[MBrown1003]

I've been trying to figure out about how much I'm going to spend on fuel while on my ED trip. First challenge: What kind of fuel do I buy?

In the US, I buy premium, but it's apparently a bit more challenging in Europe. I found a web site with current fuel prices. They're quoted, of course, in Euros/liter. I've got a conversion spreadsheet (I want to track it every few day) to convert from €/liter to €/gallon, then $/gallon.

The question is, what's the appropriate fuel for a 550i? The site quotes prices for the following:

• Regular 91 Oct

• Super 95 OCT

• Super Premium 91 Oct

Of course, it lists diesel, too, but I'm going for a gas/petrol model. (Mostly 'cuz that's all they offer over here...especially with a manual transmision.)

So, to those of you in Europe, which fuel do you use?

[mspeasl]

Cheapest.....

That's what I do. With today's gas prices in the $4 to $5 range a lot of folks cannot afford the premium grades and the high cost of milk also. Gas mileage doesn't seem to change and the power is just slightly less. That's all thanks to the fact that the cars today are ran by computers and not carburetors

[WndRidr]

You might want to ask about this at BMW Welt when you pick up your car. They use a different octane rating system in Europe, so if you want to follow the 91 AKI minimum recommendation by BMW, you'd have to get at least the 95 octane by their rating system (according to Wikipedia anyway). Also, they have a grade that appears to be an ethanol blend. I stayed away from that knowing the fuel would be in the car for 6-8 weeks during shipment. It probably wouldn't be a problem, but after all that's been written about ethanol and long-term storage I figured it's better to stay on the safe side. Have fun!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

[MBrown1003]

Thx for the pointers!

[bluecoupe]

They will advise you at the Welt what to get. They also provide some fundimental driving tips (like there's very little right turn on red) I was just there and I want to say it was 91 or 93 octane.

At any rate, all the fuel is expensive compared to here. It's about $9 a gallon when factoring in currency rates. You may save 50 cents a gallon by using cheaper grades but why would you? Yes the engine can automatically adjust but your mileage gets lower - so are you really saving anything? You'll just have a slower car and won't enjoy it as it should be driven.

The engine will be green and intial mileage is low anyway. Go with the stuff they suggest. I wish we could get it here - no corn in thier gas!

[MBrown1003]

I always buy the highest grade here for exactly those reasons...planning to do the same in Germany.

[delvek]

The fuel debate is an endless one, here in Germany just go with the highest octane and lowest corn and you will be rocking! Gernerally 97 RON 5% cornbeef.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by delvek

The fuel debate is an endless one, here in Germany just go with the highest octane and lowest corn and you will be rocking! Gernerally 97 RON 5% cornbeef.

Exactly , I always use BP Ultimate 98. More mpg + a bit more power vs the RON95 stuff. From experience. As I recall the 550i needs RON95 and up.

[delvek]

yea your right robinhood but its an endless debate depending on which camp you come from.