Can you dodge the premium? Article about gas and knocks

TheTwinz · 07-24-2009, 03:25 PM

http://autos.aol.com/article/87-octane-gas

any thoughts or opinions on the matter? especially the knocking/pinging part?

joec500 · 07-24-2009, 06:28 PM

Any high compression motor (pretty much every BMW) or Forced Air Induction motor will greatly benefit from the highest possible octane level.

So will your 300z....

If you are worried about 10-15 cents per gallon, buy an accord or camry.

roozie2001 · 07-24-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joec500

Any high compression motor (pretty much every BMW) or Forced Air Induction motor will greatly benefit from the highest possible octane level.

So will your 300z....

If you are worried about 10-15 cents per gallon, buy an accord or camry.

+100000000.

think about it. 10-15 cents a gallon is on average $1.50 - $2.00 a fill up. even if u fill up once a week. Your roughly give our take a few bucks at an extra $100 a yearrrrrr. If that breaks the bank u definately should not be driving a high performance vehicle and think more along the lines of something more economical such as a hybrid or a diesel to try to save yourself some money.

JayKay335i · 07-24-2009, 06:35 PM

Huge difference felt between 91 and 93. Its not even funny how much of a difference octane makes in our cars.

Kroy · 07-24-2009, 06:44 PM

Not sure if your 300z requires 91 since I know current Z's only require 87.

That being said, I ran my 04 325i on 87 for the better part of 3 years and turned in my lease with no problems ever occuring. But there really is only around a $150-200(est. $15/mo) difference per year between 87 and 91 so if you want it to be in top condition, I think the choice is clear.

Kroy · 07-24-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

Huge difference felt between 91 and 93. Its not even funny how much of a difference octane makes in our cars.

I've never tried 87 in the 335(not planning to either), how much can you feel the difference? I barely felt any difference between 87-91 in the 325i.

TheTwinz · 07-24-2009, 06:52 PM

well I wasn't trying to be cheap, I was more focused on the part where it said most cars these days have very good knock sensors to prevent knock and to retard the timing in case knock or detonation were to occur. If that were the case, then our DME can handle any knocks w/o the use of whatever the argument is about with the Procede and JB3..

scalbert · 07-24-2009, 08:08 PM

One thing to consider is that this was/is (didn't read the article in full) a study on stock engines. Not some running 25% - 50% more power than designed for in a normal service life. In addition, it seemed to be more focused on NA engines as well.

07-24-2009, 03:25 PM	#1
TheTwinz Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 300Z Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 911 iTrader: (0)	Can you dodge the premium? Article about gas and knocks http://autos.aol.com/article/87-octane-gas any thoughts or opinions on the matter? especially the knocking/pinging part?
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07-24-2009, 06:28 PM	#2
joec500 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,004 Posts Drives: it has 4 wheels Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (10)	Any high compression motor (pretty much every BMW) or Forced Air Induction motor will greatly benefit from the highest possible octane level. So will your 300z.... If you are worried about 10-15 cents per gallon, buy an accord or camry.
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07-24-2009, 06:35 PM	#4
JayKay335i Banned 189 Rep 5,046 Posts Drives: ///M323 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Dakota; its best DUHHHHHH iTrader: (1)	Huge difference felt between 91 and 93. Its not even funny how much of a difference octane makes in our cars.
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07-24-2009, 06:44 PM	#5
Kroy Brigadier General 173 Rep 3,032 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Not sure if your 300z requires 91 since I know current Z's only require 87. That being said, I ran my 04 325i on 87 for the better part of 3 years and turned in my lease with no problems ever occuring. But there really is only around a $150-200(est. $15/mo) difference per year between 87 and 91 so if you want it to be in top condition, I think the choice is clear.
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07-24-2009, 06:52 PM	#7
TheTwinz Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 300Z Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 911 iTrader: (0)	well I wasn't trying to be cheap, I was more focused on the part where it said most cars these days have very good knock sensors to prevent knock and to retard the timing in case knock or detonation were to occur. If that were the case, then our DME can handle any knocks w/o the use of whatever the argument is about with the Procede and JB3..
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07-24-2009, 08:08 PM	#8
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	One thing to consider is that this was/is (didn't read the article in full) a study on stock engines. Not some running 25% - 50% more power than designed for in a normal service life. In addition, it seemed to be more focused on NA engines as well.
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