[DanG]

In my area there us no ethanol free gas and the best we can do is get 92 octane. The pumps at all the stations say may contain up to 10% ethanol.

[pbonsalb]

I don’t see ethanol free gas in my area of the Northeast. I don’t think 10% ethanol is a problem except for seasonally or rarely used power equipment where it tends to gum up carbs over time.

[Rafichicago]

Well since we are reviving 4 year old thread
Back I. The day 12? Years ago I’d always fill with shell. I had 545i back than. It would throw check engine on. It was only one specific gas station that I’d use. She’ll you know. How can you go wrong. I’d go back to the dealer they would take a sample from my fuel tank. They said that there’s high water contamination in fuel. Than it happened again. Checked second time same result.stopped using shell ever since. Any top tier fuel is fine for me. I don’t overthink that.

[celsdogg]

Originally Posted by Rafichicago

Well since we are reviving 4 year old thread
Back I. The day 12? Years ago I’d always fill with shell. I had 545i back than. It would throw check engine on. It was only one specific gas station that I’d use. She’ll you know. How can you go wrong. I’d go back to the dealer they would take a sample from my fuel tank. They said that there’s high water contamination in fuel. Than it happened again. Checked second time same result.stopped using shell ever since. Any top tier fuel is fine for me. I don’t overthink that.

This is likely very station/location dependent.

[xlover]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

BMW recommended Shell because their premium fuel was ethanol free. From what I've read, all 91 premium in Canada now contains up to 10% ethanol.

At least where I am, I don't think ethanol free gas exists any more. I looked on Esso and Shell websites and there is no mention of any fuel being ethanol free. I know Shell used to be advertsided as ethanol free, but not now.


Rob

BMW recommended shell because shell paid for the right to print thier logo on bmw gas caps… it’s marketing nothing more

[pbonsalb]

The Shell marketing deal with BMW carries over to some of the oils. I agree that BMW’s promotion of Shell is not because Shell is best. More like Shell is good enough and gave BMW the best deal.

[shawnhayes]

Also, is ANYBODY actually serious about arguing over $0.50 per gallon in a $100,000+ car. REALLY?

Shawn

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

Also, is ANYBODY actually serious about arguing over $0.50 per gallon in a $100,000+ car. REALLY?

Shawn

Same old tired argument. Just because were willing to spend $100k on a car doesn't mean we don't care about wasting our money elsewhere.

$0.50 *per gallon* is a huge difference, that's potentially $4-6 *per fillup*. That adds up. If you don't care, that's fine, but some of us do.

Especially when Shell gas is objectively no better than any other top tier brand.

[pbonsalb]

I have 3 Mobil stations within about 3 miles of my house and use 93 at the cheapest of the 3 stations. Am hoping I can retire soon with the savings.

[DanG]

With Seattle having the highest gas prices in the nation it doesn’t matter which station you choose. It is going to hurt.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

BMW recommended Shell because their premium fuel was ethanol free. From what I've read, all 91 premium in Canada now contains up to 10% ethanol.

At least where I am, I don't think ethanol free gas exists any more. I looked on Esso and Shell websites and there is no mention of any fuel being ethanol free. I know Shell used to be advertsided as ethanol free, but not now.


Rob

BMW recommends Shell because they have a business partnership. So gas/lubricants will be "Shell", since they moved the partnership with Mobil to Shell.
No technical reason for it.

[FrankMstein]

I have looked in the interwebs and still can't find what fuel is better than others with actual DATA. It can vary slightly from Exxon to Exxon (shell to Shell), definitely state to state. I have heard the same old tired story of "it all comes from the same depo/refinery so it's all the same" BS. There are a lot of refineries around the US and each brand has their own additives they request to be in the "same fuel from the refinery" which does a number of things from cleaning, octane improvers, mileage (ethanol), lubrication, stabilizers, and a lot of others. There is North and South blended fuel for climate and ACN91. It's all confusing. Shell, Chevron, Exxon/Mobil, Sinclair, and Costco are commonly known as the top five. But some Cosco doesn't have 93. One of the big surprises this year was that BP FELL OUT of TT. IF your car has a flash tune in it, E10 is what you want.

