[PerthBMW]

Hi guys

Just a quick question (hopefully not seen as a dumb one) - I have a 2010 e90 325i Sports and I was wondering what type of fuel do you guys use for the 2.5 L straight 6? BMW say I should be using Premium but I just use Standard unleaded - not sure I can justify the extra 10 to 15 cents a litre.

I do find it a bit sluggish in starting off and the like which is when Auto Classic BMW in Perth said I should be using Premium as it gives a better burn...mmmmm?

Appreciate your opinion and if you think I am going to pay in the long run with engine damage?


Thanks

[sbce90]

Standard unleaded being..91? E10? You should be using at least 95. Things not to cheap out on with a car are fuel and tyres.

[MLOREY]

Cardinal sin, can guarantee your car is now for the tip or will be within a few years

[John_01]

I think standard unleaded in Perth is 91 RON and Premium unleaded is 95 RON. If so, its better to get the premium 95 - That's what is recommended in the user manual. The car will requires an absolute minimum of 91 RON.

In NSW we don't see any unleaded with less than 94 (which is typical of E10 blend).

[RaihaX]

If you are getting 95 might as well get 98

[kOncept]

I only use 98 RON "Ultimate" in mine...

$6.00-9.50 difference per fill up or $312-494 per year (assuming you fill up once a week), it's not a big difference considering you're driving around in a $70-80k car?

There are claims that you get improved economy and performance using 98 RON so that already makes up for some of the difference in cost.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by sbce90

Standard unleaded being..91? E10? You should be using at least 95. Things not to cheap out on with a car are fuel and tyres.

Hey op what he said plus never cheap out on wine or condoms. One will leave a bad taste in your mouth and the other well a worse taste in your mouth

[David328M-Sport]

99.9999999% with Shell V-Power. I had to fill up recently with Caltex's Vortex 98 and it too was good. I have only used the top of the line premium fuel ever since my first BMW, an E36 320i back in 1992.

Even works a treat in my wife's C180k. Longer distance driving compared to the next level of fuel down. Supposedly a cleaner burning fuel, so the extra spend at the pump results in more kms on the road.

[rayz]

Originally Posted by kOncept

I only use 98 RON "Ultimate" in mine...

$6.00-9.50 difference per fill up or $312-494 per year (assuming you fill up once a week), it's not a big difference considering you're driving around in a $70-80k car?

There are claims that you get improved economy and performance using 98 RON so that already makes up for some of the difference in cost.

+1

I was also in your same shoes when I first upgraded to an e90. But in the long run, you want to avoid running into engine issues - $$$ repair bills later vs incremental fuel cost, you can do the math.

Not sure that the sluggish off the start issue is mainly caused by the type of fuel too. I had the same thing with my n52 (323 though)... but a PBX changed all of that and makes the car more responsive off the start.

Edit: To clarify, I didn't fill up my car with 91 Ron as you OP. Just had the similar thinking off having to pay more for fuel.

[Freefreefive]

Personally I've put 98 Ron in all my bmws.

At the same time my parents have had their C180 kompressor for 10 years - they got it new and have always used 91 and after 220,000kms the car still runs strong -for a supercharged 4 cylinder....

So i dunno.....is 98 better for the engine? Maybe, maybe not to the extent they make it out. I drive my vehicle in a spirited fashion so always use the best of everything just in case....

[Max555]

I've never gone below 95. I haven't noticed any performance difference between 98 and 95, and am not 100% sure about milage. I'm tending to lean towards that I am getting slightly better milage with 98. I agree with "KOncept" the $6 - $10 is not that much in the scheme of things, and if it is then you shouldn't be driving a BMW.

[robbieredknapped]

98. and Only 98... Nothing else and why would u.. Feel the difference just drive less if u can't afford petrol

[lz419]

+1 for shell Vpower..

[BMJOE]

98 for me

[BMWPWR]

BP 98 RON always

[rayz]

Only V-POWAH for mine.

[John_01]

Personally I use either Shell V-power or BP-Ultimate. I spend the extra for these fuels because they have less sulphur and other impurities.

[VGR00]

Go straight to the 98 Ultimate pump

[RaihaX]

I thought you run on race gas 24/7 rossi ?

[bornadog335i]

I have had 5 BM's and have only ever used 98 but have noticed different petrol stations charge different prices above the advertised unleaded on the board.

Here in Melbourne, Shell now charge 18cents above the board price. Obviously a trick to claw back and force you to use a fuel voucher. BP I think is 14cents and not sure about Caltex, I need to double check.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

I thought you run on race gas 24/7 rossi ?

I dont think he's talking to you rai in protest for dobbing him in to the m o d s and getting his post deleted, just as it was getting interesting

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by pavo335

I dont think he's talking to you rai in protest for dobbing him in to the m o d s and getting his post deleted, just as it was getting interesting

- wasn't me, I actually find his post amusing, though it may frustrate other poster as the thread gets majorly derailed!

back OT - 98 all the way as well, I also found that V-Power (found through multiple logs) seems to react best for my car, but now that I am spraying meth it doesn't matter much so I just fill up with whichever is the cheapest & closest to my house.