5-Series (E12,E28, E34, E39, E60)Chat relating to the BMW 5-Series of all generations. Specific models include: BMW 518, BMW 520, BMW 520i, BMW 530i, BMW 528i, BMW 530i, BMW 518i, BMW 524d, BMW 525i, BMW 525e, BMW 528e, BMW 540i, BMW 535i, BMW 520d, BMW 525td, BMW 525d, BMW 530d, BMW 525i/xi, BMW 530i/xi. (BMW 5-Series Forum)
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I am considering buying a 1997 540I with 67,000 miles. The car appears to be in excellent condition other than the remote entry not working. (The owner says the battery is dead.) The one thing that bothers me is when I asked the owner if he used premium gas he replied "They say you are suppose to but I never have and haven't had a problem." Can the 540 ignition control computer compensate enough to prevent lower octane gas from damaging the engine? The engine was very quiet and seemed to run fine.
Yes it can... or it should be able to... which means.. it just wasnt running as good as it could. put the good stuff in there.. and it will probably run a little cleaner.. and eat less gas.... because it doesnt take as much to mix with the air to combust.
Good advise above BMW don't go the cheap way. Trust me it will get you back on all the savings on gas (regular vs. super) 10 cents more on a galon? one fuel injector will take care of the diffrence for about...you do the math...stay super..read the manual...open the gas tank cover and read the instructions....regards
I was surprised at the difference in MPG I got when switching from regular to premium + the slight performance enhancement is worthwhile.
All of the 5 series have a knock control sensor which allows you to use pretty much what ever fuel you like and it will adjust to it. Premium is obviously the best choice (otherwise it wouldn't be called premium) and all the performance figures you will see from your BMW manual (mpg, mph 0-60 etc.) are taken using the premium fuel grade in the country the car is sold in - so to achieve these figs. you have to use premium.
It certainly shouldn't have bothered the engine in anyway but you're running a beamer not a honda - treat her nicely and buy her the best.
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