What octane gas should I use

[phillynative70]

I want to know what octane gas to use. I've been using 87, since that's what I used in my '00 Neon, but I'm not sure if that'll be good for my '96 318ti

[adamud]

It says on the inside of the fuel door to use 89 octane and up. I wouldn't run anything under what BMW says is their lowest requirement

[phillynative70]

Ok I have another question. Since I bought this car from an auction, I took it to a BMW mechanic and asked to check to see if it needed a tune-up, and I told him that the check engine light comes on and off. He put it on the diagnostic machine and it came up with: hot film/ AMM temper sensor. He said that he didn't think anything needed to be done now, just bring it back if the light came on again. And he didn't do a tune-up, should I have one done anyway since I have no history for the car?

[Panzer_M]

I've been running 89 with no problems..recently went to 93(2.70gal), but the car idles better and doesn't choke at long idles with the 93.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by phillynative70

he didn't do a tune-up, should I have one done anyway since I have no history for the car?

I'd suggest that you first focus on changing fluids, filters, etc. so that you can create a maintenance schedule. Once you've done all that, perhaps a full tune-up, but I can't think of a reason to do a tune-up unless the car isn't running well.

JMJ

[bullmand]

+1 to roadrash's post. I'm assuming you just got the car. Do you have any maintenance records? If not I'd suggesting using the factory maintenance schedule that's in the book (if you have it). New oil/oil filter, coolant, brake fluid, air filter, etc. If you're really ambitious you could change the differential oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. I'd throw a bottle of good fuel system cleaner in there too. Redline or Techron seem to be the most poplular. For the octane I would also recommend using at least 89. My '98 seems to run better on premium, especially when it's the weather is hot but that could be my imagination. I did see a report that the most common problem gas station inspectors find is that the octane is lower than it's supposed to be. Since mid-grade is 89 and BMW says that's the minimum I figure I'm a little safer with premium (93 where I live).

[phillynative70]

Yes I just got the car on Feb 15th from an auction. and I don't have any maintenance records on the sticker in the window that shows when the oil change was done. Other than the car running a little hot, which some of the site supporters and members told me that it is the temp sensor not having the fan come on, and my brother has been "burping" it; it's idleing a little low. I just want to do what I have to to maintain this car. This is the first time that I actually had a "nice" car. But if you can give any suggestions I'd fully appreciate it.

[Will'sBimmer]

my only suggestion is to keep posting your promblems and questions on this site and getting help to fix those promblems that will end with your car running alot better. I also think it is a good idea to go ahead and change fluids and filters. maybe just clean the air filter since replacing them can be expensive if u get a good filter like AFE or K&N. The idle promblem could be due to a vacum leak somewhere. u may want to check into that. just try to find a place where there may be a hole or even a hose completely dislocated. and a big plus is to POST PICS!! this helps put alot. plus we like to see differant Ti's

[phillynative70]

Do I have to go to a BMW dealer for the fuel system cleaner and the air filters, or can I go to Pepboys etc.........

[Will'sBimmer]

You can go to Pepboy's, Autozone, O' Reiley's, and other places like that. Just make sure you get the right size filters and right fluids.

[zboot]

The manual says to run 91. I do that with a 60:40 mix of 93 to 87.

[pnosker]

Mine says 91 too. I just run straight 93. It's only slightly more expensive and I find that I get a 1-2 hp rating higher when I use my G-timer in the same location.

[aceyx]

If you've got no records, start with an Inspection II.

89 is fine. Just go to gas stations that do high-volume sales. 93 works too, but I've found no appreciable change.

[bullmand]

Stick with the paper air filter from the dealership. They're better quality than the stuff you'll get from Pep Boys or places like that. You'll probably have to get the oil filter from them too as most of the chain places don't stock our filter. The fuel system cleaner you can get anywhere.

[phillynative70]

I'm waiting for the BMW dealership to open in the next 10 minutes, hopefully they'll be able to look at the car for me. I really thought the independent mechanic would have told me something more since he had my car all day Friday. I feel like I wasted $80 for nothing. The only satisfaction he did give me was that if the check engine light comes on again he won't charge me to do 2 more diagnostics