what octane do you think people use in ther E9x M3's?

MarkD · 07-27-2010, 04:58 PM

This is just a quick poll. I'd like to know what octane gasoline you use in your E9x M3. If you don't have one, what do you think you would use if you owned one?

And if you want to mention why you selected the option you did, just post it here with an explanation.

I'll post further after I see some responses.

MarkD

Sickbimmer · 07-27-2010, 06:14 PM

Shell 91. Anything higher is a waste. Sunco 94 always seems to make the Bimmers run rough.

MarkD · 07-27-2010, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sickbimmer

Shell 91. Anything higher is a waste. Sunco 94 always seems to make the Bimmers run rough.

It's not really a waste to run higher than 91 octane if you have performance software, plus these later cars can take advantage of higher octane. But yes, non-M cars don't need anything over 91. I am surprised at how many people tell me that they "only use 94" and it's not even an M-car.

e30_kid89 · 07-27-2010, 06:25 PM

Shell 91!

bmwm5lover · 07-27-2010, 06:28 PM

Shell 91. It's a M cars, it needs premium.

MarkD · 07-27-2010, 06:38 PM

It's interesting that you all said Shell 91. Is that the V-Power gasoline? Someone in Europe who drives a 911 turbo says that is almost the worst fuel he can get, and only Shell V Power Racing is any good (from the Shell fuels)

Axxe · 07-27-2010, 06:45 PM

Getting about 15% better economy on the 550i with shell v-power vs sunoco 94 (ethanol has lower kJ/kg fuel then gasoline), with all else remaining the same (same driver, same weekly route, same lead foot).

Dr. Flyview · 07-29-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axxe

Getting about 15% better economy on the 550i with shell v-power vs sunoco 94 (ethanol has lower kJ/kg fuel then gasoline), with all else remaining the same (same driver, same weekly route, same lead foot).

This is what I thought too. Then I read this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiki

The use of ethanol blends in conventional gasoline vehicles is restricted to low mixtures, as ethanol is corrosive and can degrade some of the materials in the engine and fuel system. Also the engine has to be adjusted for a higher compression ratio as compared to a pure gasoline engine, in order to take advantage of ethanol’s higher oxygen content, thus allowing an improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction of tailpipe emissions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiki

the limited edition of the Koenigsegg CCXR, a version of the CCX converted to use E85 or E100, as well as standard 98 octane gasoline, and currently the fastest and most powerful flexible fuel vehicle with its twin-supercharged V8 producing 1018 hp when running on biofuel, as compared to 806 hp on 91 octane unleaded gasoline.

Now I'm confused. Is it more or less efficient? Does it depend on the tuning?

Mark, can you comment on what exactly your M50TU chip was tuned for (have it in my car)?

Axxe · 07-29-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Flyview

This is what I thought too. Then I read this:

Now I'm confused. Is it more or less efficient? Does it depend on the tuning?

Mark, can you comment on what exactly your M50TU chip was tuned for (have it in my car)?

Higher octane = can advance timing more. I wouldn't trust wikipedia for anything more than a quick 101 on the subject. The truth is ethanol has less energy than gasoline for the same volume (independent of octane rating).

propr'one · 07-27-2010, 06:52 PM

i use v-power for the fuel economy

MarkD · 07-27-2010, 08:19 PM

The reason I asked the question is that I had an E92 M3 in for tuning, I picked it up at a garage and drove it to my location. The first thing I notice is a nice "rrrrrap" sound at 3k rpm when I accellerate, followed by a sound like something sizzling in a frying pan. I'm was really wondering if I am imagining these sounds but I know I am not.

So I install the performance software and all the same sounds are there, but 5 times louder! I put back the old software and it's back to how it was.
I returned the car and hear the garage asking what fuel is being used...

Now wait for this one....

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. 100 octane?

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. 94 ??
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. 110 AVGAS?
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NO!.
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you lose, this guy uses 87 REGULAR in his m3 ! ! !

NOTORIOUS VR · 07-28-2010, 07:48 AM

you're surprised by this? People are stupid.

MarkD · 07-28-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS VR

you're surprised by this? People are stupid.

I am quite surprised actually. And he said that the salesperson told him he can alternate between a tank of regular and mid-grade.

NOTORIOUS VR · 07-28-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkD

I am quite surprised actually. And he said that the salesperson told him he can alternate between a tank of regular and mid-grade.

People in todays society are stupid, people need to have warning lights and labels for everything these days... that includes sales people that have no idea what they're selling. To most enthusiasts it's a no-brainer, but to the general population, they have no idea what the difference is between octane grades or why they should pay more money for "the same thing".

It just like people that don't think they need to check tire pressures regularly (now we're seeing TPMS' because of it), or the need to wait for oil to warm up before putting any sort of load or going high into the rev band, and the list goes on and on.

To most people it's just a car that goes from A to B to C. A fancy car with a fancy badge is no different then the guy driving the Accord next to them other then theirs is faster, they paid more and they think they're better because of it.

Mpellizze30 · 07-29-2010, 09:35 PM

hey random question for notorious vr where do you get your car tuned my budie has a b5 s4 and has had nothing but problems and he just blew a piston through the head and do you have a vr6 in ur car? (assuming from the name) is it a hard swap? must be the 3.2? obviously there stuck in a stickey situation what would you recomend?