Polo GTI - Do you have to use 98 RON?

[clone_tk422]

Hi,

Just a general question about the fuel. It recommends using 98 RON.

Now I probably will use it as its only about $4-$5 difference a tank and for the amount of money i budgeted each week for fuel, I will have enough.

However I have noticed you cant always get 98 RON everywhere so theres going to be times on the road when I cant or maybe if theres a crazy price different of $10+ more per tank to fill up, I might start thinking twice

so question is, will using normal unleaded or 95 still be ok, will it be ok now and then or what about if you only use unleaded..

I'm assuming using normal probably gives you less km's per tank and not as much power but will it void warranty not using it? Also I'm guessing it would leave more fuel deposits in the cylinders as it cant burn as hot??

Thanks

[Kai]

Inside the fuel cap it says its fine to use 98 and 95 fuels :)

I noticed a power difference between 95 and 98, and you wont get many k's out of the 95 tank :)

[clone_tk422]

Thanks, so probably shouldnt even use normal regular 91 unleaded then?

[h100vw]

Thanks, so probably shouldnt even use normal regular 91 unleaded then?

No mate, certainly not....
The car will cope but you shouldn't be doing it.
Gavin

[Kai]

Its confusing but 91 = 95 ron and 93 = 98 ron

My car is tuned to 93, which is 98ron

I have no idea why its like this, but someone might care to explain what the hell im talking about, cause i have no idea :)

[Guy_H]

http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/Reference/RONMONPON.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

US (as normal) measures everything differently to the US & Europe! :confused:

[clone_tk422]

Thanks and I just thought 91, 95 and 98 meant the percentage of octane in the fuel ie

regular unleaded being 9% ethanol and 91% octane and so on for the others

[Kai]

Thanks and I just thought 91, 95 and 98 meant the percentage of octane in the fuel ie

regular unleaded being 9% ethanol and 91% octane and so on for the others

Then what is 150ron fuel ? :P

[Guy_H]

Then what is 150ron fuel ? :P


Very expensive :D

[Golf Loon]

Use 98 always. 95 on the rare ocassions you cant get 98 and 91 never. 100 octane is sweet too, you do find it sometimes :)

I reckon you go heaps further on 98 than on 95.

[theStainRemover]

As mentioned previous I wouldn't use anything else besides as you could potentially damage your car in the long run.

[FL00DY]

I've only ever used 95 once when I had know other choice in Berry on my way back from a Kanga V & Macq Pass sprint. Other then that it's always been 98. Mostly Mobil and V-power, but Vortex is OK and a lil bit cheaper.

[Glide_GTI]

only used 98 :)

found some 98 with 10% ethanol, was desperate... put in $5 until the next server came along :P

[GoLfMan]

only used 98 :)

found some 98 with 10% ethanol, was desperate... put in $5 until the next server came along :P
ethanol isnt bad for ur engine in small doses (higher doses require tuning for great fuel to air mix.)
ethanol actually cleans ur engine because of its low carbon content and it doesnt build anywhere as much carbon up in the engine as normal petrol... 10% is completly harmless if not helpful for ur engine ;)
(correct me if im wrong)

[Glide_GTI]

Yeah not too sure, I just thought I'd stay clear of it to be on the safe side.

[Timbo]

ethanol isnt bad for ur engine in small doses (higher doses require tuning for great fuel to air mix.)
ethanol actually cleans ur engine because of its low carbon content and it doesnt build anywhere as much carbon up in the engine as normal petrol... 10% is completly harmless if not helpful for ur engine ;)
(correct me if im wrong)

Certain fuel systems can have condensation (water vapour) and subsequent corrosion/oxidisation problems with higher levels of ethanol (10% or greater). If this is the case, the respective car companies usually issue a warning. Haven't checked VW yet.

[PeterHBne]

Tried Shell V Racing on the weekend 100 octane - even in a standard car, you could feel the extra power - well worth it!

[MKIVF]

If the car has knock sensors, it will prevent pinging and potential damage.

[Ben_GTI]

VW isn't on the list of manufacturers that support ethanol blends of any type.

I have used 95 but the car looses power and does almost 100km less per tank than 98. It uses more 95 to move and waaaay more if you move in a hurry compared to 98.

I must admit I was surprised by the difference in the Polo, Previous cars and friends car the difference between 91, 95 and 98 is nil.

