F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Petrol drivers: what fuel do you use?
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-14-2013, 11:35 AM   #1
Math
First Lieutenant
Math's Avatar
Belgium
10
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F21 116D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: B

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Petrol drivers: what fuel do you use?

Hi,
I'm mainly a diesel driver, have been for the majority of my driving time now around 10years.
I wonder what fuel do you guys use in your petrol engines, especially higher powered (328i & 335i maybe even M3 & M5). Over here in europe we have choice of 95Ron and 98Ron.
I do drive a bike for several years aswell now, and have tried periods with both fuels but don't notice that much difference in power.
I wonder if its really worth it? Is it better for the engine in the long run? Does it give noticeably more power on high powered engines?
Thanks for sharing!
__________________

2012 - BMW F21 116D ED

Please check my amazing car rental website at http://www.bscc.eu!
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 11:56 AM   #2
34.50
Lieutenant
34.50's Avatar
United_States
38
Rep
596
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Sport Line
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Upstate NY

iTrader: (0)

Mobil 91 octane, or Sunoco 93 octane - depending on where I'm closer to.
__________________
2013 BMW 335i xDrive Sport Line
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 12:04 PM   #3
johndeere
mhmmmm
Canada
136
Rep
633
Posts

Drives: MS3X
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (2)

91 octane. Don't really care which gas station it comes from.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 01:52 PM   #4
mump
First Lieutenant
mump's Avatar
United_States
37
Rep
354
Posts

Drives: '11 E93 335is/'01 986S/'13 F30
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Western PA

iTrader: (6)

For my f30 328i, it is stock and I run 95ron. My e93 335is, I run a Cobb with DCI, I run 98 Ron.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 02:13 PM   #5
Math
First Lieutenant
Math's Avatar
Belgium
10
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F21 116D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: B

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Thanks for your replies!
So is there no 95 or 98 available in the U.S.?
__________________

2012 - BMW F21 116D ED

Please check my amazing car rental website at http://www.bscc.eu!
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 02:25 PM   #6
CKau
First Lieutenant
33
Rep
391
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 Xdrive30i M sport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: sydney, australia

iTrader: (0)

I have always used 98 as in my previous turbo+supercharged direct injected engine there was a noticeable deterioration in responsiveness and fuel consumption using 95. I cant bring myself to using 95 and choose to stick to 98 for my high powered baby.

When petrol prices are so high any small improvement in fuel economy outweighs the incremental cost of the fuel. I have done the maths
__________________
2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport
[sold]2013 BMW X3 xDrive30d
[Sold] 2013 F30 328i
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 03:10 PM   #7
David328M-Sport
Brigadier General
Australia
100
Rep
3,566
Posts

Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia

iTrader: (0)

When I took delivery of my car, the dealer filled it with 95RON. I then put 98RON and almost immediately felt a positive difference from the 98RON.

I have been using the highest octane rule available in Australia in all my BMWs since I took deliver of my first (320i I6 E36) in 1992. Best performance from the highest RON rated fuel without Ethanol.
__________________
328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 03:19 PM   #8
David328M-Sport
Brigadier General
Australia
100
Rep
3,566
Posts

Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CKau View Post
I cant bring myself to using 95 and choose to stick to 98 for my high powered baby.
Have you been tempted to try United's P100 fuel in your 328i? I have thought about it but have opted out, even though we can use up to 10% ethanol in our cars. You thoughts, if any please. Cheers
__________________
328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 05:20 PM   #9
Math
First Lieutenant
Math's Avatar
Belgium
10
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F21 116D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: B

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Alright! Thanks for the insights guys!
@David, what is P100 fuel exactly? I have never heard of it..
__________________

2012 - BMW F21 116D ED

Please check my amazing car rental website at http://www.bscc.eu!
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 05:48 PM   #10
BavarianFanatic
Too much is never enough
United_States
655
Rep
3,079
Posts

Drives: Too Many
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Math View Post
Thanks for your replies!
So is there no 95 or 98 available in the U.S.?
The US doesn't use RON. Ours is rated using AKI with is the average of the RON and MON values. 98 RON would be equal to 93 AKI here in the states.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 05:49 PM   #11
drob23
Lieutenant Colonel
drob23's Avatar
United_States
50
Rep
1,730
Posts

Drives: S4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (1)

In the US, they list by Anti-Knock Index (AKI), which is (RON + MON) / 2. I use 93 AKA which is 97 RON I believe.

