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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum What gas grade do you use in your new 5?
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      06-29-2010, 10:30 PM   #1
Lezam
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What gas grade do you use in your new 5?

So, what grade of gas do you guys use with your 5 - they say you're able to use 87 unleaded because the car is equipped with a knock sensor, but do you? Recommended usage of 91 octane just an overkill? What are your thoughts
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      06-29-2010, 10:49 PM   #2
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91 is the highest you can get that's widely available in California. And it's all I would put in the car. Why would you buy a $60-80K car with a fancy turbo engine and then put gas in it that would force the computer to lower your performance? 91+ only. If I could get 93, that's what I would put in the car.

I guess I can. Go to VIP fuels in Pacific Beach and pay $8/gal for 100LL race gas. But that's a little inconvenient for me.

Last edited by ibimmer954; 06-29-2010 at 10:58 PM..
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      06-29-2010, 10:59 PM   #3
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it's a luxury sedan, 50K+ price tag, and you want to cheap out on gas?

where's the popcorn...
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      06-29-2010, 11:07 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lezam View Post
So, what grade of gas do you guys use with your 5 - they say you're able to use 87 unleaded because the car is equipped with a knock sensor, but do you? Recommended usage of 91 octane just an overkill? What are your thoughts
The 528i can run on 87 Octane. The 535i specifies a minimum of 89. 550i says it really recommends 91 but you can use a minimum of 89.
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      06-29-2010, 11:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geneatals View Post
it's a luxury sedan, 50K+ price tag, and you want to cheap out on gas?

where's the popcorn...
Yeah, I hear you on this one. Lets say you fill up once a week with 18 gallons of gas. You want to be frugal so you buy 89 instead of 91. You will save 11 cents per gallon or about 2 dollars a fill up. Over the course of a year you saved $102.96. Or for BMW owners 1 dinner with the wife. Buy the 91.
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      06-30-2010, 01:36 PM   #6
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Understandable if you are buying the car, but if its with a lease, why care?
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      06-30-2010, 02:30 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lezam View Post
Understandable if you are buying the car, but if its with a lease, why care?
Some say it affects gas mileage, but I think the way you drive has a much greater affect on gas mileage. At the top end it will sap a small amount of power, but it's not enough to really tell. In real world situations you're not going to notice. As you mentioned leasing the car, really puts a whole new spin on it. If I was leasing I'd probably go with the lowest octane allowed, unless I could really tell the difference in performance.
Also, if I was leasing it I would follow the 15k mile oil change intervals. Since I own it, for the first year I plan on changing the oil 3 times a year, then probably once a year.
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      07-01-2010, 11:54 AM   #8
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I cannot believe there is another thread on this subject.
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      07-01-2010, 01:46 PM   #9
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Seriously?! This kind of question don't even find their ways to the 3er forum, how did they end up here?!
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      07-01-2010, 04:47 PM   #10
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shell premium is how i roll.
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      07-01-2010, 04:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gatoman39 View Post
Some say it affects gas mileage,
my Yamaha R6 with 13.1:1 compression ratio gets better gas mpg on regular than it does on premium.

go figure.
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      07-01-2010, 06:10 PM   #12
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91 or 93, whichever you're able to get in your area.

Only 91 here in CA unfortunately.
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