[KeepitClassy]

I filled my tank up with Premium gas last night, and everything was okay until this morning when I tried to start the car. It just cranks. I thought these cars used Premium?!

You guys, I need you now more than ever. Was I in the wrong for using Premium gas?

[KeepitClassy]

I let the car ride on 0mph remaining for 12 miles before refueling with Premium at a gas station called Race Trac.
I drove about 3-5 miles to get back home, and everything seemed normal. I even sat in my driveway with the heater on for 2 hours while on the phone. Everything seemed okay until this morning when I attempted to start it. It just cranked over and over with out turning on. I pressed the "SOS" button and BMW kindly sent me a Tow truck (which I'm writing from at this very moment). I'm on my way to the BMW dealership now, and they are giving me a loaner.

[BOBKUR]

No premium id what you use. Sounds like you have an ignition problem.

[Hierlevelz]

Yeah the premium gas is not the problem.....unless the fuel had water in it or you pump took a dump.

[///M3NACE]

very bland details. Water pump could've gave out due to low fuel. Also it could the starter. I would've checked battery and alternator before sending off the the dealer. Is your manual if so you start to jump start it by letting it roll?? Did you hit the gas a little when you cranked it?

Report back the problem.

[///M3NACE]

Originally Posted by Markanthony3210

I let the car ride on 0mph remaining for 12 miles before refueling with Premium at a gas station called Race Trac.
I drove about 3-5 miles to get back home, and everything seemed normal. I even sat in my driveway with the heater on for 2 hours while on the phone. Everything seemed okay until this morning when I attempted to start it. It just cranked over and over with out turning on. I pressed the "SOS" button and BMW kindly sent me a Tow truck (which I'm writing from at this very moment). I'm on my way to the BMW dealership now, and they are giving me a loaner.

They will charge for the tow...im assuming no warranty or CPO..

[KeepitClassy]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

They will charge for the tow...im assuming no warranty or CPO..

Okay, so here's the update.

I just received a call back from Fields BMW, and they said that a few of my sensors were bad, and were successfully replaced.

I just purchased this car last month, so it still has 6k left until the Manufacturer warrantee runs out, and I also have the CPO warrantee as-well, which will remain on the vehicle for 3 years.

I'm just worried that something like this would happen again in the middle of the night or something, luckily the problem occurred in my drive way rather than at my job at 12am, which is the time I usually clock out.

All in all, I would say that this whole experience dealing directly with BMW was exceptionally good, it was what I was expecting from a brand such as BMW. Anything less, and I would have been disappointed.



Details:

I walked in to the main lobby after me and the Tow guy arrived at the dealership, I was then greeted, and asked if I needed any assistance. Once I told them the situation, I was approached by the man who sold me the car, and he had me sign my name on the Loaner agreement, I was out the door in 15 minutes.

I just now received the call that my car was ready for pick up, so I will be picking it up this Monday. Which means, I will be enjoying my weekend with this white 2013 328i (F30) Sedan.


And that was my Happy Ending. I must admit, they definitely repaired the relationship i had with them. Actually, I now respect and love the brand even more. Thanks for reading guys.

[chaz_master]

Not that it had anything to do with it but I wouldn't make a habit of letting the car run on little to no fuel.

[KeepitClassy]

Regarding the CPO warrantee. It's for 100k miles/6 years. By then I plan to start leasing.

[KeepitClassy]

Originally Posted by chaz_master

Not that it had anything to do with it but I wouldn't make a habit of letting the car run on little to no fuel.

I agree. I don't plan to do that again. Last night was very situational. I didn't have time to get gas because i was running late to work.

