When it comes to fueling your BMW, choosing the right octane level is important! Pulling into the gas station, you don’t want to be stuck standing at the pump on a hot day wondering which button to push. Many BMW owners often wonder whether they need to use 91+ octane fuel in their vehicles. The short and fast answer is yes, for most BMW models, high-octane fuel is the way to go.
What Is Octane, and Why Does It Matter for Your BMW?
Octane is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist engine knocking or pre-ignition. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture in an engine’s cylinder ignites prematurely, before the spark plug fires, which can cause rough operation, damage to the engine, and a loss in performance. Higher octane fuels, like 91+ octane, are designed to withstand higher compression before igniting. It’s important that you use the right octane for high-performance engines like those found in BMWs.
BMW’s engines are designed to operate under higher compression. These engines have to have higher-octane fuel to work correctly and to their fullest potential. If you don’t use the right fuel you can end up with engine problems.
Performance and Power
BMW vehicles have a strong history in the car world. When you get behind the wheel you can sit back and feel how you get pushed back against your seat, the power of your BMW taking you for the ride of your life through the city streets of Atlanta, getting you to the Centennial Olympic Park to feel the power that was there for the 1996 olympics! Just as the olympians fueled their bodies correctly, you have to fuel your BMW with the right fuel to help maximize power output and keep your engine running at its absolute best.
Fuel Efficiency
No one wants to find that they are traveling less miles per gallon and have to spend more time at the gas station fueling up. When you use the correct octane level for your car, you engine is going to burn fuel more efficiently which is going to increase the amount of miles you get per gallon.
Engine Protection and Longevity
Using high-octane fuel in your BMW can also keep your engine running longer and keep you from having as many issues. If you aren’t using the correct fuel, as time goes by your engine is going to start to feel it – and you’re going to find yourself spending money on repairs. By using the correct fuel that is recommended by the manufacturer, your engine is going to be much happier!
What Happens If You Use Lower Octane Fuel in Your BMW?
If you find yourself using lower-octane fuel in your BMW over and over again, your engine is going to start causing problems. Once you start hearing your engine knocking, you’ve got to start worrying. The knocking tells you that the fuel is igniting prematurely and can lead to long-term damage.
If you are lucky, many newer BMW models have knock sensors that detect engine knocking and adjust performance to protect the engine. While this may help to prevent immediate damage, it also reduces your car’s performance and efficiency, ultimately affecting the driving experience that BMW owners expect.
Choosing the Right Fuel for Your BMW
To make sure that your BMW is running 
correctly and at the top of its game, it’s key that you use the correct fuel. Always refer to your owner’s manual to determine the appropriate octane level for your specific model. If you have any doubts about fuel recommendations or need advice on fuel-related issues, Solo Motorsports, located in Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Norcross, GA, can provide expert guidance and maintenance for your BMW. Our team can help you figure out which fuel you should be using.
Using 91+ octane fuel is necessary for many BMW models to maintain their best performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity. This high-octane fuel ensures that your engine operates smoothly, with maximum power output and minimal risk of engine knocking. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations and using the correct fuel, you can protect your BMW’s engine, enhance its performance, and enjoy a better driving experience.