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I run regular gas, because that's what the manual calls for. Using premium is just a waste of money unless your vehicle was designed to run on it. But all regular gas is not the same. I use top tier gas for two reasons. One, I keep my vehicles for a long time and I want the engine to last. Two, by using top tire gas, I go not have to use an additive every so often. Many vehicle's maintenance schedules require you to service the vehicle with a techron type additive if you do not use top tier gas. Brand names like Chevron and Shell are top tier. Costco is also top tier. Off brands, mini mart and supermarket gas tend not to be top tier. If you have the Gas Buddy app, it tells you which stations are top tier.
I had a new M3 when Car and Driver tested one running 87 vs. the recommended 93. Car was a tick slower 0-60 but essentially unnoticeable. I had a leased Audi A8L......car got 48K miles of 87 octane without any problems whatsoever. If it doesn't ping then I wouldn't worry about it
My son currently has a beemer, everyone I know, including a local BMW race team who works exclusively on them, and a BMW dealer mechanic say the same as you. Of course my kid won't listen to me and runs 93 anyway.
My son currently has a beemer, everyone I know, including a local BMW race team who works exclusively on them, and a BMW dealer mechanic say the same as you. Of course my kid won't listen to me and runs 93 anyway.
It's not the acceleration that suffers as much as the gas mileage. It's false economy if you're spending $0.30 less a gallon and sacrificing 3MPG on a car that averages around 20 MPG.
The other side of that coin is if you're routinely driving your M3 in such a way that it's not benefiting from the advanced timing available with 93 octane you wasted a heck of a lot more money on the M3 than you ever would on premium gas. M3's base price is over $20K higher than the 335/340 and you'll never make that up in gas savings.
It's not the acceleration that suffers as much as the gas mileage. It's false economy if you're spending $0.30 less a gallon and sacrificing 3MPG on a car that averages around 20 MPG.
The other side of that coin is if you're routinely driving your M3 in such a way that it's not benefiting from the advanced timing available with 93 octane you wasted a heck of a lot more money on the M3 than you ever would on premium gas. M3's base price is over $20K higher than the 335/340 and you'll never make that up in gas savings.
They all also claim no difference in mpg, I don't no if it's true or not. I do know you can get that egg smell from the converter sometimes. My 4 Runner calls for 93, Ive tried both way's with no difference in mpg, but I do get the smell on occasion.
I have a Nissan Sentra
I used anything
like
Valero
Cheveron
76
Shell
Arco
87 89 91 and mix it up
But be honest
does it really matter?
It matters. Many car models stipulate in the manual that regular unleaded is the only fuel the car engine is designed to burn. Not 89 or 91. Just 87. Doesn't matter what gas company you fuel up at.
I used to own an expensive luxury car and one day thought "hey, if I use 87 octane I can save money!".... well, it didn't go as planned: MPG dropped dramatically and performance suffered.
So you should always use the octane recommended in the owner's manual.
I've run mid grade in BMW's for a long time, with no fuel-related issues. Now, all the other stuff on them, including having a teenage girl driving one?????
I have a Nissan Sentra
I used anything
like
Valero
Cheveron
76
Shell
Arco
87 89 91 and mix it up
But be honest
does it really matter?
Nope. Your manufacturer built the engine to run on 87. Run on 87. The rest is BS. The only other cars that may need that higher temp detonation is a performance car. The other 98% of the auto world runs just fine on 87. Don't waste your money.
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