[freshwater]

So cars can still Run 12 miles after 0 miles left sign comes. hmmm

[954Stealth]

Late and resolved i know, but it says inside the fuel cap cover "premium only" so that's not going to be the problem even with a place like Racetrac that waters down their fuel (Can't cite any reliable source for this, just anecdotal evidence and rumor/conjecture that this is how they can swing the consistently low prices that they've sued to be able to charge)

[KeepitClassy]

Originally Posted by freshwater

So cars can still Run 12 miles after 0 miles left sign comes. hmmm

I read some where that there's still 1 gallon left after the digital speedometer hits 0mpg. I wouldn't test it though.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by Markanthony3210

I filled my tank up with Premium gas last night, and everything was okay until this morning when I tried to start the car. It just cranks. I thought these cars used Premium?!

You guys, I need you now more than ever. Was I in the wrong for using Premium gas?

Idling for 2 hours? 328 will not benefit from 91+.

[idrift4wd]

Originally Posted by freshwater

So cars can still Run 12 miles after 0 miles left sign comes. hmmm

you should have another gallon or so. so depending how you drive. id say you can get between 15-25 miles before your engine dies.

even if you put race gas(100+ octane) the car should run fine. it has to be something else.

[Hybrid For Life]

Originally Posted by 335BBS

Idling for 2 hours? 328 will not benefit from 91+.

Whats wrong with idling for 2 hours? The coiling system should be able to handle this no problem, especially at night.

[RoundelM3]

First of all, all modern BMWs (except the diesels) require premium (also known as high-test) gasoline of at least 91 and preferably 93 octane due to their relatively high compression ratios. This goes for normally-aspirated as well as the turbo engines. Secondly, "watered-down" doesn't make sense for RaceTrac or any other gasoline. It's either 91- or 93-octane or it isn't. If they're selling 87- or 89-Octane as "Premium", that's blatantly against the law and your state government would nail them for it. What distinguishes one brand of Premium-grade gasoline from another is the additives, such as ethanol, detergents or other similar chemicals. Look at it this way - there aren't specific refineries for every brand of gasoline out there, so unless the station's tanks were contaminated with water, there wouldn't be much difference in RaceTrac's high-octane and any other Premium fuel aside from ethanol content.

[///M3NACE]

Originally Posted by roundel335

First of all, all modern BMWs (except the diesels) require premium (also known as high-test) gasoline of at least 91 and preferably 93 octane due to their relatively high compression ratios. This goes for normally-aspirated as well as the turbo engines. Secondly, "watered-down" doesn't make sense for RaceTrac or any other gasoline. It's either 91- or 93-octane or it isn't. If they're selling 87- or 89-Octane as "Premium", that's blatantly against the law and your state government would nail them for it. What distinguishes one brand of Premium-grade gasoline from another is the additives, such as ethanol, detergents or other similar chemicals. Look at it this way - there aren't specific refineries for every brand of gasoline out there, so unless the station's tanks were contaminated with water, there wouldn't be much difference in RaceTrac's high-octane and any other Premium fuel aside from ethanol content.

At first I was like BS but you said modern... I guess e36 arnt considered one lol

[rattmobbins]

Originally Posted by Markanthony3210

... I even sat in my driveway with the heater on for 2 hours while on the phone...

What a weird ass thing to do. Why the hell didn't you just go inside?

And who the f*ck still talks on the phone for 2 hours these days?

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

At first I was like BS but you said modern... I guess e36 arnt considered one lol

Correct - E36 models were last manufactured 20+ years ago.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by roundel335

First of all, all modern BMWs (except the diesels) require premium (also known as high-test) gasoline of at least 91 and preferably 93 octane due to their relatively high compression ratios. This goes for normally-aspirated as well as the turbo engines.

Not true. At least through '08, 91 AKI is "recommended" and 89 may be used in turbo models and 87 in the 328i/323i.

From the '07 3 series manual:

Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
> 323i, 328i/xi: 87
> 335i: 89.

Tom

[RequestTheOverhead]

Just a word to the wise.... Almost all fuel pumps (including those in our cars) are cooled and lubricated by the fuel that it pumps. So letting your tank run really low can overheat/cavitate your pump causing increased wear and premature failure. You've been warned