[MKIVF]

It has to do with the factory tune and compression mate. No need to be suprised :)

[Wand Weaver]

VW isn't on the list of manufacturers that support ethanol blends of any type.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said that all, post '86, Fuel Injected models are okay for E10:

http://www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol.php/2007/05/00000005.html

[Ben_GTI]

Hmm I'll be paying a lot of attention if VW ever try and reject a warranty on the ethanol issue then.

I mean a Government backed body will trump a car manufacturer right?

I was surprised at the visible difference in the Polo. It is the first car I've come across with a noticeable difference. (from 2 BMW's, a Mitsubishi, a 121 and a 3 MPS)

[Timbo]

I mean a Government backed body will trump a car manufacturer right?
FCAI is not a Government backed body; it is the industry lobby group of the car manufacturers

[PoloGTi]

You guys are lucky in tassie, when i first got the car there was no 98 at all. So i ran the poor polo on 95 for the first 8 months or so. The 98 i find is better just feels like its whats ment to be in the car.

[Ben_GTI]

FCAI is not a Government backed body; it is the industry lobby group of the car manufacturers

So.... who would you back? VW saying No and their "union" saying Yes?

[Timbo]

VW says nothing about ethanol based fuels, across all their websites worldwide, from what I see. I don't know what VW's official position is on ethanol. I don't have a problem with using ethanol based fuels provided the manufacturer of the car I am driving says its ok....otherwise, if there's a problem, what's the warranty position? :???:

[Wand Weaver]

I was contemplating ringing VW Australia about this a while back - in fact, I think I probably should get an official position on ethanol blends.

Not just the regular E10 91RON or 95RON either - but any policy on ethanol is also likely to rear its ugly head for people who have used V-Power Racing.

[Timbo]

I think 5% ethanol is probably OK for most cars; it's just when it's 10% you need to know if the mfr has approved the use of ethanol at those levels. VPR is only 5%.

[Wand Weaver]

Put the first dose of 95RON in the car...

Basically, I pulled up to BP. No 98RON available - "Out of Order" signs on all Ultimate Pumps.

Pulled up to Caltex up the road instead. Absolutely packed (and only a few 98 pumps). One of the cars at the 98 pumps disappeared altogether. Just left his car at the pump and just...disappeared.

He wasn't there when I pulled up, and only returned just as I finished putting 95RON. I'm not enough of a prick to make everyone else queue, so 95RON went in. It was a bit of a topup (from half to full), so I guess I've got 96.5RON :?

I hope it's not going to do any harm (it says 95/98 on the filler door)...

I hate inconsiderate people who decide to do the weekly shopping while leaving their cars at the pumps...at an absolutely jam-packed petrol station.

[anarchycamp]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPH/263521~The-Two-Ronnies-Posters.jpg

2RON

[VWindahouse]

Now I know I am old! I actually remember those old chestnuts j:

[PeterHBne]

What, arent they on TV anymore? :)

[poloplayer]

I tried Vpower Racing today, so good hahah! However, it was abit of a mix, 1% Vpower, %24% BP Ultimate, 75% Vpower Racing. When I got home and shut the engine off, i could hear these like...bubbling (?) sounds :? Is this mix dangerous for my car?

[insanekiwi]

You have created a perfect mixture of explosive ingredients... :idea::idea::idea:

[Sharkie]

I queried VW Australia on this a while ago and have an email reply stating that V-Power Racing 100 (only 5% ethanol) is OK for the Gti.

They stated that using anything less than premium will void the warranty and anything with 10% or more of ethanol will void the warranty.

Since I try always to use the V-Power Racing 100 (it does feel to make a difference and Guy said it should give at least 2% extra) I am keeping the email safe in case I need it for future use ......

[shaneth]

Sorry to drag up a old tpoic. Whats the go with octane boosters. When i started driving i was told to steer clear of them but that was 10 years ago and alot has happened. The reason i ask is im going to airlie beach soon and i HAVE to use CALTEX fuel ;). They only have 95 ron fuel so i was thinking about adding octane booster as i dont want to run it on 95 either but whats the worst of the 2 evils. Any thoughts.

[Ben_GTI]

Hmm, When i have used 95 the car is just down on power and uses lots more juice. I wouldn't worry about octane boosters because I really don't like the idea of running a car on anything more than a majority of hydrocarbon which contains 8 carbons and 18 hydrogens.

