Contrary to many people's claim, using slightly higher octane gas can result in better gas mileage. I've noticed it. The EPA tested it and found the same to be true. However, the improvement in gas mileage was often only 1 mpg, not enough to offset the higher cost of premium gas. Around here, there's 87, 89, and 92. 91 and 94 are available in The short answer is: it is technically acceptable to use "regular" (lower octane) fuel in a BMW. To understand why, you must know why BMW recommends high octane fuel in the first place. To avoid writing a novella, I'm going to assume that whoever reads this has some fundamental grasp of physics and chemistry. How fast does a BMW 323i go? BMW E46 3 Series 323i Specs. With a fuel consumption of 9 litres/100km – 31 mpg UK – 26 mpg US (Average), 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.0 seconds, a maximum top speed of 144 mph (231 km/h), a curb weight of 3020 lbs (1370 kgs), the E46 3 Series 323i has a naturally-aspirated Inline 6 cylinder engine, Petrol motor. Per the owner’s manual of a BMW 3 Series, mid-grade gas (89 octane) is the minimum fuel type, but premium gas (91 octane or higher) is recommended: Source. So, if you fill up your BMW 3 Series with mid-grade (89 octane) gas, it will run safely. However, by using regular (87 octane), you risk damaging the fuel system or engine. High-performance BMW can only perform well with premium fuel while some older models can do with regular fuel. Modern BMWs come with engine knock sensors that are able to detect the kind of fuel in the engine and adjust the starter ignition accordingly. This may lead to some slight change in performance. Is 89 a premium gas? Gas stations in the United States generally offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and premium (usually 91 or 93 gas). Does BMW recommend Shell? As most of you know, BMW recommends Shell gas for our BMWs. Maybe for that reason, Shell premium is a rip off in my area. Shell Absolutely not. The engine in your BMW (the M54) is a high-compression engine. Using 87 octane can cause premature detonation in the cylinders, because it is designed to ignite under lower compression (such as your average Honda Civic engine), which can potentially lead to problems over time, and cause pinging/knocking in the short term. Using BMWs use premium fuel. While regular gas cars CAN use premium because higher octane won’t damage the car, cars that use premium by default shouldn’t be given gas that has a lower octane than recommended (as is the case with regular fuel having less octane). dCqu8Mm.

do bmws need premium gas