Octane - United Bimmer Community

**Izdatpaliboi** · 09-12-2005, 05:35 AM

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.

**catalyst** · 09-12-2005, 06:05 AM

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.

**jybute** · 09-12-2005, 07:29 AM

I was runnig 91, but with fuel at an all time high............

**94bmw325i** · 09-12-2005, 02:33 PM

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.

**catalyst** · 09-12-2005, 03:18 PM

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.

DEATH2000 · 09-12-2005, 03:23 PM

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

**Dudesky** · 09-12-2005, 04:47 PM

^^^ Depends on what year, my manual says 91 minimum.

**Spieluhr** · 09-12-2005, 06:30 PM

you drive a bmw, don't put anything but premium in that baby.

**komodo** · 09-12-2005, 07:53 PM

After sharking/chipping, premium gas is required.

**TJsBimm** · 09-12-2005, 08:03 PM

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!!!!!

**Deloriant** · 09-12-2005, 08:10 PM

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.

drz · 09-12-2005, 10:39 PM

Car will run, but will not deliver top performance. Stick with the good stuff.

**Izdatpaliboi** · 09-13-2005, 06:15 AM

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?

**komodo** · 09-13-2005, 11:13 AM

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.

**Izdatpaliboi** · 09-13-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

I get free premium gas.

how?