WHAT TYPE OF GAS TO USE?

[sirjulianv]

I just bought a 1998 318ti 2 weeks ago. I was wondering what type of gas to put in the car (ie, regular, premium, etc). Also i was wondering if i should change the oil in a bmw dealer or just take it to a shell station or something (which one would be better?).
Thanks a lot for any help you ca provide!

[robcarync]

i think the minimum octane rating is 89...which here is mid grade...but i always use premium.

id take it a a bimmer dealer if you cant change the oil yourself.

[bmw318tiChic]

I've used 87 octane for 4 years now and my ti still runs fine.. And I agree with robcarync about the oil change thing, if you don't do it yourself, take it to a BMW dealer.

[bmwracerchick]

I use 87 when the gas prices are way to high, the extra 10 cents is helpful. I take my car to a certified European car and BMW mechanic for my oil change, never anywhere else like a quick lube or a shell station. The main reason is because they dont have the machine to reset your computer that tells you when the oil needs to be changed and I want someone who knows BMWs in an out even for a simple thing as oil changes.

[lkwd318ti]

I always use 91 on my car...
89 is the recommended I believe...

-Randy

[Panzer_M]

Shell 93, Mobil 93, BP/AMACO 93 are what i run in the Club Sport for event days/rallys/Cruises.
Same companies 89 on just regular weeks.

[HuGo]

randy, where do they sell 93 octane?

[Panzer_M]

Originally Posted by bmwracerchick

I use 87 when the gas prices are way to high, the extra 10 cents is helpful. I take my car to a certified European car and BMW mechanic for my oil change, never anywhere else like a quick lube or a shell station. The main reason is because they dont have the machine to reset your computer that tells you when the oil needs to be changed and I want someone who knows BMWs in an out even for a simple thing as oil changes.

that machine is a 12$ device just so you know. and I mean one you pick up at a parts dept, I'll bring mine I got in the UK while on Holiday. for 99$ Peake can F off for a oil/inspection reset.

[sirjulianv]

thanks a lot for all the comments. I really apreciate it. JUst one las thing, about how much will it cost to take the car to a bmw dealer for an oil change....just wondering
thanks

[roadrash]

Dealer prices for services and parts will vary. The only way to get an accurate answer is to contact the dealer you plan to take the car to.

[bmwracerchick]

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

that machine is a 12$ device just so you know. and I mean one you pick up at a parts dept, I'll bring mine I got in the UK while on Holiday. for 99$ Peake can F off for a oil/inspection reset.

Wow I didnt know that machine was so cheap...hmm....and all they do is plug it in a press a button. lol I changed the oil on my lumina when I had it but I never attempted the BMW.

Now that I think about it.....if the dealer doesnt charge much more then my mechanic, I should take it to the dealership because every service job they do, they clean the car. lol free car wash!

[robcarync]

my dealer is about 50 bucks for an oil change...i change my own oil now though. its kind of expensive, but at least you have peace of mind that they know what they are doing

[lkwd318ti]

Originally Posted by 1996Bmw318TI

randy, where do they sell 93 octane?

lol d00d I said that I use 91 not 93...

[HuGo]

Randy, re read the post. I didnt ask where do you buy your 93 octane. I asked where do they sell 93 octane. I was asking if you know a place, not where you buy it.

[Tyler]

I just use regular gas,in the winter i'll put super in a couple of times but this car doesn't need super,not with a 4banger. You'll notice a big difference if you have a v8 and yout put super in it regularly then switch to 87.