[Firstbmw96]

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

[MPR]

I always use WaWa 93 gas in my G42. I used WaWa 91 in my Subaru BRZ for 192K trouble free miles. I personally don't think it matters.

[c1pher]

I use top tier gas. Usually Shell, Sunoco and Marathon in my area.

[pw4]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

Manufacturers "recommend" particular brands in their owners' manual. It doesn't matter. If you stick to the reputable brands, you should be fine.

It's just like they "recommend" BMW brand engine oil. BMW doesn't make oil, it just rebottles someone else's.

[viperx100]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

Haha, it's definitely not restricted to just Shell. Like c1pher said, any top-tier gas brand is fine. Steer clear of Patriot, Liberty, and the like (the really cheap ones that take cash only, for example). Shell, Sunoco, Amoco, Chevron, and Exxon are all decent.

[G42UPRA]

There are lots of Shell stations around me so I just stick with that.

I do wish I could find a place with 93 octane but eventually I'll probably start mixing E30 so options will be limited there.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

Maybe.

A UK car mag (EVO) did a gasoline test and found Shell the best. Supermarket (discount) gasoline came in with mixed results. Good, good, bad, good. The reason was that supermarket stations rely on low price and sometimes they get a good quality gasoline at a low price other times, not many times but often enough, they get what they pay for. Name brand gasoline was found to be much more consistent and consistently good.

But the gasoline has to be *fresh*.

'course, that was in the UK, but in CA I found there was a slight difference and for the better running Shell V-Power in my Porsche cars (Boxster and 996 Turbo). I talked to the Porsche techs and they all said they used Shell V-Power with an occasional tank of Chevron Supreme (with Techron).

What I experienced when I switched from Shell V-Power to Chevron Supreme -- a switch made because the Shell station raised its prices and then a near by Chevron station became a less costly source of good gasoline -- is my Boxster engine perked up some after about a tank for Chevron Supreme. However, the Turbo manifested no change for the better (or worse).

Where I live now (AR) while there is a Shell station near me its price for 91 E10 is considerably higher than the price of even 91 ethanol free from a Littlefield station or even 91 E10 from a Casey's, Kum and Go or Philips 66.

However, I have used Littlefield 91 ethanol free in a number of cars since arriving here: Hellcat, M-B cargo van, Scat Pack, BMW 230i, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper S JCW, and now my M2 (but so far just one tank); and there has been no signs of any issues. For all but the M2 I did fill up (with 91 E10) a few times at a Philips 66 station and while I'm sure Philips 66 gasoline is good gasoline (I used it once in a while when in CA) there was no change in how the engines ran.

The short version is really Shell is fine. Just buy from a busy station (this is what the EVO gasoline test recommended) to ensure you get the freshest gasoline.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by viperx100

Haha, it's definitely not restricted to just Shell. Like c1pher said, any top-tier gas brand is fine. Steer clear of Patriot, Liberty, and the like (the really cheap ones that take cash only, for example). Shell, Sunoco, Amoco, Chevron, and Exxon are all decent.

I know BP fell off the list, not sure if they are Top Tier again. I would prefer Shell but it’s not convenient to where I live.

[viperx100]

Originally Posted by c1pher

I know BP fell off the list, not sure if they are Top Tier again. I would prefer Shell but it’s not convenient to where I live.

True

[CarsAndGuitars]

I usually fill with Wawa, Mobil or Chevron 93. The past week gas has been hard to find. I decided not to take a chance and topped off a half tank with Wawa 87 to ensure I wouldn't get stuck without fuel.

I can still hear my parents 1981 Grand Prix 231ci V6 knocking and pinging on acceleration. Modern cars, including ours will adjust to any decent quality fuel.

Maybe its placebo knowing I don't have optimum fuel, but I feel it is a little less responsive. Not a lag but a rounding out of the power delivery.

[eddj]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

with the Premium @Costco you should be good too.

[LivingInSalt]

Shell or QuikTrip here

[OriginalFake]

I go to Shell but mostly because that's the most prevalent gas chain where I live.

[Pentland]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

I read somewhere you're supposed to use Shell. Does it matter?

No.

[XC3LLR8]

Whoever pays BMW to have their name in the owner's manual is what gets recommended.

Try any brand you want; if the car doesn't like it, it will let you know. Plenty of sensors and safety measures engineered to prevent damage.

[XC3LLR8]

Try to do an E30 cocktail if you have the convenience and patience. It's nothing but a win-win.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Try to do an E30 cocktail if you have the convenience and patience. It's nothing but a win-win.

My 230i owners manual states the ethanol limit is 25%. And as far as I know, have seen with my own eyes, I have not come across a pump dispensing E25. There is E10, a few places carry E15, and of course E85 is around (which can vary from 51% to 83% ethanol).

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

My 230i owners manual states the ethanol limit is 25%. And as far as I know, have seen with my own eyes, I have not come across a pump dispensing E25. There is E10, a few places carry E15, and of course E85 is around (which can vary from 51% to 83% ethanol).

In most cases E30 has to be mixed at the pump. Somewhere I've provided details on how to use MyBMW app and the Fuel-It app to take the guesswork out of the calculations.

Ignore your owner's manual, listen to me instead.

[danallxt]

Rockcrusher:

A UK car mag (EVO) did a gasoline test and found Shell the best.

can you provide a link to that article? I cannot find anything like that. Was at the EVO site and check the "Fuels"n section and couldn't find it, perhaps its an older test? Anyway i would love to check it out.

[KevinC]

Use a Top Tier brand.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars...e-a7682471234/

[danallxt]

Their are over 50 US brands that qualify as "Top Tier". There is a top tier website that lists em if you are wondering about your choice (Costco is a top tier). Top Tier is a relatively new concept/standard started in 2004, so its been around a while. Supposedly companies treat top-tier gas to reduce carbon deposits by adding specific detergents. Most stations that are NOT a well recognized brand will have a "top tier" sign out to signify it is top tier.

Note that gasoline formulations will vary by country, and within the US formulations will vary by area and of course season. Federal and state air pollution control programs that aim to reduce carbon monoxide, smog, and air toxins require oxygenated, reformulated, and low-volatility gasoline. Some areas of the country are required to use specially formulated gasoline to reduce certain emissions.

Gasoline is refined from crude oil, transported to central terminals, and held in large containers before being purchased by various gas retailers. Though it’s treated with antioxidants and some detergents, the fuel in these enormous tanks is essentially the same .
Once purchased, companies supplement the fuel with proprietary detergent additives that make it different than competing products.
All the rest is marketing.

[danallxt]

It's just like they "recommend" BMW brand engine oil. BMW doesn't make oil, it just rebottles someone else's.

quote

Updated April 14, 2021

Castrol rejoins BMW's as a oil supplier in 2021 after Shell took over from Castrol beginning in 2015. After 5 years with Shell, Castrol regained their status with the Bavarian automaker.

Shell was supplier (Shell makes Pennzoil) from 2015 to 2021, Then BMW went back to a contract with BP (maker of Castrol) in 2021.

bp (February 15th, 2021), a world leading supplier of high-performance lubricants, and the manufacturer of the Castrol Oil Brands, is proud to announce it has been selected as the engine oil partner for BMW and MINI authorized dealers across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This new five-year agreement re-establishes a long-standing partnership between these two premium brands as Castrol had been the engine oil supplier over a 14-year span

Keep in mind this references US, Canada and Mexico...dunno about other countries.