Fuel

[Sideshow]

I read in my owner's manual to use Premium fuel. My question is will it damage my engine to use a lower grade fuel (87 octane)?

[mimalmo]

No but you will not get full performance out of your engine.

Let's say you fill up once a week. The cost savings might be $3 per fill up if you use regular instead of premium (but probably more like $2). That totals out to $150 (or less) over the course of a year. Not worth it if you ask me.

[M0nk3y]

You'll lose about 2-3 MPG. So in reality, when you're thinking about saving money...you're not

[Sideshow]

Thanks. I end up driving about 800 miles a week and average about 25 MPG and 87 octane is .30 per gallon cheaper. So I could save $10 per week or $520 a year. But you may be right, not worth it. I just need to be sure it won't damage my car; I really dig this thing.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Sideshow, welcome to the forum. I'm with the group here. Not worth it -- in the long run. The cost saving doesn't seem significant enough.

[Sideshow]

I agree. I just talked to the BMW dealer in Arlington, VA and their service dept recommends alternating everyother tank between premium and regular. Since I have you on the line; what spark plugs do you recommend?

[mimalmo]

I wouldn't use any plugs other than these: NGK BKR6EQUP

[Marcus-SanDiego]

NGK BKR6EQUP. You can pick them up at Advance Auto Parts.

They're having a deal right now. $20 Off Orders Over $75 At Advance Auto Parts. Use Code BIG20 At Checkout (http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4193730-10804488).

[Sideshow]

Thanks guys! By the way I LOVE this website!!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Sideshow, be sure to formally introduce yourself in the new members section.

[johnrando]

FWIW, as long as your engine doesn't knock/ping, you can get away with the lower octane wrt to engine damage, but I vote with the others and say use the recommended octane for performance, mileage, and to avoid the chance of knocks/pings. There is a reason higher octane is recommended, due to combustion, etc... the engines are manufactured for that spec. With other cars that have less performing engines, it's a waste to go with the higher octane if it's not called for. You've already made the investment in the BMW, so keep it going and use the right fuel.

[danewilson77]

I wouldn't use any plugs other than these: NGK BKR6EQUP

+1...........91 or >......and the above.

[Acyd]

Since i have bought her, i have never put anything less than 91 in. Most places around here are 93 though.

[Rovert]

I've used all octanes. Efficiency put aside, your engine can handle any of then if you can't find premium to put in the tank. I've run 87 for a whole year to test and my car felt fine. Some people say their cars start to burp and fart and make odd noises but my freak of an engine stayed happy. I think if I put diesel or coke in the tank it'll find a way to run. LOL

[Johnmadd]

I run everything on 93, rental cars, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, ext.

[billschusteriv]

IIRC BMW even goes so far as to recommend certain brands of gasoline... Shell... Chevron... and a few others.

[Cadeez]

NGK BKR6EQUP. You can pick them up at Advance Auto Parts.

They're having a deal right now. $20 Off Orders Over $75 At Advance Auto Parts. Use Code BIG20 At Checkout (http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4193730-10804488).

I just ordered these for $43.75, shipped, here, FYI.

http://www.ecrater.com/p/4172023/6-bkr6equp-3199-ngk-laser-platinum-premium#

[danewilson77]

I just ordered these for $43.75, shipped, here, FYI.

http://www.ecrater.com/p/4172023/6-bkr6equp-3199-ngk-laser-platinum-premium#

Nice pickup...

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Sideshow]

I will. I installed the new plugs this weekend along with a cabin air filter ( I can't believe I hadn't done that yet). Thanks for the heads up on Advance Auto's deal; I got them for $9 each plus 20% off, so all 6 for under $50. The dealer wanted $22 apiece!!! I am trying to do everything I can to maximize mileage and performance on this thing.

[Sideshow]

How did you upload your picture to your profile?

[danewilson77]

Take the pic.....and upload it to PB....then take and copy/paste the IMG file into the sig window.

[Crickett]

Install Apache on an always-on computer at home, buy yourself a cheap domain name, set up a dynamic DNS service, & host them yourself!!

Or, y'know, the simple way DW mentioned . . .