Octane Boosters

[SteveSpy]

Does using Octane Boosters have a long-term negative effect on your car?

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by sspyrops

Does using Octane Boosters have a long-term negative effect on your car?

I don't know from personal experience, but I have heard that spark plugs have required earlier changes and there's been more carbon buildup.

Perhaps someone with real experience could shed some light.

[nachob]

I wouldn't mess with them. BMW has been blaming US fuel quality for premature fuel pump failures in turbo cars, the last thing you need is to add some off the shelf booster in my most humble opinion. The turbo motors are direct injection and can quickly cool down cylinder temps by simply injecting more fuel. In older models, the fuel was sprayed behind the intake valve and it would travel a ways picking up heat during induction then by the time combustion happens some has evaporated, carbonized and been preheated leading to detonation. With direct injection, the engine management system can respond quicker and get more fuel to cool combustion quicker with less pre-heating and fuel losses.

I thought about race fuel as a better option especially from a reputable high quality source but then I remember when I worked at an IMSA GTP team, we found our race fuel had high levels of Toluene (model airplane glue ingredient) and we had two fuel cell failures at LeMans. I don't remember the cause but I think the fuel reacted with resins in the bladder of the fuel cell and it came apart. Again, that was a long time ago but the point is that some of these ingredients can have adverse effects on some of the fuel system plastics and seals.

I would just get good gas!

That's my 2 cents worth. I know I will get blasted soon by someone saying they used STP octane boost and Tequila with Lime in their tank and never had a problem but I thought I would still offer this.

Best wishes.

[gthal]

If you can get decent quality pump gas (91 or higher), octane boosters are a waste of money IMO. Lots of discussions on their impact... or lack thereof.

[SteveSpy]

Originally Posted by nachob

I wouldn't mess with them. BMW has been blaming US fuel quality for premature fuel pump failures in turbo cars, the last thing you need is to add some off the shelf booster in my most humble opinion. The turbo motors are direct injection and can quickly cool down cylinder temps by simply injecting more fuel. In older models, the fuel was sprayed behind the intake valve and it would travel a ways picking up heat during induction then by the time combustion happens some has evaporated, carbonized and been preheated leading to detonation. With direct injection, the engine management system can respond quicker and get more fuel to cool combustion quicker with less pre-heating and fuel losses.

I thought about race fuel as a better option especially from a reputable high quality source but then I remember when I worked at an IMSA GTP team, we found our race fuel had high levels of Toluene (model airplane glue ingredient) and we had two fuel cell failures at LeMans. I don't remember the cause but I think the fuel reacted with resins in the bladder of the fuel cell and it came apart. Again, that was a long time ago but the point is that some of these ingredients can have adverse effects on some of the fuel system plastics and seals.

I would just get good gas!

That's my 2 cents worth. I know I will get blasted soon by someone saying they used STP octane boost and Tequila with Lime in their tank and never had a problem but I thought I would still offer this.

Best wishes.

But in Europe gas stations sell 95 octane gas and here we only sell 93 max... What gives??

[JDUni1]

If the gov't keeps pushing shit cars like Prius, we will end up with 85....

[nachob]

Originally Posted by sspyrops

But in Europe gas stations sell 95 octane gas and here we only sell 93 max... What gives??

Different standards. The Europeans use a different method than we do. Also Europeans have been using high compression motors for many years because fuel is so expensive and many countries tax engine displacement.

Europe uses RON rating. US uses an average of RON/MON.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by JDUni1

If the gov't keeps pushing shit cars like Prius, we will end up with 85....

Actually, more and more cars are going to high compression with turbos and direct injection becoming more common and premium only cars should become the norm. The thing is, most cars nowadays can retard their timing and adjust their mixtures to run low octane fuel. You lose power and negate some of the money saved because you use more fuel to make the power you would've made with higher octane in a high compression car.

[JDUni1]

Originally Posted by nachob

Actually, more and more cars are going to high compression with turbos and direct injection becoming more common and premium only cars should become the norm. The thing is, most cars nowadays can retard their timing and adjust their mixtures to run low octane fuel. You lose power and negate some of the money saved because you use more fuel to make the power you would've made with higher octane in a high compression car.

I get what you're saying, but the masses are not going to buy cars that have to run premium. It just wont happen. Hell, they have a hard enough time paying for gas as it is. There is a reason the counters on the pumps favor 85....

[nachob]

Originally Posted by JDUni1

I get what you're saying, but the masses are not going to buy cars that have to run premium. It just wont happen. Hell, they have a hard enough time paying for gas as it is. There is a reason the counters on the pumps favor 85....

Yes, but they won't have a choice on the motor, the future is high compression, high output motors that run higher octane. Manufacturers have to meet CAFE average mileage standards so the motors have to get smaller and make more power.

People can still put 87 octane and it will be ok but when they go for the mileage tests the cars will run premium. Once they are certified, the masses can put whatever fuel they want.

[pr0gi]

here in Bulgaria we have 95 and 98 only although in the manual BMW recommends 95 is there any reason why they recommend it instead of the better 98?

[tres]

I have been using royal farms gas since 2011 and never had any issues on a tuned car

Originally Posted by nachob

I wouldn't mess with them. BMW has been blaming US fuel quality for premature fuel pump failures in turbo cars, the last thing you need is to add some off the shelf booster in my most humble opinion. The turbo motors are direct injection and can quickly cool down cylinder temps by simply injecting more fuel. In older models, the fuel was sprayed behind the intake valve and it would travel a ways picking up heat during induction then by the time combustion happens some has evaporated, carbonized and been preheated leading to detonation. With direct injection, the engine management system can respond quicker and get more fuel to cool combustion quicker with less pre-heating and fuel losses.

I thought about race fuel as a better option especially from a reputable high quality source but then I remember when I worked at an IMSA GTP team, we found our race fuel had high levels of Toluene (model airplane glue ingredient) and we had two fuel cell failures at LeMans. I don't remember the cause but I think the fuel reacted with resins in the bladder of the fuel cell and it came apart. Again, that was a long time ago but the point is that some of these ingredients can have adverse effects on some of the fuel system plastics and seals.

I would just get good gas!

That's my 2 cents worth. I know I will get blasted soon by someone saying they used STP octane boost and Tequila with Lime in their tank and never had a problem but I thought I would still offer this.

Best wishes.

[Suave]

Originally Posted by nachob

I wouldn't mess with them. BMW has been blaming US fuel quality for premature fuel pump failures in turbo cars, the last thing you need is to add some off the shelf booster in my most humble opinion. The turbo motors are direct injection and can quickly cool down cylinder temps by simply injecting more fuel. In older models, the fuel was sprayed behind the intake valve and it would travel a ways picking up heat during induction then by the time combustion happens some has evaporated, carbonized and been preheated leading to detonation. With direct injection, the engine management system can respond quicker and get more fuel to cool combustion quicker with less pre-heating and fuel losses.

I thought about race fuel as a better option especially from a reputable high quality source but then I remember when I worked at an IMSA GTP team, we found our race fuel had high levels of Toluene (model airplane glue ingredient) and we had two fuel cell failures at LeMans. I don't remember the cause but I think the fuel reacted with resins in the bladder of the fuel cell and it came apart. Again, that was a long time ago but the point is that some of these ingredients can have adverse effects on some of the fuel system plastics and seals.

I would just get good gas!

That's my 2 cents worth. I know I will get blasted soon by someone saying they used STP octane boost and Tequila with Lime in their tank and never had a problem but I thought I would still offer this.

Best wishes.

Great Advice and information, Thanks

I never knew this and had thought of using race gas for track events. I got spoiled running that 102 Premium Plus Octane fuel sold in EU which we used during entire ED and shudder to think what it will be like even with top tier US Gas. My mileage was outstanding on trip as well and could get 30mpg on highway with comfort mode activated during long rage cruising without issue.

[spool twice]

TORCO and NOS are brands that have been known to produce results. However, in both my N54 and S65 days, have been known to reak havoc on certain exhaust items such as fowling O2 sensors and orange/red residue on the exhaust tips when used long-term. So, you eventually pay the price for it.

The best alternative is to mix in some 100octane gas to up the octane. However, it's an expensive alternative. In my experience with the N54 and S65, a 30% E85 blend may be safely used, but fuel mileage goes down. Terry from BMS has used upwards of a 50% blend when he hit 540rwhp on his M3 S55.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by sspyrops

But in Europe gas stations sell 95 octane gas and here we only sell 93 max... What gives??

LOL I don't think I have ever pumped anything else than 98 in my cars back home, here I just can't even look at the pump, a friend of mine explained these to me for a whole weekend once, and no alcohol was given to me.

I just hope I won't go trough that ever again.

[voodoogeek]

Originally Posted by pr0gi

here in Bulgaria we have 95 and 98 only although in the manual BMW recommends 95 is there any reason why they recommend it instead of the better 98?

doesn't the manual state "minimum of 95 octane recommended", i.e. higher up is better but the minimum should be 95?

I've just beein in US for 3 weeks and just did some research based on this thread. seems 96 europe octane is about the same as 91/92 US octane level. in Switzerland almost everywhere, in Italy not always, you also get 98 octane. Shell even sells 100 octane, but for a very high premium price. I usually put 98 octane in all my cars, when travelling to italy I try to find 98 octane fuel stations

[Sassicaia]

Has anyone done tests with octane boosters with our cars since this thread started? I'm planning some long road trips over the next couple weeks and I'm considering adding some octane booster because the best gas I can get is Shell 91. Chevron has 94, but it's 10% ethenol. I find the mileage blows when I use it.

Torco, NOS and Royal Purple seems to get good reviews.

[EddieT]

Added Octane Booster to my 2008 BMW 128i and runs even better! I always use Super Gas but, wanted to give it a shot of booster. Glad I did. Runs so smooth it was like laying on a Hammock.

I will try it once a month to keep this type of ride.

[overlook637]

Octane boosters are pretty strong chemicals. My race motorcycle required octane booster or race gas. You can buy pure octane boosters at home depot or a paint supply store. Xyline is the chemical. It's also used to thin paints.

Unless you are racing the car and need that extra edge, why waste money on octane boosters. Just by top tier Shell 93 octane gas. Shell 93 super v nitro is what BMW M recommends.

[SpaceCowboy]

Originally Posted by nachob

Yes, but they won't have a choice on the motor, the future is high compression, high output motors that run higher octane. Manufacturers have to meet CAFE average mileage standards so the motors have to get smaller and make more power.

People can still put 87 octane and it will be ok but when they go for the mileage tests the cars will run premium. Once they are certified, the masses can put whatever fuel they want.

Actually the future is smaller displacement with turbos and turbos require lower compression. the net result is still the same though in that they require premium octane to prevent detonation. And if you haven't noticed the future is already here.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by SpaceCowboy

Actually the future is smaller displacement with turbos and turbos require lower compression. the net result is still the same though in that they require premium octane to prevent detonation. And if you haven't noticed the future is already here.

Actually not with direct injection compression rates are staying higher than in the past. Yes the future is here high compression and turbo. Best wishes