View Full Version : BP "ultimate" fuels launching in UK, October?
craig-pd130
24-09-2003, 10:54
There's a lot of excitement on Scoobynet at the moment about BP supposedly launching a 100-octane petrol and high-cetane diesel in the UK in October. The 100 octane stuff is already available in Greece, and Diesel Ultra in Portugal (supposed to be 55 cetane, compared with 51).
See: http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?threadid=250322
Prepare to spend more at the pump than you used to ....
I think there's little point for someone like me - optimax is fine for performance and doesn't cost me that much more. Pricing for 100oct is just going to be silly methinks..
BP are not releasing this fuel here. I e.mailed them and they don;t see a market for the 100octane petrol. the aussies get 98 octane though. that could come here
who cares :p
correcting my previous statement
Dear Mr Thomson
Thank you for your email received in this office. Also thank you for your
interest and encouragement! We're always looking to improve our fuels in
the various markets where we operate and we have developed a 100 RON fuel in question
specifically for the Greek market as this would not viable in the UK market.
As far as other countries are concerned; we are researching opportunities in
other markets, but as you may understand, if and when we launch in other
markets is commercially sensitive and confidential for competitive reasons.
Thank you once again for your interest in BP.
Emma Davidson
Customer Care Advisor
Direct Line: 01908 852732
....because it'd be far far too expensive here due to our crap government duty..
craig-pd130
24-09-2003, 13:25
Vibrio -- thanks for the info.
One of the listers on Scoobynet reckons he's spoken to a bod in the BP press office, who confirmed there would be a product launched in October but wouldn't give any further details.
Probably their Xmas range of crystal glasses & decanter sets then ....
I had a thread up regarding the diesel ultra a while ago.
I've been using BP Ultra stuff for a while now, and to tell you the truth I really don't notice much. A bit less smoke and less engine noise, but nothing in terms of power increase and/or better fuel economy.
It does have less sulfur though, so I guess it's better for the enviroment. As far as prices: normal diesel is 0.70€/L and the ultra stuff is 0.715€/L. So I guess it's still cheaper than adding the redex diesel additive I was doing before.
http://www.chemecol.net/publications/automotive.html
makes interesting reading about diesel fuel
a mate emailed me this the other day....thought it might be of interest to some of you. :)
Dear Mr ,
> >
> > Thank you for your email received this morning dated 06/10/03. It gives
> me
> > great pleasure to announce that BP Ultimate will be available from today
> > 07/10/03 and will be available in both performance unleaded and diesel.
> BP
> > Ultimate offers both more performance and less pollution along with
> cleaning
> > the in inside of your vehicle.
> >
> > On average it increases acceleration by 3.0% and up to 5.2%.
> >
> > Thank you again for your email, if you have any further questions please
> > don't hesitate to call the BP Careline on 0800 402402.
> >
> > Freddie Boniface
> > Customer Care Advisor
> > BP Oil UK Ltd
> > 0800 402402
www.bp.com website really sucks and gives no supporting info.
well, its not as if they make a lot of money from what they do to be able to afford decent webpages is it?! :p
:devil:
Originally posted by Rage
www.bp.com website really sucks and gives no supporting info.
If you've brushed up on your Portuguese you can go here (http://www.bpdieselultra.com/).:p :D
orangesprout
09-10-2003, 09:14
Originally posted by prc
I had a thread up regarding the diesel ultra a while ago.
I've been using BP Ultra stuff for a while now, and to tell you the truth I really don't notice much. A bit less smoke and less engine noise, but nothing in terms of power increase and/or better fuel economy.
It does have less sulfur though, so I guess it's better for the enviroment. As far as prices: normal diesel is 0.70€/L and the ultra stuff is 0.715€/L. So I guess it's still cheaper than adding the redex diesel additive I was doing before.
I don't bother with REDEX = use MIllers Diesel power plus - available in uk not sure about Portugal.
