Sunoco 94 octane has betrayed me... - Page 2

y5choi · #1 02-19-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanF18

Correct. Here in NJ it's 10% ethanol in almost every station, including Shell. Some stations post it on a sticker, and some don't. In any event, I think it is very unlikely that y5choi's problem was caused by the 10% ethanol since all current engines are designed to handle it just fine, including BMW. Perhaps there was another problem with the Sunoco gas he got, but it was not the ethanol itself. Maybe there was some other crap in it, like water. Who knows....

I mean if I have to drive out to the middle of nowhere and the only gas i can get is the 87 unleaded with 10% ethanol, i should be able to pump that in and make it out, right?

In fact, the manual says 87 is the minimum that can run on without problem- but the gas cap says minimum 91 octane recommended and also I hear people have the check engine light come on when they consistently use 87 octane fuel.

JCL · #2 02-20-2009, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanF18

....I think it is very unlikely that y5choi's problem was caused by the 10% ethanol since all current engines are designed to handle it just fine, including BMW. Perhaps there was another problem with the Sunoco gas he got, but it was not the ethanol itself. Maybe there was some other crap in it, like water. Who knows....

Well, we all know, because he posted above that the dealer diagnosed a camshaft sensor failure, and that his problem had nothing to do with the fuel.

M6X · #3 02-16-2009, 12:31 AM

could be that particular station OP goes to. OP stop going to that station and see if things improve.

M6X · #4 02-16-2009, 12:41 AM

at shell stations here in toronto there's a sign saying oct 91 gas has zero ethanol.

pureflames · #5 02-17-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M6X

at shell stations here in toronto there's a sign saying oct 91 gas has zero ethanol.

+1 ... that's what I use

davidy1688 · #6 02-16-2009, 01:57 AM

what about Costco gas station? The price is cheap but not sure about gas quality. I always use Shell and 76 stations. Thanks.

lynstermkiii · #7 02-16-2009, 08:31 AM

Costco = Aloha Petroleum. Well, at least in Hawaii.

rh71 · #8 02-16-2009, 12:38 PM

I've used Sunoco 94 half the time and Citgo (premium) half the time and haven't noticed any issues with my 3.0 engine. We don't have any of those top tier stations here (unless Sunoco-Canada is the same).

Anyway, I'm surprised the big ones like Mobil / Exxon aren't on the list. I guess they're overpriced anyway. We were always told gas is gas... but I guess not if you have a demanding car manufacturer.

kev2nice · #9 02-17-2009, 03:21 PM

i use shell v power! works great. ive tried all types of octane and this gives me best performance

y5choi · #10 02-17-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kev2nice

i use shell v power! works great. ive tried all types of octane and this gives me best performance

yes,, I used V-power (shell 91) and it cranked and wouldn't start the engine once, (it was 3 degrees Celsius outside). Just one time though, dealer did something after that and all was good.

NOw I have the check engine light on while using SUNOCO 94 (similar thing happening as with Shell v power, engine cranking and won't start for a couple times, then the engine light came on). I've filled my tank up since with Petro-Canada 91 and it's been running smoothly.

I'm going in to see the service rep at the dealer tomorrow. I'll let you all know what the code is.

It's not so fun when your new (relatively) BMW cranks and doesn't start in the morning and your neighbors look at you like...