I have had problems with French fuel in the past - Alpinas are 98 octane engines - and the Roadster in particular reacted badly to low octane fuel - considerable pinking and a lack of low end response. When crossing France laterally it is worth filling up each time you find a large "proper" fuel station - and unless you really really have to avoiding small rural supermarket stations - I am looking at you Mr "97 Octane my Arse" Intermarche!!!

The B3 had to be filled with 95 octane a couple of times in Italy when I was down to fumes and couldn't find 98 - it survived by the performance was heavily impacted!!

I now have to remember the practical car (B5s) takes 98 and the fun car takes 95 (Supersport)!

And don't get me started on finding 1l of 0w30 oil in France!!!


2010 Aero Supersport | 2017 VW Multivan | 1996 BMW M3 Evo