You add small shot with every fill - works wonders - approx 7 GB pounds a bottle which lasts two months. knocks up cetane rating 5 points - another good one is Comma Diesel magic and Wynns Diesel power 3
Millers best by experiance
Plus you can get high on it !!
slim_boy_fat
09-10-2003, 13:14
I use CountDown in mine.
orangesprout
09-10-2003, 13:29
Originally posted by slim_boy_fat
I use CountDown in mine.
whats that?
Originally posted by orangesprout
I don't bother with REDEX = use MIllers Diesel power plus - available in uk not sure about Portugal.
You add small shot with every fill - works wonders - approx 7 GB pounds a bottle which lasts two months. knocks up cetane rating 5 points - another good one is Comma Diesel magic and Wynns Diesel power 3
Millers best by experiance
Plus you can get high on it !!
I really haven't found many choices as far as diesel additive go. The redex one is the only one readily available here.
What does the Millers stuff do? Does it clean,lub, and bump the cetane rating or just bump the cetane rating?
Paulo,
In my manual it says not to use any kind of additives as it can lead to engine damage. I presume the mean the injectors..!!!
Niall
LEO LION R
09-10-2003, 15:02
I use CountDown in mine
You still playing those dodgy 80's CD's ;) :D
dooo dodo doo, daaa dada da daa it's the final countdown, eeew ewew ewww :redface:
Yeah, I'm also pretty sure mine says not to use additives, but new fuels (diesel & petrol) all have additives already in. Those anti-corrosion and anti-foaming agents are all additives.
orangesprout
09-10-2003, 15:19
Originally posted by prc
I really haven't found many choices as far as diesel additive go. The redex one is the only one readily available here.
What does the Millers stuff do? Does it clean,lub, and bump the cetane rating or just bump the cetane rating?
apparently it lubes system, cleans and boost cetane 5 points according to bottle.
You don't half notice difference when not running any in your tank.
increased mpg maybe 1-2 - if you're lucky.
sportbilly
09-10-2003, 16:38
http://www.bp.com/ultimate/uk/petrol/default.asp
States its 97ron ??
So they're just re-badging the super UL
slim_boy_fat
09-10-2003, 18:31
Originally posted by LEO LION R
I use CountDown in mine
You still playing those dodgy 80's CD's ;) :D
dooo dodo doo, daaa dada da daa it's the final countdown, eeew ewew ewww :redface:
Boy you must be bored.
he is not bored just Sad :p
Originally posted by prc
I had a thread up regarding the diesel ultra a while ago.
I've been using BP Ultra stuff for a while now, and to tell you the truth I really don't notice much. A bit less smoke and less engine noise, but nothing in terms of power increase and/or better fuel economy.
It does have less sulfur though, so I guess it's better for the enviroment. As far as prices: normal diesel is 0.70€/L and the ultra stuff is 0.715€/L. So I guess it's still cheaper than adding the redex diesel additive I was doing before.
Bio Diesel is no Sulfur and has a higher Cetane
Autoexpress also has an article (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/ae_news_story.php?id=40567) on it now
any chance of finding out which outlets have this stuff?
ah, just found it (dont know if they are all selling it though!?)
http://www.bp.com/ultimate/uk/location/default.asp
had a quick look through the ones local to me, and as far as im aware none of them are stocking the ultimate fuels (definitely not diesel anyway as i was actively looking for it!)
maybe they are only promoting it in the 'flagship' stations.....perhaps on motorways? :confused:
from http://www.autowired.co.uk/news/article.aspx?storyid=10588
The fuels, which go on 100 forecourts this week and a further 400 next week and 700 buy the year end, are claimed to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulates and nitrogen oxides and at the same time improve fuel efficiency.
The new Ultimate petrol will be priced the same as super un-leaded. The diesel fuel will be 4p up on ordinary diesel.
muddyboots
13-10-2003, 07:37
Originally posted by dave99
The diesel fuel will be 4p up on ordinary diesel.
It'll have to make a big difference to make it worthwhile !
At least I could justify it by getting more Nectar points tho :D
According to BP's site there's a station near my work, so I might try it out if they've got it yet.
