I have an '04 S60 2.5T and was curious about whether folks use 86 or 92/93 octane?? I've been using 86 since I bought the car and seems fine. Not even sure what the recommended octance is. Any thoughts.
Im only on my second tank of fuel and had the same question as to which octane I should be using. My car was filled up with 91 octane whrn I bought it
I asked the dealership where I purcahsed my car and they said to use the 87 octane because there would be no difference. He also said to cylcle the higher octane through every once in a while but if you do it too much, you would have to keep using the higher octane or it could start to ping.
With the second tank I used the 87 octane like the guy said and immediately noticed my MPG wasn't anywhere near what it was with the higher octane. I also noticed a slight decrease in power.
Im not 100% sure yet but I think Im going to use only midgrade (same as premium) gasoline in my car. I'll keep you posted.
I'de like to know whats been working for you though.
I only use 93 octane from Mobil or Exxon. Actually, now I only use Exxon. Mobils have changed to Luxoil around here. I cant remember ever seeing a Chevron around here (southeast PA). That sounds like a good brand.
I dont really even know why I wont try anything else. Creature of habit I guess. I had a modified GSX Eclipse before the Volvo, and never thought of useing a lesser octane. The dealer said that Volvo reccommends the middle grade octane, the dealer pushed for me to use the high grade.(which I would anyway)
I just have to add my two cents worth here. My owners handbook recommended 98 octane. Volvo says that it is the best fuel economy and performance wise. I agree. I use BP Ultimate 98 octane. It is expensive to buy-but at NZ$1.30 per litre-I get 7.9L per 100ks. If I use Cruise Control with passenger I get 8.21L per 100ks-when I drive down country.
I notice the performance both when starting (starts very easy and using the Turbo-megatons of power.)
I've noticed in my 04 2.4 S60 that especially here in the Texas heat with the a/c on, I can hear a noticeable 'ping' that lasts for a second or two on heavy acecleration if I use anything lower then 93 octane gas. I've never heard the noise using the high octane stuff....and it might be in my head but I swear it's not as quick if I run regular. So, despite $2.99 a gallon prices (when i moved to TX 6 years ago it was $.85), I run the good stuff.
and it might be in my head but I swear it's not as quick if I run regular.
For what my two cents is worth: the original S80 2.0T I drove the lady owner didn't know what grade of petrol she used-just the cheapest. Worse still, I could not tell if it was turbo-charged either. The car's performance was bad. She never used the kick-down-she didn't know what it was or what it did!!
When I got my S80 and used the 98.4 octane BP Ultimate petrol-the performance spoke for itself. I knew it was turbo-my car turns into a V8 with very little effort.
Also, I notice that my oil stays a lot cleaner a lot longer now that I am using the 98.4 octane petrol. I definitely don't imagine that.
I think the expense is worth it in the long run. I notice that the car starts easier also.
Cheers
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