E10 fuel may have some impact on modern vehicles as mechanics 'flag up' faults
E10 FUEL may be having an impact on modern cars as well as classic vehicles, according to a top mechanic.
E10 biofuel: Department for Transport explains why it’s ‘better'
Eric Collins, owner at Classic Car Mechanic Limited said he has started to “flag up” faults with more modern cars which should be able to run on E10 fuel. He said issues such as “engine faults” were detected on some modern vehicles which have been to visit his garages in Hampshire.
Speaking to Express.co.uk: “Even more modern cars we suspect are having problems with that fuel.
“We have started to flag up engine faults and things on the 2007 BMW we had in recently.
“It seems to be ok if you put the more expensive fuel in, the E5.
“But when it's using the E10 [it isn’t].
READ MORE: E10 fuel: Classic car garage reports ‘a lot of fuel-related problems’
“On the Government website, it says it should be fine for E10 but it doesn’t appear to be.”
A BMW spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "E10 fuels can be used in all BMW Group vehicle models of all series without ill effects.
"It is important to note that regardless of the ethanol content, some classic BMW vehicles require RON 98 as specified in the vehicle operating instructions.
"This requirement is due to the higher knock resistance offered by RON 98 fuel.
DON'T MISS
E10 fuel changes cause some drivers to get a 'burning smell' from car [COMMENT]
Drivers report E10 fuel issues as cars are ‘running rough’ [ANALYSIS]
New E10 fuel is a 'huge rip-off' to motorists [INSIGHT]
"Owners of these historic models are likely to be aware of this requirement as it was already in place before the introduction of E10 petrol in the UK."
Other manufacturers have confirmed to the ACEA some of their modern vehicles may not be compatible with the new fuel.
Mercedes Benz warns some of their first-generation direct-injection models produced between 2002 and 2005 may not be able to use the new petrol.
This included popular ranges such as the C200 CGI and the CLK 200 CGI Series.
Ford has previously warned Mondeo 1.8 SCI models produced from 2003 to 2007 should also not use E10.
Toyota said some of its Avensis range could also be affected.
Excluded from running the new fuel is Avensis 2.0 litre models made between July 2000 and October 2008.
Avensis 2.4 litre models produced between June 2003 and October 2008 are also exempt.
A range of Lexus cars built up to 2007 should also not run on the new compound while some Audi A2, A3 and A4 models built up to 2005 are also affected.
The RAC has previously claimed it was only cars registered prior to 2002 which were advised not to use E10 fuel.
However, they did warn it was only in 2011 when all new cars sold in the UK had to be E10 compatible.
Hagerty has claimed the new fuel was most likely to be damaging to classic cars and motorbikes.
But, they warned some modern classics would also be affected by the new petrol grade.
The Government’s Introducing E10 Petrol report claimed “most modern petrol vehicles” could run the new compound.
They claimed this meant cars “produced since 2000” should be fine to run E10.