Nickwill
14-10-2003, 16:10
Went on the website listed above. Found local garage, which they claim stocks the new stuff. No joy. The attendant had never heard of it. So, are BP just listing local petrol stations, or are these the ones where it will shortly be available.
When I was driving my Fiesta Zetec S, I always found that Shell Optimax was worth using , both for performance and economy, and I'm hoping that the new diesel fuel will be equally good.
Here's hoping, if it ever arrives in Kendal!
LEO LION R
14-10-2003, 16:33
[QUOTE]
The fuels, which go on 100 forecourts this week and a further 400 next week and 700 buy the year end, are claimed to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulates and nitrogen oxides and at the same time improve fuel efficiency.
The new Ultimate petrol will be priced the same as super un-leaded. The diesel fuel will be 4p up on ordinary diesel.
So what they are saying is that there is no performance improvement, purely environmental :(
:cheers:
muddyboots
14-10-2003, 18:41
Paid a visit to BP in Cheadle near Stockport, as it's listed as a stockist. They've got Ultimate petrol (spit!) but no sign of the diesel. Some of the other pumps were covered up so they might be getting ready to switch over.
my local bp stations have all super u/l pumps taped up ready for change over, you diesel boys are in for a treat one of the lads filled up the works transit 100 ps turbo,with ultimate not knowing until he started the engine, he thought some had taken it out,so quiet,and on the move says deffo faster,and smoother and even quieter,think it was in leeds somwhere you derv boys try it,he was on empty,and filled it up cost him(work) another £2.50 on the tank:mad: good luck will try it petrol in the lcr if it's deffo 98ron,they get 100ron in spain/greece:mad:
vern
I went to my local BP garage last night, the bloke behind the counter had never heard of it !
LEO LION R
15-10-2003, 08:16
good luck will try it petrol in the lcr if it's deffo 98ron,they get 100ron in spain/greece
97ron - waste of time, If it is for the environment then it's going to have very little impact isn't it, on the down side they get to make mor emoney out of it :(
I'm a cynic, and a grumpy one at that ;)
I filled up with ultimate deisel last night..
preliminary discoverys...
its alot quieter.. most noticeable on cold starts and when idling, where the engine noise is reduced to a muffled purr.
i think it smokes alot less too altho i dont spend all my time looking in the rear veiw mirror checking!
cant say anything about performance yet.. too soon to know. ;)
and the cost for this diesel goodness?:
78.9p per litre compared to 75.9 for vanilla diesel.
filled up this morning after the BP station finally got supply (after having pumps closed for a few days, awaiting stock - when I asked them on Monday, I was the first to ask btw).
Well, 4p a liter is a pretty heafty increase due to the mileage I'm doing.
So far, its quieter on start up. Not so sure as I wasblasting my speakers on the way to work. I think its a bit more responsive, but might be just me, thinking its quicker. I'll have to do some more driving.
As for economy, not seen any improvement on this journet, although was "tanking" it.
slim_boy_fat
15-10-2003, 11:25
Any news on the cetane levels?
4p is quite allot. Thats about £50 per year increase. Will give it a try to see if i get any improvments in ecconomy. Havent seen it up hear in Sconny Bottland yet :)
slim_boy_fat
15-10-2003, 12:02
I am sure i had read that it was to be 3p increase over ULSD
Originally posted by Neo_VR
I filled up with ultimate deisel last night..
preliminary discoverys...
its alot quieter.. most noticeable on cold starts and when idling, where the engine noise is reduced to a muffled purr.
i think it smokes alot less too altho i dont spend all my time looking in the rear veiw mirror checking!
cant say anything about performance yet.. too soon to know. ;)
and the cost for this diesel goodness?:
78.9p per litre compared to 75.9 for vanilla diesel.
Did you fill up in Manchester, and if so where?
Originally posted by dave99
Did you fill up in Manchester, and if so where?
