[Healeys] octane needs for 2006 Mini Cooper S

[Randy Dickson]

Jack,
I have a 2006 Cooper S with almost 50,000 miles on it. I was putting 91
octane in it and went back to 87 to save money since I pile on the miles
with my job.  To be honest, I couldn't tell the difference.  I suppose that
the engine knock sensor adjusts (retards I assume) the ignition with fuel
octane.  I had the car up to 6000 rpm yesterday and did not notice any
knocking whatsoever.  I didn't notice any better mileage with a higher
octane fuel either. 
I have had no problems with this Mini other than the window motor.  It is an
absolute blast to drive and much more reliable than the 1967 race-prepped
Cooper S that I drove in college.  That car was the terror of the sidewalks
in my town.  At least I don't have to replace the brakes and the external
hinges every spring anymore.  

Randy 
Healey-Archaeologist
63 BJ7
66 Cobra replica
06 Mini Cooper S  

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+rdickson=midwestarchaeology.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+rdickson=midwestarchaeology.com at autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Curt/Nancy Arndt
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 3:57 PM
To: Brashear, Jack, N
Cc: Spridgets; HealeyMail List
Subject: Re: [Healeys] octane needs for 2006 Mini Cooper S

Jack,

I have an '06 Cooper S and by mistake put regular 87 octane in instead of
91.  The car almost immediately started to ping anytime I put even a
moderate load on the engine.  I immediately went back to premium fuel.

Purchased the car new on Oct of '06 and have 20K miles on it now with no
problems.

Cheers

Curt Arndt
Carlsbad, CA
'55 BN1, 60' AN5:{) '72 RWA Midget, '06 Cooper S

On Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 11:12 AM, Brashear, Jack, N <
JNBrashear at garverengineers.com> wrote:

> Hi All.  I bought a 2006 MC S automatic when it had 10,300 miles on it.
> Now it has nearly 20 grand.  The PO said she had always used 87 octane
> with no problems.  Soooo, I have continued using 87 octane with no
> apparent problems.  Recently I've had folks tell me to use 91+ octane.
> Why??  Am I damaging anything by using the lower (and cheaper) 87
> octane??  Thanks for your feedback.
>
> Jack Brashear, PE
> Project Manager /  Water
>
> Garver Engineers
> Office: 501-376-3633 Ext. 402
> Mobile: 501-352-8890
> E-mail: jnbrashear at garverengineers.com
> _______________________________________________