[Tywebb32182]

I’ve had an x7 for 2 years now and am
Just noticing that the manual recommends 91 octane from Shell. Was surprised they named a specific brand. I’ve been putting in 93 octane only . Mostly from BP bc of same price for credit and proximity of stations. I do average about 2 more mpg than previous owner according to trip computer and I’m at high end of estimate . Does anyone have any strong options on 91 vs 93 octane and using specific Gas Stations?

[sharp]

BMW recommends premium gas, which is 93 octane. The minimum recommended is 91. Some people reported always putting 87 with no issues.

You will hear many different opinions, but I personally follow the user manual's recommendation and always use premium fuel.

Regarding gas brands. My personal opinion is that any Top Tier brand would be fine. I use Shell and Costco gas for the most part with occasional fill ups at different gas stations during road trips.

[mattsrs]

My go to is Sunoco Ultra 93

[Qsilver7]

The BMW/Shell partnership is all business. Shell pays for the endorsement. Back in the 1990s…it used to be CASTROL…in fact you’ll find Castrol’s name on many older BMW’s oil filler caps.



The recommended octane rating is more important than the gas station brand name. In some regions, 93 AKI is the only option one has because 91 AKI is not sold…and the only other selections are 87 AKI and/or 89 AKI. In this case, one should select the 93 AKI versus using a fuel that has a lower AKI than the minimum requirement.

Also note that BMW gives a required minimum octane rating as well as a recommended octane rating.

[Tywebb32182]

Well you said it …all business

[coastal2]

The shell thing is just a marketing partnership.

As far as octane goes, you just want to be at or above the recommended (not minimum) octane. Below recommended you’ll get engine knock which modern sensors will immediately detect and retard engine performance until it goes away, while being above does nothing.

I can’t get 91 here so I run 93, but that extra 2 octane is technically unnecessary and wasted because my engine isn’t configured for 93.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Lately, it's been for Shell fuel. Next year it may be for Costco fuel. It is Top Tier rated.

[Madsen203]

I fill with Costco. Saves me $15-20 each trip at California prices. Plus, they always have fresh gas given how many people go through those lines in a daily basis. Other than the 5-minute wait, it’s a no brainer.

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by Madsen203

I fill with Costco. Saves me $15-20 each trip at California prices. Plus, they always have fresh gas given how many people go through those lines in a daily basis. Other than the 5-minute wait, it’s a no brainer.

Didn’t know fresh gas is a thing

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by mattsrs

Didn’t know fresh gas is a thing

Ever tried starting a carborated motor after sitting for a month or two? Lawnmower or weed whacker? The plug the small jets and needles. Imagine a high pressure fuel injector.

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by sharp

BMW recommends premium gas, which is 93 octane. The minimum recommended is 91. Some people reported always putting 87 with no issues.

You will hear many different opinions, but I personally follow the user manual's recommendation and always use premium fuel.

Regarding gas brands. My personal opinion is that any Top Tier brand would be fine. I use Shell and Costco gas for the most part with occasional fill ups at different gas stations during road trips.

That is for the M. just the 40i, min recommended is 89 and recommended is 91. It's on page 392 of my manual.

[smp]

I always mix my fillups. 2/3 93 + 1/3 87 = 91. Saves about $5 per fillup.

[GOLFFRR]

brand shouldn't matter, just a partnership thing. Oct. is important, I wouldn't go below 91. Ive heard of people doing it and being fine but for me I wouldn't risk it.

[Itz-sheeed]

Coming from an owner of a couple gas stations, sunoco gas in my opinion is one of the top 3 branded gas you can put in your car. That also includes Shell and Exxon. They have really good premium octane which results more fuel mileage and ur engine getting cleaned out

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by Itz-sheeed

Coming from an owner of a couple gas stations, sunoco gas in my opinion is one of the top 3 branded gas you can put in your car. That also includes Shell and Exxon. They have really good premium octane which results more fuel mileage and ur engine getting cleaned out

Do you know if Sunoco Ultra 93 has better detergents or any other benefit in addition to higher octane?

[Itz-sheeed]

Originally Posted by mattsrs

Do you know if Sunoco Ultra 93 has better detergents or any other benefit in addition to higher octane?

With todays fuel especially top tier branded fuel the 87 and 93 have the same detergents. Only difference is the octane. With all my convenience stores I have partnered with Sunoco bc they actually also send testers every 2 weeks to come by and check for leaks or water. They also test the gas during the test. They give me and my customers great benefits. Top tier fuel is want u want to look for and not unbranded gas stations. With unbranded stations they grab multiple different types of cheap fuel and mix them together. Thats why the gas doesn’t last as long as branded gas.

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by Itz-sheeed

With todays fuel especially top tier branded fuel the 87 and 93 have the same detergents. Only difference is the octane. With all my convenience stores I have partnered with Sunoco bc they actually also send testers every 2 weeks to come by and check for leaks or water. They also test the gas during the test. They give me and my customers great benefits. Top tier fuel is want u want to look for and not unbranded gas stations. With unbranded stations they grab multiple different types of cheap fuel and mix them together. Thats why the gas doesn’t last as long as branded gas.

Thanks for the insights. I always get gas at Sunoco unless not available on road trips or out of town.

[Itz-sheeed]

Originally Posted by mattsrs

Thanks for the insights. I always get gas at Sunoco unless not available on road trips or out of town.

One of the best choices ! Be careful though some gas stations end the contract with Sunoco but still have their logos up. If that’s the case their gas is not Sunoco but unbranded gas. Make sure to check Sunoco website on store in ur area