Bp opposite Bury motors renault garage.. just off the bury junction (jct2) of the M66
hope this helps :)
well hopefully reduce the smoke levels eh Soot_boy_black
Originally posted by Neo_VR
Bp opposite Bury motors renault garage.. just off the bury junction (jct2) of the M66
hope this helps :)
I think I know where that is - due a fill up too :D
Originally posted by dave99
I think I know where that is - due a fill up too :D
where abouts manchester you from/float around... im sure ive seen a grey TDi sport around a few times. :)
slim_boy_fat
15-10-2003, 13:47
Originally posted by vibrio
well hopefully reduce the smoke levels eh Soot_boy_black
Stop complaining, it will keep your paintwork looking like new, what with you not being able to get passed me... :p
ah if only that were true
I generally travel between Failsworth and Didsbury (via Mancunian way/Princess road usually) so thats mainly the east half of the city.
Well I filled up with ultimate at bury tonight, just wondering when it'll reach the engine. Anyone know how long it takes the new fuel to get through the system? I guess there is quite a bit of pipework and the filter to flush through. I reckon I have used just under a litre since filling.
Not sure I have noticed any significant performance improvement yet ( I have been thrashing it a bit to try and get some smoke out of it :D), but it does seem to be less smokey and much quieter when accelerating hard through 2000rpm (which used to really growl at me).
Shell has just launched there version of bp diesel ultra here in Portugal. From what I've read they are basically the same.
craig-pd130
17-10-2003, 16:29
PRC -- interesting. Hopefully that will mean Shell will also follow BP's lead in the UK.
Nearest Shell to me: 1 mile. Nearest BP: 12 miles ;)
Originally posted by craig-pd130
PRC -- interesting. Hopefully that will mean Shell will also follow BP's lead in the UK.
Nearest Shell to me: 1 mile. Nearest BP: 12 miles ;)
Well if timings are the same then you'll have to wait 10 months. :( :( BP's diesel ultra has been out since april.
Then again we never got optimax here.
johnny_M
18-10-2003, 11:01
Paid 84.5p :eek: P L, for the Ultimate as the motorway services are the closest one !!! Most impressed, especially with the quiteness of the engine (especially as i have an oil change service on monday) And as for the slight performance gain after about 14 miles after filling the tank up thats a bonus !
Will have to travel a bit further to get it as i'm not paying that much for it again !!!
Ultimate plastered all over BP Gemini as I went past today at lunchtime.... was very tempted to get some Diesel and then looked at my fuel gauge, half full.
IT JUST ISN'T FAIR :(
Goot :)
hydebear
21-10-2003, 08:11
Got my first tankful of Ultimate diesel (from Ashton under Lyne) and I can say that there is an amazing difference in noise levels compared with previous fuels, but too soon to say what impact it has on performance / economy / soot.
Now I have always tried to fill up with bog-standard Tesco :eek: diesel (for the Air Miles!!) and the difference in price is 7p per litre (74p vs 81p) - ie more than 10%, which is a fair increase to justify. So the jury's still out for me.
If, however, it killed the road noise and corrected the suspension whilst it was at it, then I'd happily pay it! ;)
81p! It was only 78.9 in Bury
Why do the petrol heads seem to have more priority? :(
Ive tried the two local BP garages that were plastered with the new ultimate logo's and guess what? They have the new Unleaded but no Diesel!
Originally posted by Neo_VR
where abouts manchester you from/float around... im sure ive seen a grey TDi sport around a few times. :)
Neo_VR look out for me - I'm back up in the Manchester Liverpool Warrington Risley Area tomorrow... 22nd Oct. So flash if u see me -
BTW I have just filled a full tank up on this so called wonder fuel,(82.9p per ltr Newbury prices eh!) will see how she performs on the drag up country .....
However I have just cleaned my K & N filter, sealed it (had'nt done that before) & adjusted my Tuning box.... Mmmmmmm should be a good run me thinks!:devil: :redface: :devil:
hydebear
21-10-2003, 13:23
Originally posted by dave99
81p! It was only 78.9 in Bury
It was actually 80.9p
Not sure its worth travelling to Bury to get tho...
