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      05-03-2012, 03:19 AM   #1
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95 or 98 octane for 328i

What are owners running their 328i s on?

The brochure says 95 is okay, but the dealer said 98.
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      05-03-2012, 06:50 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmwphile View Post
What are owners running their 328i s on?

The brochure says 95 is okay, but the dealer said 98.
As per the E90, the F30 can run on 91RON, 95RON and 98RON and even (min 91RON) fuel that contains up to 10% ethanol. Please note that all fuel consumption and performance figures quoted by BMW Australia for the F30 are based on 98RON.

I have been running my E90 on 98RON and will run my F30 on 98RON.
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      05-04-2012, 02:27 AM   #3
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98 every day of the week.
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      05-07-2012, 06:22 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmwphile
What are owners running their 328i s on?

The brochure says 95 is okay, but the dealer said 98.
I plan on doing a performance comparison for both consumption and power in the first 2 tank fulls before settling on either.
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      05-07-2012, 07:20 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paninaro View Post
I plan on doing a performance comparison for both consumption and power in the first 2 tank fulls before settling on either.
I know you've got the best of intentions in doing this, but here's my 2c on the idea (best intentions also)

*flamesuit on*

so here's the thing, I reckon this is going to be pretty pointless as you're not going to have controlled conditions for your experiment.

Power difference, given you're not going to be racing, will be negligible. 98 should give a slightly better throttle response, all other things being equal.

If you were keeping your car long-term, I'd suggest the 98 for a number of reasons, however if you're just worried about the pennies and not your engine, go 95.

/end my 2c worth
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      05-15-2012, 07:16 AM   #6
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I remember reading that a minimum of RON95
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      05-28-2012, 09:36 PM   #7
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I wouldn't recommend you use anything less than 98RON, even on the e90, though it says you could use other lower spec fuel, there is a noticeable difference in the way the car picks up when on 98 fuel. Plus, I have been told by a BMW mechanic that regular use of low grade fuel can ruin your engine, so stick to 98RON.
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      12-29-2013, 01:45 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmwphile View Post
What are owners running their 328i s on?

The brochure says 95 is okay, but the dealer said 98.
I only ever use 98 octane....gets you a little better mileage and performs better.
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      12-29-2013, 02:23 AM   #9
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I had to stick a tank of 95RON in last weekend when I was out in the boondocks. But, I will usually put 98RON in. Placebo effect, maybe, but...
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      12-29-2013, 03:15 AM   #10
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98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 89
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      12-29-2013, 03:17 AM   #11
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I recommend RON 98, it's only a few dollars more but you buy piece of mind that your car runs on nothing but the best. RON 98 is better for the engine, runs smoother and generates a few more hp.

Shell V-Power 98, noticed BMW Sydney had a Shell pump at service department. Went with shell for the better choice.

Last edited by knightsabers; 12-29-2013 at 08:52 PM..
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      12-29-2013, 09:10 AM   #12
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98. I've always felt that if the price difference between 98 and 95 is ever an issue, I'll buy a cheaper car and save money there. Until then I shall continue turning premium dead dinosaur into happiness.
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      12-29-2013, 04:58 PM   #13
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98 is just a reflex for me...don't think of anything else.

Only BP ultimate too.

I've got a couple of fuel cards (BP and Caltex) as mine's all salary sacrificed but only ever use BP.

Having come from an Evo IX I didn't have a choice as it was 98 only and common knowledge on most forums BP was universal drink of choice, with Shell Optimax a close second. Loving my new fuel economy too (currently 10.8) after years of 16+
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      12-29-2013, 07:18 PM   #14
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I only put in 98 now, it might be my mind playing tricks on me, but I seem to get the best performance and range out of it, and with all the "docket wars" going on, I never pay more than what 95 is standard anyways.
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      12-29-2013, 08:02 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovewagons View Post
98. I've always felt that if the price difference between 98 and 95 is ever an issue, I'll buy a cheaper car and save money there. Until then I shall continue turning premium dead dinosaur into happiness.
My thought exactly. Why buy a 80k car and then pinch pennies? The difference in cost for a full tank is what? $5?

Always 98. BP only after switching from Caltex.
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      12-30-2013, 02:55 AM   #16
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by using E10 (ethanol) you can save $ 10 every time. After all it says E10 OK on the fuel cap.
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      12-30-2013, 04:18 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMarmy View Post
by using E10 (ethanol) you can save $ 10 every time. After all it says E10 OK on the fuel cap.
Would you go as far per tank with E10? Isn't the energy density less in ethanol?
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      12-30-2013, 04:49 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMarmy View Post
by using E10 (ethanol) you can save $ 10 every time. After all it says E10 OK on the fuel cap.
Yes, but why? After a year you'd have saved +-$520 (assuming you haven't lost out on energy density) which is the cost of one of my rear tires. It's a nice car, it should run on a slurry of cocaine and Bollinger VVF!

That was a joke, I fully accept your right to save your money, or waste it on childish things like I do.
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      01-02-2014, 06:07 AM   #19
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I use 98 only because in my twincharged Golf i noticed that 95 used 0.5 -0.8 l/100km more fuel. Even non BP 98 would use slightly more fuel.

I conducted this test over a long period... so even though the 328i is a different engine, i cannot bring myself to use anything other than BP Ultimate.

Further, Anecdotally my black soot problem is worse using 7-eleven's 98. http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759618
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      01-04-2014, 06:09 PM   #20
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Shell V Power is the only fuel that I'll use. Perhaps it's OCD. In fact, it probably is OCD.
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      01-09-2014, 08:17 PM   #21
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98 is the way to go.

Tried BP Ultimate, Shell and Vortex (Wollies) and they are all pretty much the same.

I've got a local servo that sells 100 oct fuel so i'm wondering if that will provide some additional gains?
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      01-10-2014, 01:06 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GL888 View Post
98 is the way to go.

Tried BP Ultimate, Shell and Vortex (Wollies) and they are all pretty much the same.

I've got a local servo that sells 100 oct fuel so i'm wondering if that will provide some additional gains?
That'd be using some ethanol with the petrol I expect?
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