Gas Question - Ethanol OK?
 

As I was getting gas, I saw a sticker at the fuel pump saying "Contains 10% ethanol".

Should I be worried?

I saw a few similar threads but they were posted year 2005 and 2006. I wonder if there is any update or any new information about it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/16170-ethanol.html

Thanks.

That's completely OK. All fuel in our area is 10% ethanol, no choice here.

I know wonder if there is any way to search for areas that have fuel with no added ethanol?

10% ethanol is okay according to the manual. Ever bother reading the stuff?

rephrased question: is it better to mix 93 and 87 to get around 91, wondering if the 93 makes us lose some power? (isnt 89 made by mixing 87 and 93.

it's okay as long as it does not cuase "knocking" of the engine. it will not void the warranty as per manual. I have experimented with 89 octane and it actually improved the MPH a bit. (it revs lower for sure) than the 91 so power might be down but i don't use all 350 HP anyway.. ;)

I have heard of people getting the check engine light after using 87 for an extended period of time so i'd avoid that.

yea, im sure using 89 will causing pre-ignition which is what im trying to avoid, but im trying to figure out if its better to use 91 (since gas stations here only offer 87-89-93) im thinking of using 89+93 mix.

So im guess im trying to find out if there is some evidence that using 91 is better than 93?

Ah, no. MTBE was changed out for Ethanol mandated by Congress. You aren't going to find a gas station in the states with MTBE as the additive.

Like any stopgap/feelgood gov't driven program, there is no basic rule
on ethanol labeling: only 3 or 4 states currently mandate ~10% ethanol,
(and a few metro areas), while several states don't even require labeling
of gasoline pumps that do contain that 10%.

Hit GOOG, and noodle around in your state; many states/newsmedia have
forums and lists of stations that sell non-ethanol gasoline, eg marinas, some
off brand stations, etc. But, remember those "lists" are pretty anecdotal.

In the meantime, it is what it is, and that 10% should not be a detriment other
than the possiblity of slightly reduced mpg per gallon.
GL,mD

> yea, im sure using 89 will causing pre-ignition which is what im trying to avoid

The X5, as do most cars Today, has a knock sensor and will quickly adjust, i.e., 89 will absolutely not caise "ore-iginition."