What gas do you use?
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Originally Posted by pjinca' post='983813' date='Aug 20 2009, 04:53 PM
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 $$$$$$$$$).
All I have to say is thank god I pay wholesale for all my parts plus no labor
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Originally Posted by e60hodzic530' post='983860' date='Aug 20 2009, 05:29 PM
I use 93 octane BP fuel..BEYOND PETROLEUM......WOOO WOOOO!!!
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I have alternated between Chevron and Buc-ees, although it seems the mileage is slightly better from Buc-ees. Buc-ees gas is usually 7-10 cents a gallon less, but that's not always true. Have had problems with other cars, the intake manifold and fuel injectors had to be cleaned out at about 150k miles, that car used exclusively Buc-ees and often used 87 octane instead of premium. I figure Techron will help flush out whatever deposits the cheap gas leaves behind.
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Originally Posted by LJTX545I' post='983890' date='Aug 20 2009, 05:51 PM
I have alternated between Chevron and Buc-ees, although it seems the mileage is slightly better from Buc-ees. Buc-ees gas is usually 7-10 cents a gallon less, but that's not always true. Have had problems with other cars, the intake manifold and fuel injectors had to be cleaned out at about 150k miles, that car used exclusively Buc-ees and often used 87 octane instead of premium. I figure Techron will help flush out whatever deposits the cheap gas leaves behind.
I have chevron here and have never heard of the other brands you mentioned...
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Originally Posted by NeRwEEzy' post='983907' date='Aug 20 2009, 02:58 PM
91 here, and +1 91 is the minimum that should be used
Unfortunately 91 is about the highest we can get in SoCal - so disappointing. I have heard of higher octanes but they are usually out of the way places that waste more gas to get to than it' worth.
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I use 93 for the most part. Using midgrade (89) or standard (87) won't kill your car, but is will force your ECU to retard the piston detonation timing which then impacts performance. While this is what the ECU is designed to do, it's not designed as a full time option to running the higher grade gas. When you hear the pinging, that is when the ECU is having a tough time adjusting detonation enough to compensate for early detonation. Over time that pinging can cause burnt pistons or valves. The effect is more sever when your running WOT, that is when the engine needs maximum efficiency for detonation timing.
SOOOO the short answer is...you can run a lower grade of gas, but your impacting performance, and you should definetly not be pushing the engine as hard as you would versus using Premium fuel.
SOOOO the short answer is...you can run a lower grade of gas, but your impacting performance, and you should definetly not be pushing the engine as hard as you would versus using Premium fuel.
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Originally Posted by mbp727' post='983777' date='Aug 20 2009, 04:22 PM
Sunoco has 94 octane? did you mean 93?
Can I mess anything up jumping from 89 to 93?
Can I mess anything up jumping from 89 to 93?
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I always get 93 though. Anything over that is a waste since you need engine remaps to take full advantage of high octane fuels.
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Starting 2007, BMW specifies minimum fuel requirements as follows:
Turbo charged models: 89
All other models: 87
You can check your user's manual if you have 07 or later model
Turbo charged models: 89
All other models: 87
You can check your user's manual if you have 07 or later model