Premium Diesel Fuels

[grufflybear]

Has anybody else used premium diesel for a while or have any view on if it improves performance or mileage... I have been filling my E 220 cdi with Shell V-Power diesel for about 6 months and I think it runs a little quieter and smoother... of course that may be wishful thinking now that the stuff cost 1.39 a litre Shell of course claim long term engine benefits but who can really know in a real car being driven in mixed day to day conditions. When I have had to re-fill with ordinary diesel of course the car seems not to run quite so well but that could all be down to imagination... I don't travel high mileage so the extra cost is not really an issue but just wondered if anyone else thinks their car runs any better on it...

 

[prc]

I ran both v-power and BP ultimate diesel for some months on my previous TDI. Smoother, quieter and a bit less sooth, but couldn't see improved performance or mileage. Just use the normal stuff (which I can barely afford).

 

[st13phil]

I used BP Ultimate Diesel in my W204 for a few fill-ups and the only thing it improved was the rate at which my wallet was emptied. I could detect no difference in performance, economy or engine noise. The soot level was lower than I get with supermarket fuel, but was not noticably different to that when using ordinary Shell diesel. Based on my experience, I'd say save your money and use the ordinary stuff.

 

[Crazyjester900]

V-Power i my fuel of choice,
though people say you don't need it??


Brad

 

[Dieselman]

V-Power i my fuel of choice,
though people say you don't need it??

They're right, you don't need V-power diesel.

 

[Mudster]

I once filled up with it by mistake, I didn't even know it existed until I did so...didn't make that mistake again.

 

[columb]

I've visited Polish dealer and was told that they have seen new W204 with blown engine. The only explanation was - PREMIUM DIESEL (as driver was using it all the time).
Also, I was told that on trainings they are being told to make customer aware that Mercedes Engines are designed to be run on REGULAR DIESEL.
Keep 1/4 of tank (so fuel is cold enough) and that's it!

Cheers
Chris

btw. I was using Millers but not anymore
Don't really know what to do?

 

[st4]

I've visited Polish dealer and was told that they have seen new W204 with blown engine. The only explanation was - PREMIUM DIESEL (as driver was using it all the time).
Also, I was told that on trainings they are being told to make customer aware that Mercedes Engines are designed to be run on REGULAR DIESEL.
Keep 1/4 of tank (so fuel is cold enough) and that's it!

Cheers
Chris

btw. I was using Millers but not anymore
Don't really know what to do?

sh**

I been using V power and it has been getting me 50miles more per tank. A blown engine would soon ofset that cost. Is there any truth that MB engines are specifically designed not for premium fuels?

Co-indicentally one of the best diesels my old man has found for the Rav4 is Esso, and i've filled up a couple of times as it was v.good.

 

[Mactech]

I have run a few tanks of premium diesel fuel and not seen any change in engine performance or mpg. All the cars I have done this with have been less than a year old so maybe there is some benefit to older engines which can use the alleged cleaning properties of the more expensive fuels. I'm a bit of an anorak with mpg figures so I'm quite sure I didn't miss anything!

 

[x332race]

My C270CDI def runs smoother & quieter when on Shell V Power Diesel.
Seems to "pull" better too, but this may be a function of increased smoothness.
Was using Tesco's diesel, mainly because I had some 5p off a litre vouchers but the engine sounded like a tractor on this.....

 

[Wezzel]

I've not used premium diesel but I do use a shot of injector cleaner (Redex or Millers) in every fill up. I have been doing this ever since I bought the car nearly 4 years and 70k miles ago and the car runs brilliantly. No diesel knock, smooth running and the car is still on the original injectors at 202k miles.

I did the same with my previous car, a Peugeot 405 diesel and it was running like a dream when I sold it at 167k miles, again on the original injectors.

 

[Corrado]

I've not used premium diesel but I do use a shot of injector cleaner (Redex or Millers) in every fill up. I have been doing this ever since I bought the car nearly 4 years and 70k miles ago and the car runs brilliantly. No diesel knock, smooth running and the car is still on the original injectors at 202k miles.

I did the same with my previous car, a Peugeot 405 diesel and it was running like a dream when I sold it at 167k miles, again on the original injectors.

Wezzel, how much redex do you put into each tank as a "maintenance dose"?

I've not used premium diesel either, but the car did *seem* to benefit from 1/2 bottle redex in 1/2 tank just once, with a prolonged effect on the subsequent standard refuels. [Benefit: less noisy engine and poss. extra mpg - though that could just be the summer effect.)

 

[Wezzel]

If you buy Redex (in the blue bottle) or Millers (both are available from Hellfrauds) the dosing instructions are on the bottle. Depending on which one you buy the bottle will last for between 7 and 10 tankfulls.

It probably works out at about £2 per fillup which is no more than premium fuel.

I can't praise this stuff enough. When I first bought my car it suffered quite bad diesel knock. As soon as I started using an additive it stopped. After a few weeks I stopped the treatment and the knock came back so I carried on with the additive. The car definately runs more smoothly with it also.

 

[Venomous]

Total Excellium is what I always use, did try Shell V-Power once and was impressed.

There are two Total Stations within a mile of the house, hence it's convenient.