Is using premium gasoline necessary?

[Quicksilver]

DR. Bill Wattenberg dosen't think so.

Consumer Tip: Save your gasoline money if you are buying premium gas. It's unnecessary to use it unless your engine pings. Use regular instead.
Dr. Bill Wattenberg, Phd., Physics, KGO radio talkshow host.

Here's another vote for the same line of thought.
http://tinyurl.com/23bc9

Apparently Octane ratings define gasoline.
The octane rating of gasoline is shown by a number on a yellow sticker on the gasoline pump, usually ranging from 87 to 93. While there is no national definition of fuel grades, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which sets standards for the auto industry, defines regular as having an octane rating of at least 87. Midgrade is defined as an octane rating of at least 89; premium, at least 91.

In most places, a service station legally could use "premium" to describe any octane rating it chose.

The SAE definitions were created in response to service stations that sold only two grades — 87 and 89 octane — and called their 89-octane gas premium. That misled some consumers.

To avoid confusion, owner's manuals usually recommend an octane number for the car or truck, rather than relying on the terms premium, midgrade and regular.

[Kewl X5]

First of all, BMW NA does recommend 91 octane for the X5....However, the X5 has a knock sensor and I'm sure you could get away with 89 but don't know how much money you may be saving if the X5 has less performance and possibly have slightly worse fuel mileage thus negating the cost difference from 91 to 89 octane.

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

DR. Bill Wattenberg dosen't think so.

Consumer Tip: Save your gasoline money if you are buying premium gas. It's unnecessary to use it unless your engine pings. Use regular instead.
Dr. Bill Wattenberg, Phd., Physics, KGO radio talkshow host.

Here's another vote for the same line of thought.
http://tinyurl.com/23bc9

Apparently Octane ratings define gasoline.
The octane rating of gasoline is shown by a number on a yellow sticker on the gasoline pump, usually ranging from 87 to 93. While there is no national definition of fuel grades, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which sets standards for the auto industry, defines regular as having an octane rating of at least 87. Midgrade is defined as an octane rating of at least 89; premium, at least 91.

In most places, a service station legally could use "premium" to describe any octane rating it chose.

The SAE definitions were created in response to service stations that sold only two grades — 87 and 89 octane — and called their 89-octane gas premium. That misled some consumers.

To avoid confusion, owner's manuals usually recommend an octane number for the car or truck, rather than relying on the terms premium, midgrade and regular.

[Quicksilver]

You have a point and maybe DR. Bill Wattenberg has a point also. But After listening to the way this guy treats prople on the radio i'm inclined to ignore him just out of spite. Not smart I'm sure but just MHO.

[ricky.agrawal]

So I save a buck, or two, heck make it three bucks per fill up.

So is there really a difference between 67$ and 70$?

[ZX2X5]

This is slightly off topic but in my area the point of sale at the pump options only allow $50-$60 before shutting off, since I knew it would cost over $60 I had to pay inside($71 to be exact). I know it it trivial but it is a pain. Has anyone else had this problem

[broknlgs24]

ZX - where are u from? i've never heard of such a trivial task b4. that's crazy.

[X5Flyboy]

Not discussed is the many different formulations - Word to the wise, DO NOT use the ethanol blends unless you plan to use it all the time. Have really gotten mileage and it takes 2-3 tankfuls to get back to normal, plus a new gas filter.

[Juanted]

Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal

So I save a buck, or two, heck make it three bucks per fill up.

So is there really a difference between 67$ and 70$?

Saving a couple of bucks per fill-up simply is not worth what COULD happen to your engine, to the performance of the car, or to the gas mileage.

Juan

[gojira-san]

I use at least 91 in the 330 (and usually 93 since that is what comes out of most pumps in this area). I have used 89 for a few tanks when I couldn't get 91, and the car ran OK but the mpg went down. The same thing has happened on the motorcycle (BMW motos want 91 octane also)

Originally Posted by broknlgs24

ZX - where are u from? i've never heard of such a trivial task b4. that's crazy.

Many of the self-serve stations up here do that too - you have to re-run your card after $50. My guess is that is what they pre-authorize when you first run the card.

[Mr. D]

That is very funny QS!! When I first got the X I ran 87 for a couple of tanks and have been running 91 since. I do notice better mileage........