jeffrichter

Let me start off by saying that my 04' 530I gets nothing but 93 octane, but here is the problem. In the Atlanta area there is a "shortage" of fuel. The only fuel at stations that have anything are regular and diesel. Since the car has to be driven, I have no choice but to use 87 octane.

So I have a couple of questions:

1. Without starting a big debate, will the 87 cause any damage, I am only putting in 10 gallons at a time so that when I can get 93 octane I can fill it then.

2. Will any of the "Octane Boost" or additives in a can from the local auto parts store help, or are they just snake oil?

Thanks for the input

Jeff

John@Motorcepts

it doesnt matter nowadays. the ecu is smart enough to "tune" itself to recognize lower octane fuel. just dont drive the car like u stole it.

luigi524td

In similar situations I've used "regular" gasoline. The electronics will adjust for the lower octane; you will likely notice a decrease in performance and I noticed that my fuel consumption increased (that is lower mpg) using regular gasoline.

Stick with a name brand gasoline to ensure the additive package is up to snuff and when the good stuff is available get back on it.

The fuel additives claimed to increase octane are (IMHO) snake oil.

monsterj34

I dont recommand 87 even though computer controls it.. its not as same... if you put just once in a while, it is not going to hurt but if you continuously put 87, it can hurt the engine. it will reduce performance little bit .

go for big brands such as Shell, Chevron, and big name brand. Dont go to Wawa, Sheetz, or Costco where they sell gas really cheap. its not the same quality...

hyethug015

shell=shit! stick to two either Mobile or Chevron.

formuleuno

+1 on the fuel additives. As Luigi states, you can use the regular gasoline because the ECU will compensate for the engine knock that's caused by adjusting the spark timing/fueling accordingly. This adjustment in spark/fueling will cause the engine to decrease in its performance and lower mpg.

formuleuno

Actually,

Shell, Mobil, Chevron, BP are all Tier 1 fuels. I generally use any of these 4. I also avoid Costco.

subarashi

To add more fuel to the fire....pun intended..

my SA states that BMW NA does not reccommend Shell gas in the TX or the GA markets --> issues with engine knocking have been traced to fuel issues with Shell in these markets. I dont know if its related to storage or distribution but since it affected both markets, probably had something to do with the source...

Just my two cents..just cos you buy Shell doesn't mean you are safe....

sixcard

Monster, can you document engine "hurt" and any reduction in performance?

sixcard

Can anyone?