Gas

[jmsspratlin]

What are the overall effects of using 87 octane as opposed to the suggested 91? Just curious is anyone has proof of damage, or just opinions. Thanks...Jamie

[1stE53]

Just don't do it. A lot of states have ethanol in all but their premium even thought they aren't posted. It will not burn all the fuel and leave massive deposits of carbon in your engine.

[jmsspratlin]

Does this not play a factor for other brands of cars? Why just the German's? Got any research to back that up?

[motordavid]

Hit Search Tab, upper right side of page; there are literally pages of threads
on the topic.

Fwiw, I have run tanks of 87 and, 89 on trips where that tank gets used in
a day, with zero ill effects in 8 1/2 years and 76k miles. Some here are 91/93
addicts, some of us run what we like. YMMV,
GL,mD

[jmsspratlin]

I like your style

[1stE53]

Not just German cars require it. Take a look at ALL luxury cars from Japan and USA. Prem Fuel required. All high end sports cars require premium as well.

[sethro]

Our cars (most modern cars) have knock sensors, the OBC will automatically adjust and compensate for the lower octane fuel.

I know people (sadly) that have leased high end BMW's and Audi's and run nothing but the cheapest gas.

[loobie]

Your mpg will be less negating any positive savings. The compression is the factor requiring the octane. The higher the octane the slower the gas burns and the more power you get.

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by loobie

Your mpg will be less negating any positive savings. The compression is the factor requiring the octane. The higher the octane the slower the gas burns and the more power you get.

Well said!

Case in point: my 2006 nissan altima 4 cylinder got 27 mpg on a 64 mile round trip from Columbia to Jefferson City on 87 octane. I use 91 octane and get 31 or more on good days! That's good enough for me . I have only used premium, even in cars that don't require it. Cheaper than replacing or cleaning engine components. Better mileage offsets the price difference. Now, I have never owned an American car, so I can't speak to them. Japan and German only.

[Zulu95]

I don't even use the "cheap gas" in my lawn equipment let alone the Bimmer! Around here the regular gas is marked "Not for Lawn equipment, outboard motors, ATV's etc." in some of the better gas stations.
Cheap gas is not that cheap.