OV9

Probably to do with supermarket tie-ins.. there’s a Shell and BP near me, and I don’t know if it’s a real effect but I’m sure the M3 feels more powerful on Shell super vs BP’s. Prefer the M&S snack options to Waitrose though!

My E46 M3 ran noticeably worse on supermarket super, so i only ever used Shell or BP. never noticed any difference on any other car though.

The M3 does have a use Shell Super plastic moulding on the inside of the fuel filler flap. It may be marketing having a placebo effect on me or the engine may be tuned for their additives

All my ones which need super have been absolutely fine on Tesco 99. No noticeable difference on shell. Everything I’ve tried no ultimate in has hated it. Only ever used it in emergencies, would never use it by choice.

My stuff isn’t highly strung enough to matter much but ever since 10% ethanol came in I’ve stuck with super unless I know I’m going to go through the entire tank in a day or two. I use Gulf or Tesco.
Really notice how much quicker E10 degrades though.

I tend to use super about 50% of the time in the MX5. It doesn't need it but I do leave it without being used for a week or two sometimes, or longer over winter, so it's just because of its lower ethanol content. And I only use super in the garden machinery because some of it sits in the cans for ages, so I just fill it all up at once.

Diesel for the Audi I just buy the cheapest I can easily pass on my commute, using Petrolprices.com to find it. Tends not to be in Stourbridge despite the fact there are three petrol stations within a couple of hundred yards in Oldswinford; you'd expect more price competition but they're generally some of the priciest around.

I don’t use BP Ultimate if I can avoid it - doesn’t feel like good value at only 97ron when it’s no cheaper than other Supers.

Evora invariably gets fed Shell or Esso.

Jobbo wrote: Fri Dec 19, 2025 7:46 am using Petrolprices.com

Thanks for mentioning that, I'd never used it, really useful as my local Shell is a solid 10p/litre more expensive than some others.

I never noticed any improvement between supermarket regular and premium super in the e46 330i, XJ6, 9-3 Aero, or 9-5 Aero. The Alfa 166 was a fussy bitch, though.

the 535d would probably run on wino piss just fine.

I like using VPower Diesel, not because of any evidence-based benefits, but simply for quasi-supersititious reasons because it feels like I'm doing something nice for the car

Gavster wrote: Fri Dec 19, 2025 10:29 am I like using VPower Diesel, not because of any evidence-based benefits, but simply for quasi-supersititious reasons because it feels like I'm doing something nice for the car

I'm the same, every so often, especially if we're driving long distance, I'll treat the Galaxy to a tank of the good stuff. There's no evidence it improves things, but still.

I can't find any 99+ octane electrons for the Zoe, so it just gets what comes out of the charger.

Thing I can’t justify with V powah now is that it used to be 10p per litre more than regular. Now it’s 20+p more. I guess they gotta pay for that Ferrari sponsorship somehow but they ain’t getting it from me

Gavster wrote: Fri Dec 19, 2025 10:29 am I like using VPower Diesel, not because of any evidence-based benefits, but simply for quasi-supersititious reasons because it feels like I'm doing something nice for the car

Isn't that around 30p/litre more than standard diesel? I've realised there is a Shell that I pass from time to time and here's the current prices: https://www.petrolprices.com/locations/ ... d/3781?m=1

UNLEADED
140.9p

SUPER UNLEADED
159.9p

DIESEL
149.9p

PREMIUM DIESEL
174.9p

High enough you might have thought it was a motorway services.

Esso 99ron SUL up until recently had no ethanol in it in my area. That changed some time last year, and it's now E5.

There's an Esso near Capel St Mary on the A12 which sell petrol and diesel cheap compared to elsewhere in Suffolk, so I have the habit of going there now.

The SUL at that Esso is practically the price of 95ron.

I use standard petrol in the Volvo but with the aircooled Beetle it has to be super. Mainly because it shouldn't destroy the fuel lines and other gubbins and also because the fuel sits in the tank for months on end due to the low miles it covers, I don't think I've put any fuel in it since early spring.

I've not used Shell, BP or Esso SUL in years, the prices are crazy near me.
Tesco 99 is still my go-to, as being reasonbly priced. The Up is mapped for 97+ fuel so need to stick to it.

No one believes me, but I've proven this in the 4C, the QV and the Up - that there's something about Sainsbury's SUL that makes the cars feel very smooth. I can't explain it....but while the engine doesn't feel as eager, it just seems to rev through more smoothly, and idles better. I swear I'm not making it up, and it's been consistent over my (admittedly turbo'd) cars.

Try it, and tell me I'm wrong.

The big issue for me is that the Sainsbury's SUL is only on the pumps at the front...so if someone goes in before you, leaving the back one free, it's no good, then people get confused as to why you're not filling up and waiting for the pump in front. Stupid setup.