Is it Really necessary to run High Octane??

[surfstud]

Is it Really necessary to run High Octane Gas?? Cant we run regular and have the car tuned for it??

[listerone]

With an $80K motor car why take the chance? Premium costs 20-30 cents more than regular.

[xDrive50i]

I'm with listerone... You buy an expensive car and want to run it on cheap gas ???

Also, keep in mind that even though the car will run on lower octane gas (e.g. 87), you aren't doing your engine or your pocket any favor. The engine will end up using more low octane gas to do the same work as with high octane gas which means in the long run you don't safe much at all.

Have a look at your manual. The minimum recommended fuel grade is 89 octane (which is usually the medium grade at most gas stations). Lower grade fuels usually have a higher ethanol content (e.g. I think most 87 octane fuels contain 10% Ethanol).

[hammadurb]

I am not so concerned about the longevity of the engine because I lease, but I do care about the car's performance. Why pay so much for a high performance vehicle and then put mediocre gas which hinders performance. Whenever I get a loaner, I know that the previous driver put regular and you can feel it when you drive.

[Carabinieri-One]

Originally Posted by hammadurb

I am not so concerned about the longevity of the engine because I lease, but I do care about the car's performance. Why pay so much for a high performance vehicle and then put mediocre gas which hinders performance. Whenever I get a loaner, I know that the previous driver put regular and you can feel it when you drive.

So True Hamma. I can tell when I get Loaner as well.

[Jblackbelt]

it does make a difference. luckily on the 7 i cant officially confirm, but our first tank on our x6 was put in as regular by the dealership. the car kept stalling out on me and almost caused a few accidents as their was a 5 to 10 second delay sometimes when i pushed the accelerated. they had to drain the entire fuel tank and let the car reset the fuel computer. definitely dont recommend anything but premium.