I think you are right about the gas being gas. It is the additives that certain manufacturers put in that make them "Top Tier" and thus better for your BMW.

In the Atlanta area Chevrons, BP's, and Shells are everywhere. There doesn't seem to be very many generic, no-name stations until you get out into the rural areas of Georgia (which is a different story all together).

So it doesn't make a difference for me to go out of my way for an Exxon/Mobil when I pass Lukoil?

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Current:
2016 X6 ///M Black Sapphire Metallic

Neither are on the Top Tier list. Pick either one. The only brand that I've consistently gotten poor quality petrol from is Sunoco.

No, as far as i know Exxon/mobil is not "Top Tier", just because it is a big name that you heard of doesn't make it good. Here is a link I posted earlier listing the "top Tier" gas stations. Unless Exxon/Mobil is under a different name, I don't think it is "Top Tier"

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

Buy any gas and add Techron or another fuel additive because that really is the only difference as long as the Octane rating is the same.

My bad, I assumed Exxon Mobil would be top tier. I'm surprised how few top tiers are in my neck of the woods (Shell and Texaco) and that Sunoco Canada is on the list but not Sunoco here in the states.

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Current:
2016 X6 ///M Black Sapphire Metallic

I've seen this question about gas raised many times in different places in the past. The major point that I've seen is that, if you care about your car, you should ONLY buy Premium grade gas.

The Top Tier Gasoline link is interesting; hadn't seen that before. Again, based on previous info that I've seen, I have always liked Chevron and, if I have a choice, that's always my first choice.

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2008 X5 4.8i | Wheels: Summer> style 336 20" RFT; Winter> style 214 Ferric Grey 20" RFT | Aero kit | ESS E-Flash tune | V1 | LCI Rear Tail Lights | Coding completed | Engine replaced at 90K

I've found that my local company has the best gas (at least it seems to me) at the most reasonable price, it's called Gate Petroleum (in N. Florida not DC)

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2006 BMW X5 4.8is Lemans Blue/Beige/Dark Maple
-Nav, Comfort Seats, Heated Steering Wheel,
Rear Airbags, AUX Input
2009 BMW M3 Space Grey/Black/Carbon
-all options

Be careful of going for one company over another because a website or foundation classification. Most of the time it ends up being a paid for classification where the vendor pays for the privilege after being "certified" by the foundation or website. That does not mean that another company does not meet the same criteria...It just means they did not pay for the privilege of being on that particular list.

That said...You buy generic gas you most likely don't get the additives which clean your valves and fuel injectors. Luckily you can buy these cleaners over the counter for daily or occasional use. Buying them at the pump is more convenient but that does not mean you necessarily need to drive 30 miles out of your way to get gas.