1. cost me more to get there
2. have to go to Bury :sick: ;)
Originally posted by hydebear
2. have to go to Bury :sick: ;)
its only 100m or so off the motorway - I dont think I caught anything serious :D
I got about 3/4 of a tank of Ultimate from a BP on the A90 near Dundee. Was 78.9 or 79.9 ppl
Can't say I noticed much difference in noise, but I had somebody with me and we had the ICE cranked up.
I have a BP with Ultimate sub 5 mins from home and the same from work, so I'll try another tank or two to see if it's worth the extra money and effort to find over normal muck.
OK,
during the next couple of weeks I'll be testing normal diesel vs. BP diesel ultra vs. shell V-power diesel. Lets just see if I notice any difference.
It'll be interesting to see what you think and a review of the shell stuff would be good.
anyone else got any comments on this now its been out a week or two. Unfortunately working late nights and early starts, my local BP isnt open, so back onto normal Diesel, but the car is much louder now (was it always that loud :) ), but have to admit havent really noticed a performance difference
Wonder if Revo would recommend it (as they do with Optimax Petrol)
not used enough of it to comment with any real use yet apart from to say that i have noticed that there are no shortage of ultimate garages round my way now....infact i think they have all been converted, so i guess thats the same for everywhere....
I went to blackpool at the weekend and the trip computer reckoned I did 54mpg which is pretty much what I got on 'noisy diesel' (:D). I havent seen any of the BP stations I normally pass that have been converted to ultimate yet
Last weekend up to Scotland for a long weekend I thought I'd try out BP Ultimate Diesel. Already had 1/2 tank of normal BP Diesel (damn these diesel fuel economy cars!) so filled the rest of the tank up with BP Ultimate Diesel, at Warrington.
Car full of passengers, one baby and luggage.
Hit the M6. Hmm, don't notice any difference. Drive for 100 miles, car seems to be playing up a bit. Can only assume the 'normal' diesel was running out and the ECU was trying to adjust itself to accomodate the new fuel grade?
Anyway, start climb at Carlisle up M6. Car seemed to respond a bit better and noticed engine noise was smoother sounding. Car seemed to response a bit better and noticed I was struggling to keep at a constant 80mph. Kept trying to hit 85mph.
Normal driving around Scotland seemed nice and responsive. Booted it around the country lanes a couple of times. Have to admit noticed an improvement. Had a bit of a play with a BMW. Again, car seemed more responsive.
Half tank, filled up with Ultimate Diesel again in Scotland. Ultimate Diesel was difficult to find in Ayrshire, even Glasgow!
Driving back home. Again, back feels more responsive.
This morning, car was cold. Switched on. Diesel rattle toned down much quicker and noticed no smoke (don't usually anyway).
I'm swaying towards it making a difference, but a few more tank fulls with help me make up my mind. Is it worth the extra 3/4p per litre? Time will tell.
Goot :)
Originally posted by hydebear
2. have to go to Bury :sick: ;)
Dont worry.. i dont go into bury either.. i only knew the BP garage was there because of the Re**ult garage opposite where i was a frequent visitor when in C*io ownership. :D
Fuel prices vary wildly within 5 miles of my house.. at the moment, derv is a penny cheaper than petrol at my local esso @ 74.5p
Originally posted by JONO!!
not used enough of it to comment with any real use yet apart from to say that i have noticed that there are no shortage of ultimate garages round my way now....infact i think they have all been converted, so i guess thats the same for everywhere....
went to fill up at two different BP's today and all the Ultimate Diesel pumps were out of order, so on normal diesel.....guess what, car is noiser than with shell Diesel for sure :)
Originally posted by Goot
Last weekend up to Scotland for a long weekend I thought I'd try out BP Ultimate Diesel. Already had 1/2 tank of normal BP Diesel (damn these diesel fuel economy cars!) so filled the rest of the tank up with BP Ultimate Diesel, at Warrington.
Car full of passengers, one baby and luggage.