Surprisingly Ohio, Nebraska, and Alaska do not have state testing for fuel. Kentucky was one in the past and it was a dumping ground near the borders for fuel from neighboring states that did not make the grade.

I have been a long time user of Shell because it makes a difference and others say the same. Shell is widely known as the best fuel but there are others that were just about as good.

https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/

[Westside Guy]

Costco is a no go for me as it is 25 minutes away and the lines are always long. The two closest stations to me are Mobil and Chevron. They are across the street from each other and I buy 93 octane at whichever has the shortest lines.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

Same old tired argument. Just because were willing to spend $100k on a car doesn't mean we don't care about wasting our money elsewhere.

$0.50 *per gallon* is a huge difference, that's potentially $4-6 *per fillup*. That adds up. If you don't care, that's fine, but some of us do.

Especially when Shell gas is objectively no better than any other top tier brand.

If you're willing to admit Top Tier is the right bet, I can't argue there. But chintzing on $0.50 if you're getting low quality gasoline IS an issue. Then you're dirtying the valves (which, because we have no oil vapor reduction system I know of), which can over time cause lots of problems.

$4-6 dollars per fill up isn't chump change, but how long would that take you per fill up to buy a professional valve cleaning job?

Shawn

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

If you're willing to admit Top Tier is the right bet, I can't argue there. But chintzing on $0.50 if you're getting low quality gasoline IS an issue. Then you're dirtying the valves (which, because we have no oil vapor reduction system I know of), which can over time cause lots of problems.

$4-6 dollars per fill up isn't chump change, but how long would that take you per fill up to buy a professional valve cleaning job?

Shawn

No issue with Top Tier. That's a must IMO, for any car. Costco Gas is Top Tier and among the cheapest in your area if you have them. If you have Quiktrip, they're likely cheaper as well and also Top Tier.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

If you're willing to admit Top Tier is the right bet, I can't argue there. But chintzing on $0.50 if you're getting low quality gasoline IS an issue. Then you're dirtying the valves (which, because we have no oil vapor reduction system I know of), which can over time cause lots of problems.

$4-6 dollars per fill up isn't chump change, but how long would that take you per fill up to buy a professional valve cleaning job?

Shawn

How is he dirtying the Valves with different gas?

[pbonsalb]

The additive package of top tier gas is far better than non top tier gas. More to gas than just an octane claim on the pump.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by M2siast

How is he dirtying the Valves with different gas?

These are direct injection cars. Without an adequate detergent package and no oil vapor collection system, the valves get dirty over time on the backsides and stems. Can bomb the valve train.

Shawn

[Mautofied17]

How much are you guys driving where $4-$6 matters? At most, I'm filling up 4 times a month. ~$200-$300 a year is worth the peace of mind.

Shell fuel is all I run, and it's not because BMW says so.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by SickStroke6.0

How much are you guys driving where $4-$6 matters? At most, I'm filling up 4 times a month. ~$200-$300 a year is worth the peace of mind.

Shell fuel is all I run, and it's not because BMW says so.

I’m on your side on this. $4 per tank isn’t even one car payment on a cheap car if you only gas up once a week.

Get ready to be called “tired old argument”

Shawn

[Mautofied17]

It's not surprising. It's crazy how well the media has brainwashed us to put so much weight on gas prices.

I know a handful of people who will drive 5 miles out of their way to save $.10 a gallon. It doesn't make any sense. You spent an extra 15 minutes of driving to save less than $2?

The same people will simultaneously pick up a venti iced coffee from Starbucks on the way for $9. It's a majorly flawed argument that will never prove to be logical.

I will never cheap out on the fluids I put in my vehicle. Peace of mind is priceless.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

These are direct injection cars. Without an adequate detergent package and no oil vapor collection system, the valves get dirty over time on the backsides and stems. Can bomb the valve train.

Shawn

How?