BMW recommends Shell gas, but it's more expensive than other brands

[jimbobiggens]

Didn't mean to derail the thread, my point is the busy station next to the interstate has (seemingly) fresher gas/more eyes watching than a slower station 20 miles from the interstate.

[Ray Steiger]

As for Diesel? anybody? Ferris?

[xQx]

Does anybody here actually believe BMW tested the major gas companies and decided to go out and recommend Shell because they were significantly better?!

... or is it more likely that - just like how your new dishwasher recommends using Finish washing powder - Shell is paying BMW, sponsoring BMW motorsport, or giving BMW preferential access to their products, in return for BMW making that recommendation.

Sure, there might be some difference between costco fuel and Shell premium; but the idea that Shell 98 is better for your BMW than BP 98, Exxon 98, whatever other premium brands you have locally - is utter bullshit.

I think you'll find far greater variation in quality of fuels due to season, location or individual station factors than you will between major brands on average nationwide / worldwide.
(Again, excluding absolute discount providers (eg. supermarkets) who might be intentionally buying lower-quality fuel)

[harris69]

Originally Posted by jimbobiggens

Oh, he didn't get away with it. Somebody sent a video to the news station and it hit the fan. They shut down for a while and replaced the tanks and pumps. The station is still there, but different people. And it's a Mobile station now.

What was the station owner thinking...That's insane...

[E90SLAM]

BMW recommended Shell was solely because of their partnership in motorsport and that triggers down to the consumer level. I recall back in mid-2000s, BMW recommended Castrol because that was their partnership back then. And some E90 engine oil cap even has a Castrol logo on it.

https://www.ebay.com/i/322387181735?chn=ps

Its just the partnership changed from BP/Castrol to Shell/Pennzoil in recent years.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

BMW recommended Shell was solely because of their partnership in motorsport and that triggers down to the consumer level. I recall back in mid-2000s, BMW recommended Castrol because that was their partnership back then. And some E90 engine oil cap even has a Castrol logo on it.

https://www.ebay.com/i/322387181735?chn=ps

Its just the partnership changed from BP/Castrol to Shell/Pennzoil in recent years.

My F80 even has the Castrol logo on the oil cap

[Rick71]

Originally Posted by backhill

Any top tier fueling station will do just fine.

Not many Shell stations around my area anymore, but i always use 93 oct. regardless

[Alpine_F82]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

My F80 even has the Castrol logo on the oil cap

Same here

[Rhidium]

Originally Posted by hwntime

There's an ARCO in Bellevue that serves up 93. 14650 Bel-Red Rd
Bellevue, WA

Interesting.. Stopped by and it didn't have 93. Prices were good though.

[GTFM3]

I have friend (chem. eng.) with decades experience with major oil companies. He has told me there is little difference among the major brands. He said stay with any "Top Tier" listed brand, avoid Ethanol blends, and go for best price. For 99% of motors, higher than 91 octane will not provide any significant benefit. The key is E0...ethanol-free. If it was not government mandated, no oil oil company would use it because it produces less energy and holds moisture.
When we talked about this a few years ago, E0 was not readily available, but is becoming more available now (about half stations now are E0 on premium around me). Unfortunately still rare in corn belt...ethanol BIG political contributor in Iowa, Illinois. Rare in CA also...still clinging to false assumption that ethanol is green. Huge political scam at expense of taxpayer. Even Al Gore no longer supports ethanol. I did some research on ethanol after our conversation, and really pissed me off. Crooks.
Interesting side note: Iowa makes sure they are always first political primary, even adjusting dates if necessary. Why? To bury any Pol who does not support mandated ethanol. National debt? Health care?Terrorism? Who cares...do you support ethanol, that's the important question. Crooks.
(IMO)

[doogee]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

BMW recommended Shell was solely because of their partnership in motorsport and that triggers down to the consumer level. I recall back in mid-2000s, BMW recommended Castrol because that was their partnership back then. And some E90 engine oil cap even has a Castrol logo on it.

https://www.ebay.com/i/322387181735?chn=ps

Its just the partnership changed from BP/Castrol to Shell/Pennzoil in recent years.

This. The marketing has really worked on you guys.

Running Shell isn't going to make any difference.

[bmwmike75]

I live in Calgary and can attest to Shell getting better mileage than other brands. Due to the lack of ethanol in the Shell 91 I would get over 550km a tank regularly on my old 2012 335xi coupe. Other 91 octane options like Petro Canada weren't bad but if you went to a Husky 94 with 10% ethanol I would definitely see a decrease in my kms per tank. I experimented for years with the same type of driving habits.

Shell is the best!

[doogee]

Originally Posted by bmwmike75

I live in Calgary and can attest to Shell getting better mileage than other brands. Due to the lack of ethanol in the Shell 91 I would get over 550km a tank regularly on my old 2012 335xi coupe. Other 91 octane options like Petro Canada weren't bad but if you went to a Husky 94 with 10% ethanol I would definitely see a decrease in my kms per tank. I experimented for years with the same type of driving habits.

Shell is the best!

I've noticed this difference as well.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by doogee

I've noticed this difference as well.

This is a valid point. If we are comparing top tier gasolines that are all gasoline, I don't think there is a meaningful difference. But if one is mixing ethanol and another is not, that WILL produce a difference.

[ItsGary]

Originally Posted by doogee

I've noticed this difference as well.

Could explain why I don't get much mileage on US Chevron 92 Octane with up to 10% ETH, but when I was getting gas in Canada, with Chevron 94 I'd get more range. Though I would have to test that myself.

[danielk_39]

I don't see why Shell gasoline would be better than any other brand.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

This is a valid point. If we are comparing top tier gasolines that are all gasoline, I don't think there is a meaningful difference. But if one is mixing ethanol and another is not, that WILL produce a difference.

lol exactly. That doesn't prove Shell is better or worse just that having zero ethanol vs ~10% does make a difference. It's an apples to oranges comparison.

[SayHack]

Here is what I have learned after almost 130k miles.....Shell does technically have additives but I usually use 76 mostly and from time to time arco, and from time to time shell (the reason for these is due to cheapest prices based on my commute to work, school, and around my home)....It makes no difference. The car runs great and i never notice any difference in performance or MPG... just my 2 cent.

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by Rhidium

Interesting.. Stopped by and it didn't have 93. Prices were good though.

Hmm I wonder when they stopped carrying it. I'm up there monthly but the last time I stopped by that station was last Oct or Nov.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by hwntime

Hmm I wonder when they stopped carrying it. I'm up there monthly but the last time I stopped by that station was last Oct or Nov.

I have only seen 92 at any ARCO in the Seattle area.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by DanG

I have only seen 92 at any ARCO in the Seattle area.

Only 91 in greater Phoenix.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

Only 91 in greater Phoenix.

I was in Montana last summer and could only find 91 also. But it was ethanol free. Ran better than 92 with ethanol.