Premium Gas Required?

Kid Fresh · 08-26-2009, 09:42 AM

Greetings, About a month ago I purchased a 07 335i with 43k miles. A shop foreman at the local BMW dealership highly recommended I use Premium gasoline (Shell - preferable) as the twin turbo engine could have performance issues or "problems" later if I use just regular. We also have a 05 330ci and have been using regular unleaded for the past year, with no issues.

Should I be using premium gasoline just becuse the 335i has a twin turbo engine?

I've done some internet research and it appears gasoline companies do put different additives-protectants in their fuels, and I know there has been a long standing debate on whether or not there is a true advantage between using regular vs. plus vs. premium in BMW's but figured I'd use the forum to see what additional information would be available.

Thanks for your help!

Joeb427 · 08-26-2009, 09:45 AM

BMW recommends Premium.

D.B.S · 08-26-2009, 09:49 AM

From my understanding on the differing fuels and our 335i's is this... It's recommended you use the best you can get (91 or 93) if you want maximum performance and fuel economy... YOU can use 87 or 89 but you may loose a little bit of the performance and may loose 1-2mpg because of the lower quality gas... I would just suck it up and spend the extra $2-3 and get the premium stuff... The car shouldn't experience any damage from using the lower quality gas, but if you want the best bang for your buck, stick to premium...

Perfectus · 08-26-2009, 09:51 AM

Premium, please! Your car would greatly appreciate it

hhkim · 08-26-2009, 09:54 AM

Tons of threads about this subject. However, I would recommend to go for premium because in the long run, your car will continue to perform for you.

blue2fire · 08-26-2009, 09:55 AM

I think every single car on the road should have premium fuel in it, doesn't it feel satisfying to think that you are treating the car to something good?

Putting normal petrol in it is like forcing a person to eat at Mcdonald's. It might cause the car suicidal tendencies.

Captain Oblivious · 08-26-2009, 09:58 AM

Lower quality gas can cause engine knock and may even cause your car to go into limp mode.

Put it this way: usually premium is $.20 more than regular. If you fill up 15 gallons on your tank, that is 3 dollars per fill up. Even if you fill up your car once a week, it comes out to an extra $156 a year.

Most companies get their gas from the same place and even if they put additives in, you're talking about putting a quart of additives into 8,000 gallons of gas - it's negligible. Check out this article for some good info.

In short: use premium, your engine will thank you when it hits 100,000 miles.

Aurora Bearialis · 08-26-2009, 10:00 AM

use Nitrogen enriched Shell gasolines! w00t w00t!!!

Delta0311 · 08-26-2009, 10:00 AM

Like my dad once said to me, "if you can afford the car then you sure as hell better be able to afford the gas."

With that said;

Use Shell V-Power and enjoy your car.

blue2fire · 08-26-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurora Bearialis

use Nitrogen enriched Shell gasolines! w00t w00t!!!

I thought i was the only person who fell for that fluff.

Kid Fresh · 08-26-2009, 10:05 AM

Thank you very much for the feedback, this site is awesome for information, I'll be spending plenty O' time here!

ceb · 08-26-2009, 10:28 AM

...I know that

is oldschool, but my manual specificially tells me that 87 is OK for the 328 and that 89 is the minimum for the 335...

crazed792 · 08-26-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

I think every single car on the road should have premium fuel in it, doesn't it feel satisfying to think that you are treating the car to something good?

Putting normal petrol in it is like forcing a person to eat at Mcdonald's. It might cause the car suicidal tendencies.

Don't put down McDonalds... Southern Style Chicken Sandwich! Mmmm.

DrGP · 08-26-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army335xi

From my understanding on the differing fuels and our 335i's is this... It's recommended you use the best you can get (91 or 93) if you want maximum performance and fuel economy... YOU can use 87 or 89 but you may loose a little bit of the performance and may loose 1-2mpg because of the lower quality gas... I would just suck it up and spend the extra $2-3 and get the premium stuff... The car shouldn't experience any damage from using the lower quality gas, but if you want the best bang for your buck, stick to premium...

carve · 08-26-2009, 10:53 AM

You're running twin turbos on top of a 10.4:1 compression ratio. Usually just ONE of those would require premium. You have both. For godssakes...why get a powerful car like this and then hobble it? If a car says it needs premium, you'll sacrifice performance, efficiency, and possibly longevity without it.

Not all cars require premium. On those that don't, it's a waste, unlike what blue2fire says.

"nitrogen enriched" gasoline sounds like BS to me. The air is already 79% nitrogen, and it's a NON REACTIVE GAS- it adds no energy to the process.

Get top-tier fuels. The additive package does make a difference. The minimum required additives in the cheap gas generally aren't enough for long-term performance, although they'll be fine for a while.

I prefer Chevron.

samchoi604 · 08-26-2009, 10:59 AM

crazed792 · 08-26-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samchoi604

Use premium. Reasons have been stated a billion times over.

Joeb427 · 08-26-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samchoi604

2HIGH~PSI · 08-26-2009, 11:23 AM

I use premium in all my vehicles... even if they dont require it.. Why? Because its better quality gas. You get what you pay for, and this is a very minimal cost in the long run that ultimately provides better performance and usually less "gunk" in it.

To each their own, however why own a BMW so you can cheap out?

TexAg06 · 08-26-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

I think every single car on the road should have premium fuel in it, doesn't it feel satisfying to think that you are treating the car to something good?

Putting normal petrol in it is like forcing a person to eat at Mcdonald's. It might cause the car suicidal tendencies.

this is incorrect. premium aka 91 and above is only useful for engines with higher compression ratios. it is a complete waste otherwise. the number does not have anything to do with the "quality" of the fuel.

S65V8 · 08-26-2009, 11:28 AM

Premium bro. If you want, try this. Empty the tank, put in 87 (ouch) and hit it. Empty the tank again, and drop in 91 or 93. You'll feel the difference.

e90fanatic · 08-26-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid Fresh

Greetings, About a month ago I purchased a 07 335i with 43k miles. A shop foreman at the local BMW dealership highly recommended I use Premium gasoline (Shell - preferable) as the twin turbo engine could have performance issues or "problems" later if I use just regular. We also have a 05 330ci and have been using regular unleaded for the past year, with no issues.

Should I be using premium gasoline just becuse the 335i has a twin turbo engine?

I've done some internet research and it appears gasoline companies do put different additives-protectants in their fuels, and I know there has been a long standing debate on whether or not there is a true advantage between using regular vs. plus vs. premium in BMW's but figured I'd use the forum to see what additional information would be available.

Thanks for your help!

2 bucks more a tank MAX...i dont know how u can afford a BMW when $2 is that significant to you

08-26-2009, 09:42 AM	#1
Kid Fresh New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E90-07 335i *Montego Blue/6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Premium Gas Required? Greetings, About a month ago I purchased a 07 335i with 43k miles. A shop foreman at the local BMW dealership highly recommended I use Premium gasoline (Shell - preferable) as the twin turbo engine could have performance issues or "problems" later if I use just regular. We also have a 05 330ci and have been using regular unleaded for the past year, with no issues. Should I be using premium gasoline just becuse the 335i has a twin turbo engine? I've done some internet research and it appears gasoline companies do put different additives-protectants in their fuels, and I know there has been a long standing debate on whether or not there is a true advantage between using regular vs. plus vs. premium in BMW's but figured I'd use the forum to see what additional information would be available. Thanks for your help!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-26-2009, 09:45 AM	#2
Joeb427 BMW CCA Member #420698 17 Rep 720 Posts Drives: '09 335i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	BMW recommends Premium.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 09:49 AM	#3
D.B.S Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,748 Posts Drives: '11 X5 35i / '13 S5 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Deployed to Kuwait iTrader: (2)	From my understanding on the differing fuels and our 335i's is this... It's recommended you use the best you can get (91 or 93) if you want maximum performance and fuel economy... YOU can use 87 or 89 but you may loose a little bit of the performance and may loose 1-2mpg because of the lower quality gas... I would just suck it up and spend the extra $2-3 and get the premium stuff... The car shouldn't experience any damage from using the lower quality gas, but if you want the best bang for your buck, stick to premium... __________________ BMW X5 35i: Boopie Exhaust & Intercooler, K&N Drop in Filter, JB3 (3+ psi) 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T: CAI, Catch Can, Custom Exhaust, Headers, 87MM Throttle Body, Diablo Custom 93 OCT Tune
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 09:51 AM	#4
Perfectus Major 35 Rep 1,252 Posts Drives: e92 335i/F10 528XI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NOVA/MD iTrader: (10)	Premium, please! Your car would greatly appreciate it __________________ 2012 528XI Saphire Black Stock for now 2007 e92 335i - Monaco Blue Injen DCI w/ Cyba Scoop - M-Tech Rear - ///M3 Rear Lip Spoiler - ///M5 SMG Shift Knob & iDrive Knob - BMW Performance Hand Brake - BMWCCA Member
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 09:54 AM	#5
hhkim Lieutenant 40 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '10 335d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	Tons of threads about this subject. However, I would recommend to go for premium because in the long run, your car will continue to perform for you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 09:58 AM	#7
Captain Oblivious My car is for sale 7 Rep 239 Posts Drives: slowly for max fuel economy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cary, NC iTrader: (0)	Lower quality gas can cause engine knock and may even cause your car to go into limp mode. Put it this way: usually premium is $.20 more than regular. If you fill up 15 gallons on your tank, that is 3 dollars per fill up. Even if you fill up your car once a week, it comes out to an extra $156 a year. Most companies get their gas from the same place and even if they put additives in, you're talking about putting a quart of additives into 8,000 gallons of gas - it's negligible. Check out this article for some good info. In short: use premium, your engine will thank you when it hits 100,000 miles. __________________ 2008 E90 335i: Alpine White \| Terra \| Burl \| Sport \| Premium \| Nav \| iPod \| Heated Seats - Sold 2004 E46 325ci: \| Titanium Silver \| Gray \| Burl \| Sport \| 5sp - Sold
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:00 AM	#8
Aurora Bearialis ¡Barça! 168 Rep 12,042 Posts Drives: Rainbow Sandals Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [0.00]	use Nitrogen enriched Shell gasolines! w00t w00t!!! __________________ Tate's chicken sucks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:00 AM	#9
Delta0311 Banned 7478 Rep 10,120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Like my dad once said to me, "if you can afford the car then you sure as hell better be able to afford the gas." With that said; Use Shell V-Power and enjoy your car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:05 AM	#11
Kid Fresh New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E90-07 335i *Montego Blue/6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Thank you very much for the feedback, this site is awesome for information, I'll be spending plenty O' time here!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:28 AM	#12
ceb NHTSA Nazi 28 Rep 1,983 Posts Drives: 335ix Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (1)	What does the manual say???? ...I know that is oldschool, but my manual specificially tells me that 87 is OK for the 328 and that 89 is the minimum for the 335...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:53 AM	#15
carve Major 177 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	You're running twin turbos on top of a 10.4:1 compression ratio. Usually just ONE of those would require premium. You have both. For godssakes...why get a powerful car like this and then hobble it? If a car says it needs premium, you'll sacrifice performance, efficiency, and possibly longevity without it. Not all cars require premium. On those that don't, it's a waste, unlike what blue2fire says. "nitrogen enriched" gasoline sounds like BS to me. The air is already 79% nitrogen, and it's a NON REACTIVE GAS- it adds no energy to the process. Get top-tier fuels. The additive package does make a difference. The minimum required additives in the cheap gas generally aren't enough for long-term performance, although they'll be fine for a while. I prefer Chevron. Last edited by carve; 08-26-2009 at 12:51 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 10:59 AM	#16
samchoi604 Colonel 60 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: black on black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC iTrader: (3)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 11:23 AM	#19
2HIGH~PSI Lieutenant 164 Rep 582 Posts Drives: '94 Supra TT 6MT, '15 MW M4 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	I use premium in all my vehicles... even if they dont require it.. Why? Because its better quality gas. You get what you pay for, and this is a very minimal cost in the long run that ultimately provides better performance and usually less "gunk" in it. To each their own, however why own a BMW so you can cheap out?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-26-2009, 11:28 AM	#21
S65V8 _ 808 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (10)	Premium bro. If you want, try this. Empty the tank, put in 87 (ouch) and hit it. Empty the tank again, and drop in 91 or 93. You'll feel the difference.
	Appreciate 0 Quote