tiangco.a

Shell V Power - 91

We also have a husky and esso that offers 93 octance for the same price as all the other premium fuels but its said that they have bad gas...

mbp727

Closest sunoco has 93 no 94

stanatl

I use either BP hi test or Shell V-Power. I believe they are both 93.

BMWPOWER

I usually use Shell V-power 93 octane with Nitrogen but someone told me that they add 15% ethanol to it. That seems a little high and

makes me wonder if I should switch to a different brand.

theXman

The key word is "recommend". I don't believe it's required. But using higher octane would have slightly better engine performance based on prior discussions.

mbp727

and you use...

pjinca

Page 170 of my manual states:

Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
The minimum octane rating is 91.
If you use gasoline with this minimum octane
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no affect on the engine life.
Minimum octane rating corresponds to the Anti
Knock Index AKI and is determined according
to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as otherwise
the lambda probe and catalytic converter
will be permanently damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differences
in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels containing
up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental conditions
such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

mbp727

I've always thought that car manufacturers "recommended" higher octane fuel which was really a bunch of bull s***. I recall the "new lessees" meeting at lexus a few years back where the lexus rep told all the new owners that if we plan on lowering the octane we needed to bring the car by so they could reformat or flush or something like that, but going up in octane was fine with no re-anything.

forumballer

Mobile 91

pjinca

Like I said, if they "recommend" 91, you can use whatever you want without too much problem. Unfortunately BMW "requires" premium only and will void your warranty if you use anything less (not much problem for you since you have no warranty, but something to consider since repairs cost $$$$$$$$$).