Diagnosis - 14% Alcohol in Fuel!
04-23-2008 | 07:48 AM
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I just picked up my 2004 530i from the dealer after bringing it in for an oil change and because it was sputtering on a cold start. It also started and then died a few times when put in reverse and I had to baby it between neutral raising the revs and then putting it in reverse to get it started. The diagnosis came back that the fuel content showed that there was 14% alcohol in the gas. The dealership recommended staying away from Mobil, and to use only a list of "approved BMW gas stations". I asked for the list and received a printout from my service advisor from www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html . Comments?
Scott
Scott
04-23-2008 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by scottsalisbury' post='566481' date='Apr 23 2008, 08:48 AM
I just picked up my 2004 530i from the dealer after bringing it in for an oil change and because it was sputtering on a cold start. It also started and then died a few times when put in reverse and I had to baby it between neutral raising the revs and then putting it in reverse to get it started. The diagnosis came back that the fuel content showed that there was 14% alcohol in the gas. The dealership recommended staying away from Mobil, and to use only a list of "approved BMW gas stations". I asked for the list and received a printout from my service advisor from www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html . Comments?
Scott
Scott
04-23-2008 | 10:02 AM
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I saw this list a few years ago when I had my Audi TT.
I always filled up gas with Premium but I never really cared which brand of gas to put.
I chipped my car and never had a problem. I fill up wherever is cheapest which is about 2 miles away from my house. It's about a mile away from my daycare so I usually just schedule my refuelling times when I pick up my kid.
But recently, I read about a guy who was so cheap with his gas.
He had to replace a bunch of parts in his car because of bad fuel.
Then, they did that math.
I drive about 7K miles a year with my 5'er.
The 10 cents difference between Shell and the 7-11 station where I fill up will only save me $35 a year, assuming that I get 20mpg on average. That's $70 if you're driving 14K miles a year.
I think $35 is very minimal cost to give extra protection to our cars - I should remember that, because I still fill up at 7-11 (out of habit).
I always filled up gas with Premium but I never really cared which brand of gas to put.
I chipped my car and never had a problem. I fill up wherever is cheapest which is about 2 miles away from my house. It's about a mile away from my daycare so I usually just schedule my refuelling times when I pick up my kid.
But recently, I read about a guy who was so cheap with his gas.
He had to replace a bunch of parts in his car because of bad fuel.
Then, they did that math.
I drive about 7K miles a year with my 5'er.
The 10 cents difference between Shell and the 7-11 station where I fill up will only save me $35 a year, assuming that I get 20mpg on average. That's $70 if you're driving 14K miles a year.
I think $35 is very minimal cost to give extra protection to our cars - I should remember that, because I still fill up at 7-11 (out of habit).
04-23-2008 | 10:14 AM
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From: Gurnee, Illinois
Originally Posted by scottsalisbury' post='566481' date='Apr 23 2008, 10:48 AM
I just picked up my 2004 530i from the dealer after bringing it in for an oil change and because it was sputtering on a cold start. It also started and then died a few times when put in reverse and I had to baby it between neutral raising the revs and then putting it in reverse to get it started. The diagnosis came back that the fuel content showed that there was 14% alcohol in the gas. The dealership recommended staying away from Mobil, and to use only a list of "approved BMW gas stations". I asked for the list and received a printout from my service advisor from www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html . Comments?
Scott
Scott
Scott,
What was the gas station that sold you that fuel labeling it as? That seems like they are watering down their gas with alcohol. I think anything above 10% is bad for the average non E85 car. Not sure if you are in the US but I'd report them. Its as bad as illegally altering the pump to overcharge you based on the amount of fuel you get. This crap is all regulated. With the price we pay for fuel, they need to be reported.
04-23-2008 | 11:04 AM
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From: Shropshire UK
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Originally Posted by Veight' post='566567' date='Apr 23 2008, 07:14 PM
Scott,
What was the gas station that sold you that fuel labeling it as? That seems like they are watering down their gas with alcohol. I think anything above 10% is bad for the average non E85 car. Not sure if you are in the US but I'd report them. Its as bad as illegally altering the pump to overcharge you based on the amount of fuel you get. This crap is all regulated. With the price we pay for fuel, they need to be reported.
What was the gas station that sold you that fuel labeling it as? That seems like they are watering down their gas with alcohol. I think anything above 10% is bad for the average non E85 car. Not sure if you are in the US but I'd report them. Its as bad as illegally altering the pump to overcharge you based on the amount of fuel you get. This crap is all regulated. With the price we pay for fuel, they need to be reported.
Mike
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