Fuel System - Usage Of TOP TIER Gasoline
SI M13 02 06Fuel Systems
January 2012
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M13 02 06 dated June 2011.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline in MINI Vehicles
MODEL
[NEW] All models
INFORMATION
Deposit-control additives have been required by the EPA in all gasoline since 1995; however, since the introduction of the lowest additive concentration (LAC), most gasoline manufacturers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additives by up to 50%.
Low content of cleaning additives results in an excessive accumulation of deposits on fuel injectors, intake valves, the exhaust manifold or inside the combustion chamber. Due to deposit buildup, customers may experience various drivability problems (e.g., cold start problems, rough idle); increased emissions with Service Engine Soon lamp illumination; reduced engine performance; and poor fuel economy.
In order to increase the level of detergent additives in gasoline, the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline requirements were approved by four automotive companies (BMW, GM, Honda and Toyota).
Usage of the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines cleaner, and will reduce deposit-related concerns.
A number of gasoline retailers have already met the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline requirements and are offering this product in all octane grades in all of their respective marketing areas. The current TOP TIER Gasoline retailers are: Chevron(R); Texaco(R); QuickTrip(R); ConocoPhillips(R); 76; Shell(R); Entec Stations(R); MEA Oil Company(R); Kwik Trip(R)/Kwik Star(R); The Somerset Refinery, Inc.(R); Aloha Petroleum(R); Jiffy Mart(r); Mahalo(R); and Trip-Par Oil Company(R). All gasoline outlets carrying the brand of the approved retailer must conform to TOP TIER requirements on products advertised as such.
RECOMMENDATION
MINI recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline of minimum octane rating AKI 91 and with alcohol content of less then 10% by volume (or any other oxygenates with up to 2.8% of oxygen by weight). Only the exclusive usage of TOP TIER Gasoline provides the full benefit of reducing deposit buildup. MINI customers may find more information related to TOP TIER Gasoline on the official web site: http ://www.toptiergas.com.
NOTE:
For more information related to alcohol fuels, refer to SI M13 01 06 (Alcohol Fuel Blends in MINI Vehicles).
[NEW] If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is unavailable, we recommend MINI FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER PLUS (P/N 82 14 2 186 158) be added to the gas tank. For optimum cleaning and deposit control, add a 12 fl. oz. bottle every 3,000 miles when refueling.
PARTS INFORMATION
[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION