octane?

[m44ic]

I feel like a moran asking but is the dealer recommended gas for the 318's

[DeadpaN]

According to my owner's manual, minimum is 90. Around here mid-grade is 89 and super is 91. So its kinda a toss up. The mid range should be fine if its from a good brand-------->www.chevron.com lists info on gas companies which also sell "tier 1" gas which exceeds federal standards for detergents etc. What's the deal with Cali gas? When I lived back East we could get 93 or 94 at some Shell stations or Mobil or........I haven't seen that out here.

[aceyx]

for the ti, factory recommended octane is 89, printed inside the tank flap (as on all cars). the sedan/coupe/convertible may be different.

going a higher octane doesn't do you any better, since they've all got the same detergent qualities as long as you stick with a major brand. octane rating is all just for knock control anyway. the only time i would go higher (91/93) is if it's a podunk station where i feel the tanks might be dirty.

you should also try and avoid stations on the same day the tanks are filled (give a day for sediment to settle).

[Woofy318i]

Do you guys think I could use 93 octane gas on my 1995 318i? I am using 89.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Woofy318i

Do you guys think I could use 93 octane gas on my 1995 318i? I am using 89.

Your money. I would use 89 if that is what is reecommended. If you go to a chip then you may need 93.

[Woofy318i]

But basically, If i use 93 on my car, is it gonna be bad for the engine?

thx for the reply

[ClubSport]

No, but it won't be good either. You basically won't get anything extra out of it unless you get a performance chip that advances timing.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Woofy318i

But basically, If i use 93 on my car, is it gonna be bad for the engine?

thx for the reply

Not bad, just a waste of money. I read that using a higher octane fuel would allow the car to run a little cooler. I'm not so sure about that anymore. It's not that much of a difference in money as long as you don't think your are doing it to treat your car. On another board E36 owners seem to think by using 93 octane means you care about your car more than someone using 89. These are the same people who use a paper clip to reset the service lights or cheap out on parts.

[moku]

Like most of the folks on here have already said, you're okay with a higher octane. It's not detrimental either way, just more money.

If you're chipped or running forced-induction, then you should be running a higher octane. Otherwise, you're fine with the mid-grades or above.

[dodj]

Here in australia we have 89, 91, 95 and Bp ultimate and shell optimax 98
Bp ultimate and optimax say that they clean the fuel injectors. The chip I am looking at buying requires me to use 98 octane.

It's probably psychological but i feel my car runs nicer when i compare 89 to the premium fuels.

[FTV]

There is written in the manual , that i should use minimum 95 octane. I am using 98th fuel. (95' 318ti)

[CirrusSR22]

Lithuania, sweet!

[pdxmotorhead]

Fuel stuff:
Octane helps prevent early dtonation of the fuel or pinging.

ALL gasoline that is not augmented by a additive like Methanol or other
flamable additvies has the same number of thermal units so potentially
has the same storewd energy.

Race gas has a 50% lower boiling point on average than pump gas.
Thats the main reason it makes more power. IN A PROPERLY TUNED ENGINE!

My 95 get 32 to 35 mpg on brand name 89 , not a sign of ping so theres no
point in going higher....

Engines produce teh most power when running just below the knock/ping level.

My 2 cents...
Dave

[gooten1]

I usually run mid-grade. I'll go high-test to clean out the motor every now and then, but I usually just run the 91.
I get my friends some 100 octane, low lead content fuel. It's designed for airplanes, but they run it in their cars. They are turbo'd, so it makes more sense.

[myblueTI]

I really care about my car so i put in 93 octane