For NA, see this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_...ndex_.28AKI.29

^ lol, beat me to it.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 06:24 PM   #12
Math
First Lieutenant
Math's Avatar
Belgium
10
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F21 116D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: B

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
In the US, they list by Anti-Knock Index (AKI), which is (RON + MON) / 2. I use 93 AKA which is 97 RON I believe.

For NA, see this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_...ndex_.28AKI.29

^ lol, beat me to it.
Interesting wiki page!
Apparently you do not get higher performance of a higher octane nr. You just get under performance when using a lower than specified octane number because the engine goes in some sort of protection mode against self combustion of said lower octane fuel.
Does bmw state the preferred fuel type somewhere in the cars user manual?
__________________

2012 - BMW F21 116D ED

Please check my amazing car rental website at http://www.bscc.eu!
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2013, 08:10 PM   #13
drob23
Lieutenant Colonel
drob23's Avatar
United_States
50
Rep
1,730
Posts

Drives: S4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Math View Post
Interesting wiki page!
Apparently you do not get higher performance of a higher octane nr. You just get under performance when using a lower than specified octane number because the engine goes in some sort of protection mode against self combustion of said lower octane fuel.
Does bmw state the preferred fuel type somewhere in the cars user manual?
There is no more controversial topic on car message boards than fuel octane LOL, we might as well debate politics . Same ole stupid debate will ensue, standard you can't afford $2 a tank extra to your car will asplode blah blah.

The ECU will adapt to whatever you chose to put in there, there is so much feedback control going on with advanced VANOS and direct injection systems...these just aren't the same cars as back in the day.
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2013, 09:02 PM   #14
CKau
First Lieutenant
33
Rep
391
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 Xdrive30i M sport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: sydney, australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David328M-Sport View Post
Have you been tempted to try United's P100 fuel in your 328i? I have thought about it but have opted out, even though we can use up to 10% ethanol in our cars. You thoughts, if any please. Cheers
On my previous car i found not all 98 was equal. I think my fuel cinsumption was marginally worse using 7-eleven compared to BP in the 328i. But that was only using one tankful.

So for this reason i am just irrationally and emotionally hesitant to use united which i perceive to be an untrustworthy independent.

Rationally i should just experiment and give it a go. I read somewhere BMW can use up to 10% ethanol. I think it was nrma.

If i do decide to become rational and try it i will let you know.
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 12:07 AM   #15
David328M-Sport
Brigadier General
Australia
100
Rep
3,566
Posts

Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CKau View Post
On my previous car i found not all 98 was equal. I think my fuel cinsumption was marginally worse using 7-eleven compared to BP in the 328i. But that was only using one tankful.

So for this reason i am just irrationally and emotionally hesitant to use united which i perceive to be an untrustworthy independent.

Rationally i should just experiment and give it a go. I read somewhere BMW can use up to 10% ethanol. I think it was nrma.

If i do decide to become rational and try it i will let you know.
I have always used Shell PULP, Optimax & now V-Power. I did have to use Caltex 98RON for my E90 once and it was fine.

I've been hesitant about United P100 pretty much for the same reason as yourself and also because I used Shell 100RON a few years ago in my E90. The fuel was not as good for the car as V-Power. May be different for turbo car, but I'll pass.

Yes, you read correctly about 10% Ethanol. It's printed on the inside of the fuel filler cap as well. So is the RON recommended of 95 but it extends to 98. Another reason to be hesitant about 100RON.

Cheers
__________________
328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 12:11 AM   #16
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Before I was always using Chevron 93, however given in our area, Chevron 93 isn't true 0% ethanol (they advertise it as 0% but seems to be a poor assumption), I've switched over to Shell 91 since that is a true 0% ethanol fuel.

