93 is the default level for Premium fuel in the US. How can it -not- be found? 91 is the hard one to find... It's usually:

Regular - 87 octane
Super - 89 octane
Premium - 93 octane


Sunoco makes Ultra 94, and there are a few other higher ones.

I'd say 91 is by far the rarest because they want to force all the people who require "only" 91 to buy the 93.

 

In california, they moved from 93 to 91 octane a couple years ago.

 

I had the powerchip installed yesterday on my car. Noticed a little difference on acceleration. The person who did it told me that my car needs about 50-100 miles to adapt my driving style before the PowerChip really works. I feel that my car has a quicker response from 0mph (but still heavy due to my 20" )

In addition, he said that i will get a better fuel economy. I'm not sure whether it is true but i will update you guys up after i refill my fuel tomorrow.

 

Is it possible to add octane into gasoline via some sort of additive I can sneak in the tank? Like, oh, say, octane?

 

Keep us posted on your findings, I had one installed in my 01 540i 6 speed and noticed a difference right away and now thinking of adding it to my 04 545i.

 

I was thinking of doing it also, along with an exhaust/filter mod. Let us know if you do and what brand (if there are options).

BTW, I would think the chip is a % increase, so chipping a 540 over a 530 would probably have a higher hp increase and more noticable effect.

 

Yes you guys are right. Chipping the v8 engine has more effect than a I-6 or V6. My buddy's 645ci got chipped the same time as me and he noticed alot of difference in his car. (

As for the gas mileage, i don't think it is true though. I am having pretty similar gas mileage after my refill a few days ago.

Those people from Bay area who are interested in getting the 'PowerChip', feel free to PM me. I can ensure you to get a very good deal for the PowerChip as the bodyshop i went to was kinda affiliated to them.

 

Just saw they have some numbers for the 550 but expensive
our BMW 550i E60 4.8 utilizes a soldered chip (EPROM). In addition to being soldered to the computer, the chip's software is specifically coded to each vehicle (VIN#), and in most cases the Powerchip software must be matched specifically to each chip. This ensures the integrity of each program, and can also assist with the servicing of your vehicle in the future. The Powerchip upgrade includes the modification and de-soldering of the computer board so that the chip will have a plug-in socket installed. This then means that changing chips in the future is simple and can be done at any time. In standard form, the 550i E60 4.8 produces 360 hp and 360 lb.-ft.

Powerchip has a range of chips to suit your car, which can increase it's power to between 370 hp and 378 hp, and it's torque to between 370 lb.-ft and 374 lb.-ft.

The price of the Powerchip is USD $1,490.00.

In order for us to give you specific power improvements and pricing information, please continue on to the next page. By providing your email address, we will email you a comprehensive ten page datasheet specific to your car.

Fuel type:

 

Those number increases are not worth it. You won't feel much difference with only 10 to 18hp increase.

 

Wow, you have to desolder the board? Ouch.