New X5 Owner: Thoughts & Questions
 

Last week I took home my new X5 30i... Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leatherette, Dark Bamboo, Tech package, heated seats, rear climate package, running boards, sirius.. very happy with the purchase and coming from previous vehicles (trucks, suv's, minivan), this thing is incredible and I'm loving it. I've been a long time reader of this forum, and was actually concerned that maybe I'd be irritated about some stuff in the car (notably, the slow iDrive response), but so far it actually seems pretty snappy and I haven't noticed it being slow or unresponsive. The thing only took 3 weeks to arrive after being ordered, so overall the experience was great.

Quick question regarding fuel....

I know the recommended fuel is 91 minimum, and I live between a Sunoco that has 91, and an indian reservation that has 93 pennies cheaper than Sunoco's 91. Is there a reason I'd be better off using the 93? Also, I do not know anything about the source of the reservation's gas and if high quality gas is something the X5 wants, should I maybe steer clear of it? Is there any performance/mileage gains to be had with 93?

I'm not much of a car guy... I drive them, but do not work on them, so I'm looking for some expertise from someone who knows more than me.

Love the car so far.

Welcome to the Board!
Either gas pick is fine, as are a host of other "brands", and even
lower octane, on occasion, if necessary...drive the sumbitch
and enjoy it.
GL,mD

Octane requirements of engines increase with age due to deposits in the combustion chamber, so after you get 25-50K on the vehicle, you might see better performance using the 93 octane (modern engines have knock sensors and retard the spark if it senses the engine knocking. A retarded spark will diminish performance somewhat). Contrary to what some people think, it's the old. hih-mileage vehicles that need higher octane.

rating above 91 is usually good anywhere, be aware though, high octane value can be achieved with added ethanol (alcohol). Too much ethanol in fuel will cause the check engine light to come on (I got the light using Sunoco twice, they put ethanol in 91 grade here in Canada). Shell does not put any ethanol in their 91.

Lucky. Everyone puts 10% Ethanol here. :(

91 or 93 AKI will be the same, since the motor is optimised to run on 91 because many regions in the US do not offer the 93, namely many west coast states and the (separate) country of California.