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Do you ever find yourself questioning why your BMW includes a recommended octane rating on your fuel usage? If you’ve noticed the “91+” or “premium fuel” sticker near the tank, you might be wondering: is it really necessary? The answer is yes. It is important for BMW owners to know the fuel recommendations for their specific car model, to ensure that they keep the car always in good condition.
High-performance cars, like BMWs, need fuel to run and high-octane fuel is an important part of their functioning. Let’s look at why it is recommended to use 91+ octane fuel for BMWs, and why staying with it is important for your engine and driving experience.
What is Octane Rating?
Octane rating is a measure of how much a fuel can withstand knocking or pinging during combustion. Knocking occurs when fuel in the engine’s cylinders ignites in an abnormal manner and delivers less power relative to the fuel it consumes. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating and fewer chances for knocking, which is a must for high-performance cars such as BMW’s.
Why 91+ Octane Fuel Is Important For BMW?
- Engine Performance and Efficiency: BMW engines are well crafted to produce the best results during operation. When you use high octane fuel in your BMW, it ignites slowly and steadily, while sustaining the engine power output in the process. 91+ octane fuel ensures that your BMW has optimum power for acceleration, proper idling, and fuel economy. However, using lower octane fuel will make the engine work ineffectively, and it may even feel as though the car has a weak engine.
- Protects Against Engine Knock: Engine knocking is not just some trivial problem; it can cause a lot of harm to the engine if left unaddressed. BMW engines, especially those with turbochargers, benefit from high-octane fuel because their engines can cope with the increased levels of compression that turbocharged engines deliver. Running low-octane fuel in a car can lead to a phenomenon known as knock, which is very dangerous to the pistons, cylinders, and the engine in general.
- Longevity of Engine Components: Incorrect fuel type will cause a lot of wear and tear to important engine parts in the long run. High-octane fuels are known for smooth and steady combustion, which keeps the engine cleaner and reduces wear and tear on parts, such as spark plugs, fuel injectors, and piston rings. In other words, when you use 91+ octane fuel, your BMW is less likely to need frequent repairs and the overall health of the engine will be improved.
Tips for Using the Right Fuel
- Avoid Mixing Fuel Grades: If you mistakenly put a lower octane fuel in your BMW, do not panic. Most of today’s BMWs are fitted with knock sensors that alter the timing of the engine to avoid damage. It is fine to have lower octane fuel for a short term, but try to get back to using 91+ octane the next time you refill your tank for the best performance and to prevent possible problems down the road. DO NOT combine different fuel grades as this may cause your engine to run improperly.
- Monitor Performance: If you experience slow acceleration, strange noises, or a rough-running engine, these may be clues that suggest the fuel you’re using is suboptimal. Monitor these signs because they may point to the need to use premium fuel or have a car serviced.
- Choose Quality Fuel Brands: It must be noted that not all fuel brands are the same. Make sure you fill your BMW from well-recognized fuel stations, as this will help in getting the best fuel.
Trust MotorHaus For Your BMW Care In West Palm Beach
If you need help with your BMW repairs, come to us at MotorHaus. As an auto repair shop that has been in the business of dealing with BMW vehicles for more than a decade, we know how important it is to put the best fuel into BMWs to maintain them efficiently. If you have doubts about the fuel choice or observe certain changes in the car’s performance, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment.
Our team of ASE-certified mechanics is always on standby to assist you with any service you need. Situated in West Palm Beach, FL, we ensure your BMW is well-maintained and repaired when your vehicle needs it. Please contact us today to make an appointment!