[vanilla5]

Put the first dose of 95RON in the car...

Basically, I pulled up to BP. No 98RON available - "Out of Order" signs on all Ultimate Pumps.

Pulled up to Caltex up the road instead. Absolutely packed (and only a few 98 pumps). One of the cars at the 98 pumps disappeared altogether. Just left his car at the pump and just...disappeared.

He wasn't there when I pulled up, and only returned just as I finished putting 95RON. I'm not enough of a prick to make everyone else queue, so 95RON went in. It was a bit of a topup (from half to full), so I guess I've got 96.5RON :?

I hope it's not going to do any harm (it says 95/98 on the filler door)...

I hate inconsiderate people who decide to do the weekly shopping while leaving their cars at the pumps...at an absolutely jam-packed petrol station.

i had that at a jam packed supermarket branded service station. a sod in a work ute was gone for at least 20minutes. it took me less time to fill and leave. i still bet him out of the forecourt when i went to another line.

[Golf Houso]

Using 91 voids your warranty if they can find it... Avoid at all costs... including the $4-$5 per tank one j:

[langers_sydney]

Say if by complete accident you filled your brand new polo up with 91 would it be OK to wait till it drops to three quarters tank and then top up with super 98 stuff ?

[Flaps]

I'd drain it and fill up with 98.

Otherwise if you can't do that then drivei it like a granny.

[langers_sydney]

Dude, the traffic in Sydney and the speedlimits...I'm lucky to not drive it like a Granny !!

[BenjGTI]

Put the first dose of 95RON in the car...

Basically, I pulled up to BP. No 98RON available - "Out of Order" signs on all Ultimate Pumps.

Pulled up to Caltex up the road instead. Absolutely packed (and only a few 98 pumps). One of the cars at the 98 pumps disappeared altogether. Just left his car at the pump and just...disappeared.

He wasn't there when I pulled up, and only returned just as I finished putting 95RON. I'm not enough of a prick to make everyone else queue, so 95RON went in. It was a bit of a topup (from half to full), so I guess I've got 96.5RON :?

I hope it's not going to do any harm (it says 95/98 on the filler door)...

I hate inconsiderate people who decide to do the weekly shopping while leaving their cars at the pumps...at an absolutely jam-packed petrol station.

My car is a dec07 build and on my filler cap and in my manual(a massive leatherbound thing that takes up the entire glovebox) it states 95 is the fuel to use, the manual states that 91 is ok to use but it will knock for a short while.

there is no mention of 98 at all, strange
Benny

[LoriJarrod]

I carry a fuel additive in my glovebox for emergencies. Do it with all the cars. Add it before a tank of 95 and you're set.

There is an apparent shortage of 98 across NSW.

[danno2908]

I just bought a polo gti from Moss Vale and they put in regular unleaded.. What the?!?

[MACCAA]

Due to the current Premium shortage I had to fill with BP 95 yesterday.In normal driving can't say I've noticed any difference.And my car is chipped+exhaust,so running moore boost/ignition than standard.
As already stated earlier it says 95 inside the fuel filler cap anyway.

[VW GTI]

Lots of the servos in Brisbane are closing the 95 RON pertrol pumps on Tuesdays (the cheapest day) so everyone has to get premium or E10. Lucky I get it anyway or I'd be pissed, we don't seem to have a shortage up here though, just knobhead servo owners.

[Sharkie]

I have an email from VW (in reply to a question on V-Power Racing) stating that your warranty will be void if you they detect you are not using Premium Unleaded.

They did approve the use of V-Power Racing as well. But 91 and 95 is a no go according to VW head office.

So save some bucks and potentially lose your warranty .......

[Timbo]

They did approve the use of V-Power Racing as well. But 91 and 95 is a no go according to VW head office.

Could you please post up the email in full?

Because both my handbook and the label on the fuel hatch say 95/98, with 95 RON minimum. AFAIK, there's been no engine spec change between 2006 and now, so I'd like to know why VW Aus has suddenly eliminated 95.

Having said that, of course I always use 98, but with the shortages around, I have at least had some comfort I can use 95 if necessary (my Revo flash includes a switchable tune for 95 anyway, which is doubly comforting). However, last week, the only premium unleaded I could find in any of the stations within a 5k radius was VPower Racing. I have a tune for that, too and the car goes well on it, but at nearly $1.70/litre, it'd bloody well want to! :o

[Sharkie]

Here is the email I got:

Dear Johan,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us through the Volkswagen
website. It is always a pleasure to see such interest and enthusiasm in
our vehicles.

In regards to your email on ethanol petrol, we do not recommend running
our vehicles using anything with more than 10% ethanol in the petrol as
this petrol burns differently and does not lubricate parts that vitally
need lubricating.

It is recommended that you run your vehicle using Premium Unleaded Fuel
(98 Ron). Therefore, the Shell Optimax Extreme with 100 Ron can be used
in your new Polo GTi, as it only contains 5% ehtanol.

I would also like to advise you that if it was to be found that the
vehicle had been running on petrol with a lower grading than premium
unleaded it could void your vehicle warranty.

Once again, thank you for your interest in our vehicles and do not
hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Kind Regards,
Volkswagen Customer Assist

[MACCAA]

The VW email says Premium Unleaded,NOT 98.Basic Premium unleaded is 95,with the higher octanes 98 and Shell 100.
So anything from 95 up is OK.
Cheers
Len

[Sharkie]

It actually does .......

"using Premium Unleaded Fuel (98 Ron)." is specifying what premium unleaded means to VW.

[Timbo]

Well, as both the manual and the fuel flap say "95/98" and VW hasn't made any effort to contact me about otherwise, I'd use 95 if necessary, and if VW tries to void the warranty...well, their lawyers can talk to my lawyers :mad:

[Grant]

ok, direct quote from section 3.3 of my polo gti manual regarding the 110kw turbo engine.

"fuel - super ron 95 / 91*

*with slight loss of power, slight increase in fuel consumption and some knocking in the engine until knock control is activated."

[Y2008]

On my tank cover it only says 95 and no mention of 98 at all. The car is a March 2008 build.

[Spec83]

I believe Super 95 in Europe / US is the equivelant of 98 RON in Australia ;)

[hkogti]

Shell is phasing out 100 ron fuel... :eek:

No more 100 in australia...

Only 98 now...

Need to stop getting 100 for my polo to get use to 98...

:duh::duh::duh:

[FL00DY]

I believe Super 95 in Europe / US is the equivelant of 98 RON in Australia ;)

Thats correct. Y2008, if you can always use 98.

[Sharkie]

Its a turbo car, you should always use the best possible fuel you can. Anything less will result in a drop in performance and eventually lead to damage of your engine.

Pity about the Shell 100 ....

If you can't afford the best, sell your GTI and buy a car that uses 91 like a Hyundai or something....

[FL00DY]

Its a turbo car, you should always use the best possible fuel you can. Anything less will result in a drop in performance and eventually lead to damage of your engine.

Pity about the Shell 100 ....

If you can't afford the best, sell your GTI and buy a car that uses 91 like a Hyundai or something....

Yup well said :bowdown:

[VW GTI]

I've used V-Power or V-Power Racing for EVERY tank of fuel until last week. I used BP Ultimate and got 40kms extra before the fuel light came on with no change in driving style. I've filled up with BP again to see if it wasn't just above average for some reason.

[hkogti]

BP used to develope 104ron, but i think they know taht it will not make money on it..

Look at the fuel price now, i pays 1.79 for 98 ron most of the time, for 104ron, they might need to charge us 2.10 a litre... By looking at 2.10, no one is going to go for it.... (somehow i will....)

[VW GTI]

BP used to develope 104ron, but i think they know taht it will not make money on it..

Look at the fuel price now, i pays 1.79 for 98 ron most of the time, for 104ron, they might need to charge us 2.10 a litre... By looking at 2.10, no one is going to go for it.... (somehow i will....)

Correct me if I'm wrong... 100 RON is no better for your car than 98 RON unless it's tuned for it.

[FL00DY]

Correct me if I'm wrong... 100 RON is no better for your car than 98 RON unless it's tuned for it.

From what I've been told this is correct. Pretty sure if you talk to the various chip guys, they offer diff tunes for diff octane fuels.

[Sharkie]

When it just came out I asked Guy and he said it'd be good for about 2kw and 3NM without any additional tuning.

I have found that if you do not use it quickly (ie drive it all out within a few days) it seems to go off (maybe due to evaporation) and the car feels noticably slower.

[FL00DY]

When it just came out I asked Guy and he said it'd be good for about 2kw and 3NM without any additional tuning.

