Will $4 gas kill the 850?

[SimLyons]

The arguments will go on and on for different gas grades. It doesn't matter that the additive the refiners put in the boost octane is on a few pennies per gallon. They love for us to believe how essential it is for our engines to live and perform. I've retired from the engine business after 33 years. My understanding is that you lower the octane until it begins to give preignition (knock and ping). Fortunately, the Volvo knock sensor prevents the boost from getting to that point. I used only premium in my 87 850-T5 when the company paid the bill, Same for my own 850-R. When I retired I switched to regular unleaded in my 97 850 R and have put another 70K miles on it with no issues. Even the boost goes full on. The plugs come out clean, mileage is still the same, the ECU hasn't complained and I am happy with the savings weekly as I fill the tank. If I ever do have repairs to make I won't complain. I have a total of 170K. As for my 2006 V70-R, well....I admit to using mid-grade!