Trying BP Ultimate diesel but poor economy
Discussion
Hey all,
I normally use normal Shell diesel (don't get the fancy option up in the Highlands;-)) but decided to try a tank of BP Ultimate. Thing is, my economy (2.0 dci 175 Laguna ST) has dropped from normally about 39 to 32 mpg (comparing work and back route, dual-carriageway but sitting in a queue for 20 mins each way). Now, temp is a couple of degrees lower but I've been driving smoothly and not booting it so am a bit surprised. On the other hand, the engine is noticeably quieter or less diesely.
Anyone else experienced something similar with BP Ultimate? Or is it coincidence and there's something wrong with the car?
I normally use normal Shell diesel (don't get the fancy option up in the Highlands;-)) but decided to try a tank of BP Ultimate. Thing is, my economy (2.0 dci 175 Laguna ST) has dropped from normally about 39 to 32 mpg (comparing work and back route, dual-carriageway but sitting in a queue for 20 mins each way). Now, temp is a couple of degrees lower but I've been driving smoothly and not booting it so am a bit surprised. On the other hand, the engine is noticeably quieter or less diesely.
Anyone else experienced something similar with BP Ultimate? Or is it coincidence and there's something wrong with the car?
Some people will try and tell you that you need to run a couple of tanks through before the ECU adapts the fuel, not sure if this is true or not.
I will say I have seen a noticeable difference from running supermarket diesel to running VPower diesel in terms of lower smoke, quieter engine and more mpg ( ~3mpg ), I now exclusively use VPower in my car.
I will say I have seen a noticeable difference from running supermarket diesel to running VPower diesel in terms of lower smoke, quieter engine and more mpg ( ~3mpg ), I now exclusively use VPower in my car.
HellDiver said:
Tesco elcheapo pisswater.
Haha makes my car sound like you are shaking a marble in a can.Edited by DaveL86 on Wednesday 10th November 21:52
I will only use Ultimate diesel in my 330d (2002), engine runs quieter and smoother on it plus mpg is slightly better.
My dad was so impressed with the difference when he borrowed it that he tried a few tanks in his newer 320d, made no difference whatsoever to either engine smoothness or economy.
Having asked a few friends what diesel they use some say it makes a positive difference and others no change, but it works for me and I'm happy
My dad was so impressed with the difference when he borrowed it that he tried a few tanks in his newer 320d, made no difference whatsoever to either engine smoothness or economy.
Having asked a few friends what diesel they use some say it makes a positive difference and others no change, but it works for me and I'm happy
I've got to say that the difference in noise and smoothness is very noticeable. But, the drop in fuel economy is too, and overnight. I filled up after the light had been on for a wee bit (not a good thing at this time of year) so there was probably half a gallon at most of the last tank in there.
I'll give it a go for a few tanks, maybe stick with it just for the smoothness alone. Maybe it's just the particle filter getting a bit bunged up and it needs burning off.
I'll give it a go for a few tanks, maybe stick with it just for the smoothness alone. Maybe it's just the particle filter getting a bit bunged up and it needs burning off.
soda said:
I will only use Ultimate diesel in my 330d (2002), engine runs quieter and smoother on it plus mpg is slightly better.
My dad was so impressed with the difference when he borrowed it that he tried a few tanks in his newer 320d, made no difference whatsoever to either engine smoothness or economy.
Having asked a few friends what diesel they use some say it makes a positive difference and others no change, but it works for me and I'm happy
makes a huge difference in my early '51 330d as well- 3-4mpg and what feels like substantial power. amazing what a difference it makes.My dad was so impressed with the difference when he borrowed it that he tried a few tanks in his newer 320d, made no difference whatsoever to either engine smoothness or economy.
Having asked a few friends what diesel they use some say it makes a positive difference and others no change, but it works for me and I'm happy
I found VPower Diesel smoother and quieter on mine, but with worse MPG than standard Shell (at the time it was before the Fuelsave fuel). I did some Googling and it appears that the gas-to-liquid process used to produce the VPower DERV does make a clean burning fuel, but with less energy (mpg) than most.
BP Ultimate Diesel always gives around 5MPG more on a run compared to standard Shell or BP fuel.
I used to keep a fuel spreadsheet, so my findings were a bit more scientific than a one off tank decision.
Sainsburys Diesel was the worst for economy though, every time, 50+ miles less per tank, I thought the car had a fault until I realised the fuel was to blame.
BP Ultimate Diesel always gives around 5MPG more on a run compared to standard Shell or BP fuel.
I used to keep a fuel spreadsheet, so my findings were a bit more scientific than a one off tank decision.
Sainsburys Diesel was the worst for economy though, every time, 50+ miles less per tank, I thought the car had a fault until I realised the fuel was to blame.
I run on BP standard, and Ultimate for one or two tanks before the MoT.
Ultimate is like driving a different car and mpg doesn't drop.
For what it's worth, Ford injectors are expected to last 100,000. I've changed one at 190,000+ and one at 230,000ish. The other two originals are now on 297,000.
The diesel independent fixer said I must be running on BP...
Ultimate is like driving a different car and mpg doesn't drop.
For what it's worth, Ford injectors are expected to last 100,000. I've changed one at 190,000+ and one at 230,000ish. The other two originals are now on 297,000.
The diesel independent fixer said I must be running on BP...
Mr Dave said:
How much MPG improvement does a 330d need before the cost of the ultimate over the normal stuff is cancelled out?
Is 3 enough?
well a difference of 3 for me is an improvement of about 8%- although sometimes it made as much a difference as 5-6 mpg on a run-. Is 3 enough?
however the power increase is big enough that i end up flooring around town and country, which wipes out any improvement in economy!
In Highlands as well - I wont touch BP Fuel full stop, had a very bad experience using their ultimate petrol and never got on with the diesel either.
I use Shell Ultimate where I can - seems to make a difference over stock supermarket fuel.
Other thing to consider is whether recent cold weather means they have put in the gel agent which drops MPG anyway?
I use Shell Ultimate where I can - seems to make a difference over stock supermarket fuel.
Other thing to consider is whether recent cold weather means they have put in the gel agent which drops MPG anyway?
175gt said:
halo34 said:
PS that seems quite a low MPG anyway - are you sure you arent booting it?
That's just my economy to/from work and includes sitting in queues 20 mins each way. On a run, I'll normally get in the high 40s.Third day since filling up and trip computer still reading 32.1mpg!
I am running on the loca Q8 stuff and its giving me 42mpg - if I use supermarket pooh that drops. I tried shell for one tank and seemed to get about 42mpg.
Might be worth trying shell mate - seriously.
Thats not the infamous kessock bridge is it - I start work up in "town" in Dec and I am dreading it.
MrPickle said:
I thought Tesco/ASDA et al, get thier fuel from the same refinerys as Shell,BP and ESSO etc?
So there shouldn't be any difference?!
They come from the same tank, but when the driver keys in the code to get the fuel dispensed, it adds (or not) the additives and cleaners etc that are required. Ie, supermarkets will just get the fuel, but others will get stuff added.So there shouldn't be any difference?!
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