Z4 on poor fuel quality question

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   I have a friend who lives in Kuwait and we are hatching a plan to drive his Z4 2.5Si Sport back to the UK. 

The route we are planning to take is across North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia then across to Sicily. It is very likely that we won't always be able to get premium unleaded, let alone anything better, so my question is 'does anyone have any knowldege or experienece of how these cars run on low quality fuel? Or are there any good additives that can be used to boost poor fuel quality?'

Thanks in advance.

Edited by Motorhead - 16 Jan 2009 at 6:50pm

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Motorhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 141	Post Options Post Reply Quote Motorhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Z4 on poor fuel quality question Posted: 16 Jan 2009 at 6:49pm
	I have a friend who lives in Kuwait and we are hatching a plan to drive his Z4 2.5Si Sport back to the UK. The route we are planning to take is across North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia then across to Sicily. It is very likely that we won't always be able to get premium unleaded, let alone anything better, so my question is 'does anyone have any knowldege or experienece of how these cars run on low quality fuel? Or are there any good additives that can be used to boost poor fuel quality?' Thanks in advance. Edited by Motorhead - 16 Jan 2009 at 6:50pm
	1972 3.0CSL 1989 M635CSi Motorsport Edition 1989 Z1

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 Jan 2009 at 10:56am
	Fuel quality in these countries is not necessarily poor - the worst fuel around in in the USA, where, after all, the Z4 is built! The management system will keep it runing on something like 86 octane I think. It would certainly be worth taking a few spare fuel and air filters though, and perhaps a few spare sets of spark plugs - non-platinum tipped types, in case of having to use leaded fuel. Likewise, leaded will ruin the cats, so perhaps cat by-pass pipes may be worth while. Try contacting the embassies of the countries you will visit, and ask about the availablity of unleaded fuel. Be prepared for surprises though - my friends found that a 'petrol station' could be an old Peugot pickup truck, manned by locals with 40-gallon drums and a funnel! A suitable funnel and pipe for refilling will be handy too. Friends have ridden through these countries on BMW motorcycles without any problems other than range per tankful, and - in Lybia - paying for the stuff! The locals deemd it unworthy not to pay for fuel needed by visitors, who are regarded as being honoured guests!

Motorhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 141	Post Options Post Reply Quote Motorhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jan 2009 at 11:13am
	Thanks, fuel quantity is another issue. I think the Z4 has a range of about 350km - is this correct? But even in sandiest Libya there should be a petrol station every 350km. I lived in Egypt for a few years and I know unleaded should be no problem along their north coast, but I'll check out the situation in Libya. Are there any other essential spares you'd suggest taking? A proper spare tyre and wheel would be useful, but there's no room (except on lap!) so a foot pump and repair kit will have to do. Thanks, Richard
	1972 3.0CSL 1989 M635CSi Motorsport Edition 1989 Z1

Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2009 at 2:32pm
	Have the tyres treated with Puncturesafe, and forget about punctures - but take a suitable inner tube etc, in case of major problems. Spare belts are another useful item. Edited by Mike Fishwick - 03 Feb 2009 at 10:52am

Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2009 at 11:24am
	My friends tell me that the most important phrase to master in arabic is 'I am not an American!'