Premium or regular unleaded

[33006beem]

Just bought a preowned 330i, 2006. Wasn't expecting this, but this article from RT says premium with octane of 91 recommended. What should I expect out of my performance if I don't go 91 octane? It may be recommended but is it required. Any and all commits and opinions on this would be appreciated.
this is the link: 2006 BMW 330i Road Test


Specifications

325i 330i
Engine Type 3.0 Liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine with – Double VANOS steplessly variable intake- & exhaust-valve timing, Vavetronic variable valve lift, Magnesium/aluminum block & Aluminum cylinder head
Horsepower 215 @ 6,250 RPM 255 @ 6,600 RPM
Torque 185 @ 2,750 RPM 220 @ 2,750 RPM
Fuel Recommended Premium 91 Octane Unleaded.
Transmission (std)
Transmission (opt) 6-speed manual transmission
6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic with Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes
Drive Type (std.)
Drive Type (opt.) Rear-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Tires (std. Run-Flat)
Tires (opt. Run-Flat) 205/55HR-16 all-season
225/45WR-17 F, 255-40WR-17 R 225/45VR-17 all-season
225/40WR-18 F, 255-35WR-18 R
Overall Length 178.2"
Wheelbase 108.7"
Width 71.5"
Turning Diameter 36.1 ft Curb to Curb (36.7 ft. with AWD)
Curb Weight 3,285 lbs. 3,417 lbs.
Fuel Tank 15.9 Gals.
Miles Per Gallon (RWD)
Miles Per Gallon (AWD) EPA city 20, hwy 30 (21 / 29 auto).
EPA city 19, hwy 28 (20 / 27 auto). EPA city 20, hwy 30 (21 / 29 auto).
EPA city 19, hwy 28 (20 / 27 auto).
0 to 60 times (RWD)
0 to 60 times (AWD) 6.7 Secs (7.2 Secs with Auto.)
7.1 Secs (7.7 Secs with Auto.) 6.1 Secs (6.3 Secs with Auto.)
6.3 Secs (6.6 Secs with Auto.)
Base Sticker Price $34,800 + $695 destination charge

[drz]

Welcome to bimmerwerkz and congratulations on your new purchase.

The car's anti-knock system will adjust to the lower grade fuel, but you will hurt the performance. A lot of drivers don't seem to mind. However, the engine was designed to run on premium fuel. That is all that I have ever put into my BMW's, since performance is a major factor as to why I purchased these cars. Your car will get better fuel economy running on premium, so if saving money due to gas mileage is your motivation, I would reconsider.

It is all up to you, and going with regular will not kill your engine, but my personal recommendation (and BMW's) is that you feed it its proper diet. It won't cost you much more (about $2 per tank).

[Numark318i]

Not sure what engine the 330 has now, but I know the m54 engine can only retard timing to 89 octane. Seeing how 87 octane is regular you might want to atleast get 89. atleast this is what i believe.


The engine will run better on 91 or higher, i would recommend it. Like Drz says its only a few bucks more...and it will be more fun to drive.

[Dirty_Tool]

its not only about performance. It also has a lot to do with the longevity of your fuel system components as well as carbon buildup on your injectors and valves. You need to run 91 octane "top tier" fuel as recommended by the factory if you want your engine and fuel system to last and for it to perform as it was designed.

[33006beem]

Thanks to all the responses. I also have a 325es and have had it 17 years. I anticipate keeping my 330 for as long as possible as well. With that said, I'll use the 91 octane in hopes of maintaining performance and the longevity of the engine. Thanks again to the much needed advice.

[liljavier]

yea dude keep using premium you would see a mpg difference if u use regular gas trust me on diz

[sprintman]

Always use the BEST fuel you can buy. Why did you buty a BMW?

[lukefirewalker]

I recomend the highest octane, I put 89 in my 2001 530i and my check engine light came on. I immedatly put 91 in ,took it to one of the auto parts stores and they reset the check engine light. I'm good.

[steeda0011]

Friends, does anyone know if the 2007 335i couple is faster in the quarter mile than a 6 speed 2008 350 Z? thanks steeda0011

[bruce325xi]

I only use Top Tier 91 octane fuel in my car .... as recommended by BMW, the Top Tier fuel contains more detergent to keep injectors and valves clean and its only available from some gas stations ... see the following article

Gasoline Quality Update January 2006

[323i4me]

I used regular 87 octane for the first week and switched to 93 octane which we have in Wisconsin. Not only better gas mileage, but immediate and ready power. I love it and like one of the guys said before, only about $2 more at the end. I can handle that.

[Teh Prof]

I remember seeing the heads pulled off of an E39 540 that had been using 87 octane for years. The engine had bent a valve because the buildup on the exhaust valves had become so thick that it collided with a piston. ALL of the exhaust valves were in TERRIBLE shape. Those extra detergents make a huge difference.