Learn something new everyday! Top Tier Gas

[khp3655]

I poke around car forums quite a bit and have seen many debates about octane and gas, usually about trying to save money using 87 octane. In my Z4 s30, it is 90 or better, which usually means 91. I thought that was enough to be doing right by my engine.

Although I had seen it mentioned a couple of times over the years, I just learned that Top Tier Gas is a thing, and it sounds like using it makes a difference. A number of articles came out recently about an AAA study and showed just how much less carbon build up there was in engines that used Top Tier Gas. Now that I know where to look and the symbol to look for, much more Top Tier Gas in is my future.

Is the idea of using Top Tier Gas (vs just using the proper octane gas) well-known? As someone who enjoys cars, travel, and learning, I was genuinely surprised that I had not known about this standard before.

[jzeiler4]

I became aware of Top Tier gas twenty years ago when GM, BMW, Honda and Toyota collaborated on setting the new standard. It is the only gas I buy unless there is none available.

[ctcarbonari]

Full Disclosure - I only became aware about 3 years ago when I got my "new-to-me" bimmer and started looking into it. Before then, I ignorantly believed it was a myth and filled my tank with whatever was convienent (and usually cheap).

[DanG]

I have been using top tier for years.

[BlkGS]

Top tier gas just has extra cleaners than the minimum required by federal law. It's mainly a marketing gimmick, where you run the test everyone passes, and then pay the licensing fee.

You're not gonna get anything out of it more than you would by adding a bottle of techron or other PEA based cleaner in a tank once a year. You'll get no benefit from it in a Direct Injection motor.

[Ugly Kar]

Ugh! Only 4 threads down and 17 pages.
https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1571574

[FrankMstein]

BP fell off last year.

Wait until you find out what LL-04, A40, MB228 is.

[tturedraider]

Around these parts Top Tier gas is pretty well known and often cussed and discussed. Even here there are still a few yahoos who believe it’s a myth.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by khp3655

I poke around car forums quite a bit and have seen many debates about octane and gas, usually about trying to save money using 87 octane. In my Z4 s30, it is 90 or better, which usually means 91. I thought that was enough to be doing right by my engine.

Although I had seen it mentioned a couple of times over the years, I just learned that Top Tier Gas is a thing, and it sounds like using it makes a difference. A number of articles came out recently about an AAA study and showed just how much less carbon build up there was in engines that used Top Tier Gas. Now that I know where to look and the symbol to look for, much more Top Tier Gas in is my future.

Is the idea of using Top Tier Gas (vs just using the proper octane gas) well-known? As someone who enjoys cars, travel, and learning, I was genuinely surprised that I had not known about this standard before.

It is important to use the grade of octane called for by BMW.

As for Top Tier fuel I refer you to your car's owners manual.

A paste from my M2's owners manual:

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in harmful engine deposits or damage. Additionally, problems relating to drivability, starting and stalling, especially under certain environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude, may occur.

If drivability problems are encountered, we recommend switching to a high quality gasoline brand and a higher octane grade — AKI number — for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful engine deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase gasoline from Top Tier retailers.

Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in the need for additional maintenance.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Top tier gas just has extra cleaners than the minimum required by federal law. It's mainly a marketing gimmick, where you run the test everyone passes, and then pay the licensing fee.

You're not gonna get anything out of it more than you would by adding a bottle of techron or other PEA based cleaner in a tank once a year. You'll get no benefit from it in a Direct Injection motor.

When I have had my 2 230s and one M2 in for service, this is used or a bottle is given to me to use:

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ve-83195a07750

By my SA I was told the use of that additive was recommended by the factory. I also note both my 230s and my M2 are direct injection engines.

(I don't wish to get into an argument but my info is Techron at least can benefit a DI engine.)

At any rate I have used the BMW fuel additive or what I prefer is I decline the BMW additive and pick up a bottle of Techron from the local auto parts store.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

When I have had my 2 230s and one M2 in for service, this is used or a bottle is given to me to use:

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ve-83195a07750

By my SA I was told the use of that additive was recommended by the factory. I also note both my 230s and my M2 are direct injection engines.

(I don't wish to get into an argument but my info is Techron at least can benefit a DI engine.)

At any rate I have used the BMW fuel additive or what I prefer is I decline the BMW additive and pick up a bottle of Techron from the local auto parts store.

If you use a Top Tier gas you don’t need an additional additive.

[BlkGS]

In a DI motor the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber when needed. It doesn't have any time to do any cleaning unless it somehow survives the combustion event.

In port I jected motors the fuel is injected in the head, so it flows over the valves and cleans them of any carbon buildup. That where top tier gas or an additove can help.

[jkoral]

Refer to BMW SI B13 02 06 - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...52346-9999.pdf

I've known about this for many years, but filling up on the NYS Thruway this weekend, and it was the first time I noticed the Top Tier sticker on the pump: