the Shell vmax is the only one that felt any different, a shade quieter running and a smidge more responsive. Not enough to be worth paying extra for from your own pocket (I get a company fuel card)

My preferred outlet is currently Sainsburys, the Nectar points build slowly but surely and the forecourt is better than most.

DUTR

Zandoni wrote: »

I've just got my first diesel car and a few people have recommended using BP Ultimate, has anyone got any opinions on whether it's worth the extra money.

Obvously the marketing people will tell you to use it, what does the owners handbook suggest?

CHR15

I used to use Millers which is highly regarded in my BMW Forums.
I can't say I noticed any difference but I did notice it absolutely stank the boot out.
I used to keep it in there so I could add before filling and even a little "dribble" around the cap stinks.

poppasmurf_bewdley

All cars are different. All drivers are different.

The only way you can answer your own question is to try out both regular and premium in your own car, and then make up your own mind which is better for you.

Iceweasel

As others have said this a question which comes up regularly with 'believers' and 'non-believers' each trying to convince the other as to the benefits of the super-diesels - or the foolishness of those who believe the sales talk and 'waste' their money.

The first thing to say is that you must not expect some instant extra power and performance from the minute you drive away from the filling station. There may be little difference to be seen or felt on the first whole tankful.

The benefits are more long term.

Here is my experience.

I run a Mercedes Benz Sprinter mostly on Shell V-Power and am aware that the power does not drop off as it used to between fuel filter changes.

I also used to get a benefit from using a bottle of injector cleaner every couple of months.

After using Shell V-Power / BP Ultimate / and various other super-diesels, the injector cleaner makes no difference.

So rightly or wrongly my experience leads me to believe that the top price diesel fuels are worth it.

I did use to use fuel additives such as Millers, but they all smell to high heaven - so much so that Mrs Iceweasel banned me from using the stuff. Just one drop on your hands or worse still your clothes leaves a pervasive smell for hours or even days.

All the above was about the performance in a loaded Sprinter.

I also have a BMW 320D which I use on regularly journeys to mainland Europe.

The journey from Aberdeen to Dover is 620 miles.

Dual carriageway/motorway all the way and cruising at 70 to 75mph whenever possible - mostly with Cruise Control on.

2.0 litre engine with an auto-box and Climate Control with AC always on.

I always fill to the brim before I set off.

The last time I used supermarket fuel I decided stop to fill up around Oxford - when the warning light comes on I'm not prepared to negotiate the M25 with only a few litres in the tank.

That's was 495 miles and I needed just over 45 litres to fill to the brim again - That means that I've achieved 50mpg.

I now use Shell V-Power and don't need to fill up until I get to Calais.

That's 625 miles and last time it took 49.3 litres to brim the tank.

That takes it to just over 57mpg.

Town driving, other vehicles and other driving styles will of course give different results.

But for me it's a no-brainer.

[Deleted User]

Shell, Esso, BP... Do they still exist?

Only supermarket filling stations anywhere near me... Three ASDA, one Tesco and a far off Morrisons.

Oops, there is a rural Jet station but costs silly money.

Feel like I'm missing out