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E36 General discussion and technical help for 1992-1998 3 series cars.

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Old 09-12-2005, 06:35 AM   #1
Izdatpaliboi

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Octane

Hey guys, ive been speaking with a few guys that own some bimmers and was surprised when they told me what level of octane they used. One of them uses regular 87 on his 97 328i and this other guy who has a 95 m3 who runs midgrade 89 on his. Now don't these guys run the chance of their engine knocking? Doesn't BMW require that the engines be run only on 91+ octane gas. I know on some cars such as the 95+ nissan 240sx and 97 +honda prelude they say premium gas but since the compression ratios are very low its really not required. Also, in more recent cars because of the knock sensors the car is premium recommended but not required. The timing would be slowed down as well as the acceleration. What do you guys think, and what do you guys run your 325's, 328's and m3's.
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Old 09-12-2005, 07:05 AM   #2
catalyst

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I run 93 in a 325i.

89 is recommended i beleive, 87 just doesnt run the car as well, and it is generally dirtier fuel than premium.
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Old 09-12-2005, 08:29 AM   #3
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I was runnig 91, but with fuel at an all time high............
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Old 09-12-2005, 03:33 PM   #4
94bmw325i
 
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I run 89, and on 95+ 240 sx's I would definetely use 89 or higher octane, we tried 87 in my bros car and it ran like crap, kept stalling, and the whole car shook a lot and had crappy acceleration.
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Old 09-12-2005, 04:18 PM   #5
catalyst

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Quote:
Originally Posted by 94bmw325i
I run 89, and on 95+ 240 sx's I would definetely use 89 or higher octane, we tried 87 in my bros car and it ran like crap, kept stalling, and the whole car shook a lot and had crappy acceleration.
Shaking ussually means your mis-firing.. so you really shouldnt run 87 in it.
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Old 09-12-2005, 04:23 PM   #6
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If u look in the owners manual it mandates nothin more than 89 octane (on mine anyway), so 91 is just better even though it costs more. but u can buy octane boosters for like$3
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Old 09-12-2005, 05:47 PM   #7
Dudesky

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^^^ Depends on what year, my manual says 91 minimum.
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Old 09-12-2005, 07:30 PM   #8
Spieluhr

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you drive a bmw, don't put anything but premium in that baby.
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Old 09-12-2005, 08:53 PM   #9
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After sharking/chipping, premium gas is required.
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Old 09-12-2005, 09:03 PM   #10
TJsBimm

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My 97 328i says premium, but runs well on mid and low. Even mid grade is about $1.25-$1.35 per litre, so premium right now would be crazy. Like it's gold or some shit. WTF!!!!!
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Old 09-12-2005, 09:10 PM   #11
Deloriant

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After sharking, you need premium. However, cars these days are all equiped with knock sensors. Your car will be fine on 87 grade gas. It's not a "nice" to the car though, if you get my drift.
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Old 09-12-2005, 11:39 PM   #12
drz

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Car will run, but will not deliver top performance. Stick with the good stuff.
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Old 09-13-2005, 07:15 AM   #13
Izdatpaliboi

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What are the diffrences between the us spec 95 m3 engine and the 96 - 98 m3 engines. (horsepower, torque, displacement). I'm assuming theyd be both run on 91+ no?
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Old 09-13-2005, 12:13 PM   #14
komodo
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TJsBimm
My 97 328i says premium, but runs well on mid and low. Even mid grade is about $1.25-$1.35 per litre, so premium right now would be crazy. Like it's gold or some shit. WTF!!!!!
I get free premium gas.
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Old 09-13-2005, 12:26 PM   #15
Izdatpaliboi

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Quote:
Originally Posted by komodo
I get free premium gas.
how?
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Old 09-13-2005, 04:55 PM   #16
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Yea how Harry?

I use Premium in my car.
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Old 09-13-2005, 05:56 PM   #17
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Wtf?
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Old 09-13-2005, 05:57 PM   #18
brien4787

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Parents I bet... So this is why he has all of this money....
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Old 09-13-2005, 07:50 PM   #19
528man

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i run 93 in my 528
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Old 09-13-2005, 09:12 PM   #20
catalyst

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Quote:
Originally Posted by komodo
I get free premium gas.
Company gas card most likely, i remember seeing he has done work for texaco on his site.

sorry to say that just pisses me off, call it jealousy, whatever, people with money already shouldnt be given free shit.
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