S40 (New) Engine 2.0D : 2.0D and Shell V-Power

[VenomS40]

Does anyone know if its worth running V-power with this engine? Does the 2.0D have knock sensors to advance or retard the ignition? I know V-power is good for cleaning the engine and fuel lines but is there a performance advantage or MPG advantage when using this fuel with the 2.0D engine please?

[dew1911]

Not strictly the same, but I'm currently trailing it in my D5, and so far I've found about 5mpg more, smoother running, and it seems to be idling about 100rpm lower than it did on regular. So I think it's doing it some good.

[Metblackrat]

I use it in mine and it definitely helps with smooth and cleaner running.

Unlike V power petrol, it offers no direct performance gains. All performance gains come from the engine being cleaner and therefore more efficient.

An alternative if they sell it is shell diesel extra. All the benefits but without the price premium.

[craigblues]

I'm trialing BP Ultimate Diesel at the moment, I prefer Shell VPower.

I can't give you a reason why but just prefer it. But my nearest Shell garage is out the way.

[tayandre]

Other than anecdotal evidence, does anyone know if there's any indepedant data showing a measurable advantage? I've never seen anything concrete which is not to say I'm doubting the claims, just never seen anything other than the usual "up to" disclaimers made by Shell and BP.

[craigblues]

I think 5th Gear did a test once to see if you got more BHP from standard petrol/diesel than ultimate/vpower. They got an additional 8BHP in difference on the dyno, quite impressive.

[Metblackrat]

Originally Posted by craigblues

I think 5th Gear did a test once to see if you got more BHP from standard petrol/diesel than ultimate/vpower. They got an additional 8BHP in difference on the dyno, quite impressive.

That only applies to petrol. Diesels do not gain from higher cetane ratings over a certain point.

[SonyVaio]

Originally Posted by Metblackrat

That only applies to petrol. Diesels do not gain from higher cetane ratings over a certain point.

Maybe not, but due to the chemical mixture that makes up the fuel it obviously makes it burn better and thus produces more power / same power to less fuel?

I'm not trying to sway arguments in any direction all I can say is through personal use.

Until I got my current V50 T5 I had a diesel that I put V-Power in atleast 90% of the time as it made the car run so much better. It was noticably smoother, quieter, more powerful, less emissions and the car was trouble free from. In a brand of car that was literally plagued with EGR problems I never had a single splutter in over 160,000 miles and in my previous car to that (also diesel) that done 260,000 again never had a spanner in the engine. I put this good fortune down completely to the choice of fuel. I have posted on this before but on long runs which I do fairly regularly then it would return a good 10%+ in miles per tank figures over other diesels.

It may cost more at the pump but I truely believe it has saved me a fortune in the long run.

[Metblackrat]

In Shells own words...

Shell V-Power Diesel is designed to remove existing deposits to help restore and maintain performance so that your engine can operate at its best.

The formula not only helps deliver more power, but keeps on delivering that power as you clock up the miles. It is designed to continuously clean modern precision fuel injection systems, helping your diesel car achieve its full performance potential.

As you can see, it does not increase performance, merely returns lost performance through pollution in the engine.

V Power petrol however...

Shell V-Power is a high performance gasoline fuel designed to help your car achieve its performance potential, whatever you drive. In fact, Shell V-Power race fuel and road fuels are so similar that you could fill up a Scuderia Ferrari Formula One™ car with the formula we sell at our service stations.

This is clearly no ordinary fuel. Its unique double action formulation is designed to actively clean your engine and protect vital engine parts to help deliver more powerful performance.

The inclusion of Friction Modification Technology (FMT) further enhances engine efficiency by releasing power that would otherwise be wasted in fighting friction.

The petrol is clearly a performance fuel and, given the right vehicle, it can increase power.

I always use V power diesel as I do low mileage, short journeys mainly and it keeps the engine from getting coked up. On the annual long run to the south of France I always use premium diesel from either Total, BP or Shell as they are the only ones who use GTL in their premium diesel.

If you love your car, give it the best.

[watson-lfc]

Dont know if i'm the only one but i tried shell v-power for about 6 months not so long back and found it didnt really help at all.
it seemed to actually decrease the amount of miles i could get from a tank and it didnt seem any better running. plus it costs a decent amount more than the standard shell diesel which seems to do an alright job in the first place.

just my opinion but i cant justify using it over standard!