04-02-2017, 08:23 PM | #3 |
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In between cars. 2025 G87 ordered!
Vehicles: 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 (1/4 mile 10.3 seconds @ 129 mph - stock) Previous: 2021 Alpine White M2C 6MT; 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT; 2015 BMW M235i 6MT; 2015 Mini Cooper F56 6MT; 2005 Mustang GT 5MT |
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04-03-2017, 10:16 AM | #4 |
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I doubt that the answer to the OP's question is in his manual....he wants to know what octane owners use, not what is recommended by BMW.
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04-03-2017, 10:42 AM | #5 |
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BMW says to run 89 minimum, but 91 is recommended.
My understanding is that BMW tunes the engine to run on 91 oct. If you run lower, the knock sensor will retard the timing to prevent damage, but you do lose a bit of HP. If you use more than 91, it shouldn't give you more HP because it's supposedly tuned for 91. Basically, run what you want, but unless you're running a tune, anything over 91 is a waste. BTW, I know 2 people that run 87.. They're both daily drivers and they say they can't tell the difference in performance between 87 or 93 octane gas. I told them they're timing is retarded so they're making less power and they might get startup knocking. Still, they both say they can't tell a power difference and they've never heard any knocking.. One is on his 2nd BMW and says he's always run 87, unless he finds premium at a discount ... usually only gets Premium at Costco since it's cheap enough there. Before BMW he had Acura.. He said he's always run 87 in his Acuras too.
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04-03-2017, 11:49 AM | #7 |
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It's a turbo car. Run the highest octane you can for maximum performance. I run 93. I'm not saying 93 will make more power than 91, but the power will tend to be more consistent with 93 when the intake charge is hot, the intercooler is heat soaked, and/or ambient conditions are hot and humid. Higher octanes (within reason) will do a better job of managing knock/pre-detonation potential, therefore more consistent power and less power pull back.
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04-03-2017, 01:51 PM | #8 | |
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I can see the difference on a track or the strip, but most people ... just drive on roads won't know the difference.. I highly doubt anyone can tell on their day to day driving. Me.. I'll use the minimum required, unless I hear knocking or I'm going to the track... which I haven't done in decades.
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04-03-2017, 03:33 PM | #10 |
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Ethanol Free 94, or Shell V-Power. Otherwise any 91 when I can't get some 94 or Shell V-Power action..
I get all of my satisfaction back by putting nothing BUT 87 octane in my commuter truck, lol.. D
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04-03-2017, 04:18 PM | #11 | |
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93 in Kansas City is no more expensive than 91. You probably won't notice much difference in sub 70 degree temps, but in warmer/humid climates, you may notice a difference in response and topend power. There are many dynos floating around out there of N54 and N55 motors comparing 91 vs 93 octane runs. Now granted most of the cars measured had at least tunes, it's very clear that there is real measurable difference in power between 91 and 93. Usually in the order of 10-15 whp/wtq. Remember, these cars are underrated by BMW so the car might make just above advertised power with 91 and with 93, a bit more. Last edited by XutvJet; 04-03-2017 at 04:30 PM.. |
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04-03-2017, 09:48 PM | #12 |
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Octane
Our 2015 M235 seems utterly happy on a diet of Shell mid-grade, which is 89 octane. As does our 2016 X3 35i (essentially the same engine).
That said, I'd switch to the best stuff available for track time or long trips in hot weather. -K. |
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04-04-2017, 12:51 AM | #13 |
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Garage List 2016 BMW 218i Coupe [8.00]
2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe [9.00] 1975 BMW 2002 [5.50] 1985 BMW 635 CSi [5.00] 1974 BMW Alpina A2 ... [10.00] 2000 BMW Z3 Coupe [8.83] 1990 BMW 316i [8.00] 1993 BMW 850Ci [8.33] 2020 BMW X2 [5.25] 1994 BMW 318i [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 [0.00] |
I use Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded which I believe is 97 and it runs like a baby. Bear in mind mine is a 3 Cylinder Engine.
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04-04-2017, 01:11 PM | #14 |
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Doesn't matter...the recommended octane is all you need unless you have a specific set up that requires a higher octane fuel. Otherwise you're just wasting your money.
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04-04-2017, 02:56 PM | #15 |
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Isn't that a RON rating and not an AKI rating, like we use in the States?
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04-05-2017, 02:32 AM | #16 |
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Garage List 2016 BMW 218i Coupe [8.00]
2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe [9.00] 1975 BMW 2002 [5.50] 1985 BMW 635 CSi [5.00] 1974 BMW Alpina A2 ... [10.00] 2000 BMW Z3 Coupe [8.83] 1990 BMW 316i [8.00] 1993 BMW 850Ci [8.33] 2020 BMW X2 [5.25] 1994 BMW 318i [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 [0.00] |
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04-05-2017, 03:34 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
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