Hit the M6. Hmm, don't notice any difference. Drive for 100 miles, car seems to be playing up a bit. Can only assume the 'normal' diesel was running out and the ECU was trying to adjust itself to accomodate the new fuel grade?
Anyway, start climb at Carlisle up M6. Car seemed to respond a bit better and noticed engine noise was smoother sounding. Car seemed to response a bit better and noticed I was struggling to keep at a constant 80mph. Kept trying to hit 85mph.
Normal driving around Scotland seemed nice and responsive. Booted it around the country lanes a couple of times. Have to admit noticed an improvement. Had a bit of a play with a BMW. Again, car seemed more responsive.
Half tank, filled up with Ultimate Diesel again in Scotland. Ultimate Diesel was difficult to find in Ayrshire, even Glasgow!
Driving back home. Again, back feels more responsive.
This morning, car was cold. Switched on. Diesel rattle toned down much quicker and noticed no smoke (don't usually anyway).
I'm swaying towards it making a difference, but a few more tank fulls with help me make up my mind. Is it worth the extra 3/4p per litre? Time will tell.
Goot :)
Goot - Sounds interesting, I'm on my third tank at the mo! Ummm hit the half tank point yesterday sub 200miles Oops Wat Why How! Must be the topping 90 on the back roads, car smoooooth..... Mmmm
AndyB - our local BP satation in town will Not I repeat Not be having this ultimate fuel. It seems that Only BP Owned stations are taking the fuel, seems to costly for the independats... (Know where have I seen the Big boys pinching us mortal people before...)
So Maybe I should go back to Tesco's shell or some other non responsive fuel, may get better MPG!
Dropped my parents off at Manchester Airport, and had a play on the way back on M56. Couldn't go more than 85mph due to too much police activity. But 1st through to 3rd gear 4k5 rpm easy, and felt smoother with slighly more response.
Noticed no smoke and the engine is definately quieter.
I'm guessing the Ultimate will also have higher levels of cleaning detergent in the fuel over standard Diesel?
Tempted to stick with Ultimate for the time being.
Goot :)
I was forced to fill up with texaco derv last night, the car is much louder on cold starts, and doesnt seem to pull as well under 2k.. ill have to use this tank up as quickly as possible! :devil:
Originally posted by Stu B
AndyB - our local BP satation in town will Not I repeat Not be having this ultimate fuel. It seems that Only BP Owned stations are taking the fuel, seems to costly for the independats... (Know where have I seen the Big boys pinching us mortal people before...)
The one by the V******l garage. Hadnt tried, there, tried the ones on the 303 between us and the M3. Did notice more smoke this morning on start up (using normal BP Diesel).
btw- replied to your pm, but box is full. I'll find out who the IT contact is at work and let you know tomorrow (day off today)
understood deleted box - & Pm'd you - Many thanks.
ha ha, they just spoke about the Ultimate petrol on watchdog. The pumps are colour coded light blue and people have been mistaking it for diesel (they say blue is normally the color for diesel - funny I thought it was black!?) and putting it in their diesel cars :D
BP have acknowledged the problem and will make things clearer.
shell has blue diesel pumps,silly bp soon as i saw the blue colour knew there would be bother,also i know it's only 97 ron but they dont print this on the pump or any where imho too scared because of marketing peeps, i.e optimax 98 ron,think bp have drooped a bo**ock meself,should say the ron and be green, ie 95 and 98 dddoooorrrhhhhh!!:mad: if 97 is o.k then why make 100 ron,the tax issue is utter crap:D
on bp diesel ultimate used this in the works tranny, 2.4 n/a getting 40/50 miles more out of a tank:eek: not in me head as used 4 tanks of the stuff,always used shell from brand new(not the new diesel extra)though less smoke,more poke,and miles quieter excellent stuff;) pays for itself with the mpg and the less time i spend on the forecourts @ garages the better:p note the first tank did not increase mpg, mixed 1/4 shell 3/4 bp,but qiueter on striaght away,gonna try the shell diesel extra to get me smart points up,mind you get nectar @ bp
vern