I have found that if you do not use it quickly (ie drive it all out within a few days) it seems to go off (maybe due to evaporation) and the car feels noticably slower.

I don't care how sensitive your arse is, you wont feel 2kw :biggrin:

[Sharkie]

Yep, don't really feel much of a difference with 100, but after letting it stand for a week or so, it feels more like you stuck 95 in there by accident and after 100 you can feel that is its more like 5kw down .......

I'm at the stage where if I know I'm going to be using a tank in a week or less I put in 100 and if not normal 98 goes in.

I'm guessing the ethanol in it don't like waiting around to get used and wander off and do other weird and not so wonderful things to your car :)

[Flaps]

I read that Shell Optimax is chemically enhanced from 95 to 98 and only has a life of 2 months at 98.

I don't always believe what I read but from personal experience I've driven 2 cars that have pinged on Optimax. Next fill up with Ultimate and all sweet.

[Guy_H]

A Shell rep posted on Ozaudi about the withdrawal of the 100 octane fuel last week:

http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16283

[Desmo]

There was an article a while ago in the UK (EVO mag) where they tested a number of fuels in a MkV Golf GTI and a M5.

Their first piece of advice was to use a busy petrol station as they suffered a number of poor results that could only be put down to stale fuel.

I only run 98 or 100 (although V-power racing is being fazed out)

[Timbo]

My Revo tune supposedly has a map for V-Power Racing, but it seems to make very little difference on a dyno relative to 98.

[Golf Houso]

There was an article a while ago in the UK (EVO mag) where they tested a number of fuels in a MkV Golf GTI and a M5.

Their first piece of advice was to use a busy petrol station as they suffered a number of poor results that could only be put down to stale fuel.

I only run 98 or 100 (although V-power racing is being fazed out)

I've got that issue, I remember the M5 getting 541hp though using 104 sunoco fuel. I remember it also mentioning that the ECU is intuitive and changes according to the fuel quality. Pity it cost like $7 a liter over there!!! :eek:

[FL00DY]

I've got that issue, I remember the M5 getting 541hp though using 104 sunoco fuel. I remember it also mentioning that the ECU is intuitive and changes according to the fuel quality. Pity it cost like $7 a liter over there!!! :eek:

BMW's learn changes for diff fuel. Lots of MINI friends talk a lot about it. You can also reset the parameters in the ECU.

[Y2008]

affordability is not the issue here the difference is not worth the saving. The question is WHY VW have jumped back and forth between saying 95 or 98? WHY are they not clear? Is it tuned for 95 or 98? There are many possiblities but does anyone have a good answer. Some cars say 98 some say 95 some say min 95.

[VW GTI]

They all say 95. But in Europe, 95 is equal to our 98.

There is a letter from VWA posted somewhere here saying below 98 will void warranty from memory.

[Y2008]

:idea: :) thanks

[DaveMack]

I've got that issue, I remember the M5 getting 541hp though using 104 sunoco fuel. I remember it also mentioning that the ECU is intuitive and changes according to the fuel quality. Pity it cost like $7 a liter over there!!! :eek:

I think Guy mentioned that racing fuel here (103/104 octane) is about $7/litre. :eek:

Dave

[Golf Houso]

I think Guy mentioned that racing fuel here (103/104 octane) is about $7/litre. :eek:

Dave

Pwah! Thats terrible!

Well... at least we have equality in racing fuel prices around the world :duh:

[Desmo]

Martini racing fuels, just looking at this today....

100 RON $5.50
102RON $6.05 or $6.60 depending on which one
110 RON $8 :eek:
http://www.mmsport.com.au/Martini.php

[robbo7444]

All I know is I ran out of BP98 at Cervantes nth of Perth - had to put 20l of 95 or some crap in, then on way home was struggling to overtake a rogue 200 series cruiser diesel.
I managed it but only just... and I have APR tune and coilovers
never again without bp98....

[Desmo]

If you have to use 95Ron, particularly when filling from empty and you're chipped, switch it back to STD tune.

I know most companies don't recommend you running less than 98 when chipped.

[JDM]

Anyone use e10???

[noone]

no, 95 for stock, 98 for tuned.

same as the other thread you asked in.

[brad]

Anyone use e10???
You could if it was 95e10 but from my experience the lean burn of ethanol freaks out the o2 sensor & it runs the engine rich so you'll use more fuel than the saving at the pump.

[JDM]

ok cool