Runs slightly smoother but still has cold start hesitation.
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 03:08 AM   #17
Vitoco
Infidel
Vitoco's Avatar
122
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: iX3 LCI M Pro Carbon B
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Nothing less than 98 RON from Statoil, which WAS the only higher-octane fuel without ethanol until around a year ago, now they say "there can be up to 5% ethanol blended in".
__________________
Dec. 2022: Fully loaded Carbon Black G08 iX3 LCI M Sport Pro

Former: Glacier Ag. F31 328iA RWD M Sport oct. 2012, sold July 2022
| Sport Automatic | Adap. M Susp. | Pano. Moonroof | 20" ATS Racelight Grey w. Michelin PSS| M Sport brakes | Harman Kardon | Elec. Seats | PDC F&R | ACC Stop&Go | 335i MPE | Perf. Parts |
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 08:07 AM   #18
335BOY
Colonel
197
Rep
2,802
Posts

Drives: 2017 SQ5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Its been proven many times that in an untuned engine going from 91 to 93 gives virtually ZERO benefit...placebo. In some cases (Toyota I believe it was) MPG got worse and emissions went up when 93 was used instead of 89. Fun reading about guys whose cars are transformed when they get "the good stuff". Carry on...............
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 08:59 AM   #19
Math
First Lieutenant
Math's Avatar
Belgium
10
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F21 116D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: B

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by 335BOY View Post
Its been proven many times that in an untuned engine going from 91 to 93 gives virtually ZERO benefit...placebo. In some cases (Toyota I believe it was) MPG got worse and emissions went up when 93 was used instead of 89. Fun reading about guys whose cars are transformed when they get "the good stuff". Carry on...............
Can you get us a link to an article or something written on this?
I seem to recall a test on fifth gear where they tested several 'premium' fuels in controlled conditions with a golf gti and they did measure differences in power output. Not that much but +-5 hp or so.
__________________

2012 - BMW F21 116D ED

Please check my amazing car rental website at http://www.bscc.eu!
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 09:44 AM   #20
335BOY
Colonel
197
Rep
2,802
Posts

Drives: 2017 SQ5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Math View Post
Can you get us a link to an article or something written on this?
I seem to recall a test on fifth gear where they tested several 'premium' fuels in controlled conditions with a golf gti and they did measure differences in power output. Not that much but +-5 hp or so.
The Toyota thing was on an hour long TV show produced by CBC (Canadian Broadcster) comparing fuels with dyno etc. Just google it. This subject comes up every few weeks.
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 09:51 AM   #21
tdizzle
Colonel
United_States
107
Rep
1,997
Posts

Drives: 2017 F80 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Memphis

iTrader: (0)

What everyone else says. Use what BMW tells you. Actually, use whatever makes you feel better, but know that using higher than BMW recommends won't give any gains. We could get into a technical discussion as to why but that's probably not necessary or will be linked/explained shortly.

Now if you have tuned your engine to where it actually gains the benefit of the higher octane then go for it for that extra performance (I do). I use 93 octane but only because my car is tuned to use that fuel. Pre tune, I used 91 which is what BMW says. You can actually use 89 but there 'may' be a dip in performance or cold start issues in some circumstances.

Short Story:
Use 91 unless your car is tuned then use whatever it's tuned for.
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2013, 01:23 PM   #22
335BOY
Colonel
197
Rep
2,802
Posts

Drives: 2017 SQ5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tdizzle View Post
What everyone else says. Use what BMW tells you. Actually, use whatever makes you feel better, but know that using higher than BMW recommends won't give any gains. We could get into a technical discussion as to why but that's probably not necessary or will be linked/explained shortly.

Now if you have tuned your engine to where it actually gains the benefit of the higher octane then go for it for that extra performance (I do). I use 93 octane but only because my car is tuned to use that fuel. Pre tune, I used 91 which is what BMW says. You can actually use 89 but there 'may' be a dip in performance or cold start issues in some circumstances.

Short Story:
Use 91 unless your car is tuned then use whatever it's tuned for.
I don't know how to copy link but just googled 91vs93 octane dyno and got a bunch of good hits. Some dynos reported 1% hp gain ......thats 3hp. Mario Andretti wouldnt be able to detect 3 hp difference.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:58 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST