If you are a BMW driver, then you must have seen in your manual as well as on the sticker located at the inner surface of the flap of your fuel tank that you should be using a 91 octane fuel or higher. You may now be wondering - does your BMW actually need premium gasoline? Is it possible to use just any octane? Or is this just another strategy to sell that type of gas?
If you are lost in thought and unsure whether a higher octane fuel really makes a difference in your BMW, this article is for you. Choosing the right fuel is not just a matter of following instructions, it is about protecting your engine and preventing expensive repairs.
What Does Octane Mean?
Octane is a measure of the fuel’s ability to prevent knocking, or pre-detonation of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. When fuel ignites before the required time within the cylinder, it results in knocking, which is detrimental to the engine. The octane rating simply means how much the fuel resists burning, the higher the octane rating, the less likely it is to knock. BMWs are fitted with high performing engines with high compression rates and high ignition timing. These engines require fuel that can burn at high pressures without burning too early. That is where 91+ octane fuel comes in handy; it controls the combustion and makes the BMW engines run smoothly and efficiently.
How Does Lower Octane Fuel Affect Your BMW?
- Lower Fuel Efficiency: One of the ways that lower fuel quality affects your BMW is by reducing its fuel efficiency. Whenever an engine is forced to work with low octane fuel, its efficiency will be compromised and you will need to visit the gas station more often.
- Loss of Power: When burning low octane fuel, the engine knocks, and the engine computer has to decrease the power to prevent further damage. This means you will not get the acceleration and performance that your BMW is capable of delivering.
- Engine Knocking & Potential Damage: If a knocking sound is produced frequently, then there are high chances that the engine of the vehicle will be damaged. In the long run, this will affect the life of the pistons, spark plugs, and the cylinder walls.
In What Ways Does 91+ Octane Fuel Improve BMW’s Performance?
- Improved Acceleration: BMW engineers make their engines optimized for high octane fuel. When using 91+ octane fuel, the engine is able to deliver in terms of throttle response, acceleration, and power.
- Better Fuel Economy: Even though this fuel is a little more expensive, it helps your car burn fuel in the best way possible. What this means is that you will have higher miles per gallon which can help make up for the higher cost of fuel.
- Longer Engine Life: Knocking and excessive wearing of the engine are eliminated by 91+ octane fuel. If you stick to this fuel rating, your engine parts will experience less stress and they will not wear out as quickly and require repairs as often.
- Cleaner Engine With Fewer Deposits: Premium fuel also has additives that help to minimize the formation of deposits in the fuel system. This helps to lessen carbon accumulation and ensure that injectors and valves operate effectively to enhance the engine performance. When there is less deposit in the engine, you will also have less emission from your BMW.
We’re Here To Serve BMW Owners In Walnut Creek That Need Fuel System Service
If you want to keep the performance of your BMW at the best level, then M Service is the place to go. Our team has vast experience in the maintenance and repair of BMW cars so you can relax because you know that your car is in the right hands. Whether you need fuel system check, engine check-up or general service, we are well equipped and qualified to handle the task. We are based in Walnut Creek, CA and provide services to BMW owners in the nearby areas. If you have any queries regarding the fuel type of your BMW or need professional servicing, you can get in touch with us through a phone call or book an appointment online.