what gasoline brand do you use?

Hi, I am first time BMW owner, just bought X3 28i last week and I was wondering what brand of gas you guys use.
I traded in my Toyata Camry for my X3 (big step up for me!).
I really didn't care about what gas I used for carmy so I used Costco gas or other cheap gas stations.
But now I have a premium brand car, should I be using premium brand gas? Or does it really matter?
I read some threads on other BMW series and some say it doesn’t matter and some say it matters….
From your experience, is there a particular gas brand that is “better” for BMW..?
I’d really appreciate your inputs!

Honestly, I only really care about the octane rating. Most reputable outlets will have decent gas. I've used Costco, 76, Chevron, etc...

Always stayed with the Premium level octane, though.

Enjoy!

I generally use Shell or Exxon/Mobil.

Hey congratulation! I am like you, first time BMW owner, last car was toyota corolla for 10 years! A car mechanist once told me don't use cheap gas brand, like arco, because overtime your engine would accumulate more carbon waste. Not sure if that's true but I always had used Shell on my corolla, and its engine is still strong at 235K miles. Now I always use Chevron 91. I read it somewhere that Shell V-power actually gives you couple more HP but it's harsher for your engine.

Originally Posted by edbiology

I always use Chevron 91. I read it somewhere that Shell V-power actually gives you couple more HP but it's harsher for your engine.

I agree, a few mechanics have told me to use either Shell or Chervon, they both have the best additives.

shell 93 octane. in a pinch, mobile/exxon 93. if it's available in your state, always use 93.

Shell 93

I go for the premium stuff in the low 90's. Most places I can get 93 but like today at Phillips 66 they top out at 91.

Our SA once told us NOT to use BP, at least from the local St. Louis area as it had been tested to have more than 10% ethanol. Funny since BMW recommended BP right in the manual

I usually go for the 93 at QT or the same at Shell.

Around here we can only get ethanol 'enhanced' fuel. The link below will show places in the US to get non-ethanol fuel. It's probably preferred to anything.

http://www.pure-gas.org

BMW recommends Top Tier retailers (documented in Owner's Manual): http://www.toptiergas.com/
Interestingly, BP is listed as recommended in the Owner's Manual but is not listed as a Top Tier.

Chevron 91

Shell.

I was using Costco but I noticed less performance.

I use Costco Kirkland Signature Premium normally, or Shell V Power/Chevron when traveling.

I look for fast pumps (clean filters) and busy stations (fresh gas).

My SA recommended Chevron Supreme or Shell V Power. He specifically told me to avoid no-name brands as the dealership had seen resulting fuel system damage.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

I use Costco Kirkland Signature Premium normally, or Shell V Power/Chevron when traveling.

I look for fast pumps (clean filters) and busy stations (fresh gas).

Good advice IMO re clean & fresh. I use Shell V or ConocoPhillips.

All gas comes from the same refineries, the only difference is the detergent :P

Originally Posted by kamigawa120

All gas comes from the same refineries, the only difference is the detergent :P

...which is supposedly what distinguishes "Top-Tier" retailers from others.

Originally Posted by kamigawa120

All gas comes from the same refineries, the only difference is the detergent :P

Beside just detergent, other additives may include corrosion inhibitors and lubricants for greater efficiency and power.

I decided to try an ethanol-free gas yesterday! Not easy to find around here. 40cents (US)/gal higher than other 91-octanes! (Note: 91 octane is premium in Colorado.) Filled tank from a remaining range around 20 miles, so presumably just a few gallons of Shell-V left.

At over a mile in altitude, I think I've noticed the following: smoother sounding exterior idle on warm engine, more power, throatier sound. But, could this be the same effect as a good cleaning "makes the car run better"? ;-)

While I try to buy gas from friendly oil origins, I will likely resume to to 10% ethanol just to...you know, support the local corn growers.

Originally Posted by ASG

At over a mile in altitude, I think I've noticed the following: smoother sounding exterior idle on warm engine, more power, throatier sound. But, could this be the same effect as a good cleaning "makes the car run better"? ;-)

That is because ethanol only have 2/3 of the energy of gasoline, the energy in a gallon of ethanol is 76000 BTU and the energy in a gallon of gasoline is 116090 BTU. Non ethanol gas, will also result in better gas milage.

Originally Posted by The X Men

That is because ethanol only have 2/3 of the energy of gasoline, the energy in a gallon of ethanol is 76000 BTU and the energy in a gallon of gasoline is 116090 BTU. Non ethanol gas, will also result in better gas milage.

So we end up spending more to get less. How is that helping anyone? Oh yea, more corn growing. My guess is w/ logic like this the govt is behind it.

Really would like to know....Shell or Bp? I've been using Bp 93 since August 2012 in my 2013 X3 28i. Which is better?

BP isn't available where I live. While I buy mostly 93 octane Shell and Mobil/Exxon, what I'm really looking for is Top Tier, which is what I usually buy.

PS
I had dinner with a Sunoco dealer tonight, and I buy his 91 octane gas from time to time. And yes, Sunoco sells 93 octane, but unlike Shell and Mobil, they sell 91 octane too. Sunoco isn't a Top Tier gasoline. If it were, I would buy it more often.

Originally Posted by Norman38

Really would like to know....Shell or Bp? I've been using Bp 93 since August 2012 in my 2013 X3 28i. Which is better?

Both good gas.

Originally Posted by Norman38

Really would like to know....Shell or Bp? I've been using Bp 93 since August 2012 in my 2013 X3 28i. Which is better?

Shell 93. At least in Chicago area bp sucks. It also supplies the Costco gasoline stations. They had a big bugaboo a few months ago re selling contaminated gas. Shell or Mobil Exxon

Always use Chevron 91 for my X3 coz its better to stay at one brand. Got my advice from my mechanic who had 30 yrs exp......

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