BMW recommends Shell gas, but it's more expensive than other brands

[pbonsalb]

While there is not a vapor collection system, the valve covers do have baffles leading to the hoses that go to the turbo inlet pipes. The baffles supposedly do a pretty good job trapping oil. My 08 535xi had DI but a different vent system with PCV valves and the amount of goo in the intake ports at 90k miles was surprising — they were about 1/4 blocked. It looks like it would be an engine out job to clean the intake ports on an F90.

I have been running water/meth injection for a couple of years on my F90. It goes through the intake manifolds and supposedly helps reduce carbon build up.

[Rafichicago]

I for all that matters will not fuel at shell or BP and use other top tier fuel stations. Even at 30-40c per gallon I’d rather save it and have a good whisky for those savings rather than give it away for the one of the most taxed product sold in the states. It’s not money thing. It’s ideological

[hellokitty]

Originally Posted by FrankMstein

Since this is an ethanol treatment, it will not extend the OCI or plug life will it?

No, it is just fuel system maintenance.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

While there is not a vapor collection system, the valve covers do have baffles leading to the hoses that go to the turbo inlet pipes. The baffles supposedly do a pretty good job trapping oil. My 08 535xi had DI but a different vent system with PCV valves and the amount of goo in the intake ports at 90k miles was surprising — they were about 1/4 blocked. It looks like it would be an engine out job to clean the intake ports on an F90.

I have been running water/meth injection for a couple of years on my F90. It goes through the intake manifolds and supposedly helps reduce carbon build up.

Yep. BMW really did learn their lesson from the severe buildup with the N54.

[pbonsalb]

As Shawn pointed out, some car makers are now adding port injection to DI systems to reduce carbon buildup.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

VWUSA is making stuff up because they for years opted to not sell US cars with the dual PFI/DI injection system that is used in the European market.


Top tier gas has nothing to do with fuel solution nor will it prevent IVD. Choice of oil and the PCV have an impact.

I'm not sure I buy that. You can if you want. That's up to you.

Your proposal that choice of oil is relevant while ignoring that significant gasoline contamination occurs frequently but top tier gas has "nothing to do with fuel solution" seems nonsensical to me. And NOTHING can prevent intake valve deposits. They can be minimized, but not prevented.

Shawn

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

I'm not sure I buy that. You can if you want. That's up to you.

Your proposal that choice of oil is relevant while ignoring that significant gasoline contamination occurs frequently but top tier gas has "nothing to do with fuel solution" seems nonsensical to me. And NOTHING can prevent intake valve deposits. They can be minimized, but not prevented.

Shawn

It was a typo. I meant to type "fuel dilution" rather than "fuel solution". In any case the purpose behind top tier fuel is to keep injector tips clean. They're incredibly hot in the combustion chamber and at shut down the fuel at the tips will carbonize. Clean tips minimize the change for poor spray pattern. Poor spray pattern can result in high levels of fuel dilution. Make sense? TT fuel has no cleaning effect via the crankcase. It's simply not possible.

As for my oil comment. All else being equal using high SAPS oils (LL01, LL01fe) can result in more IVD compared to Low SAPs (LL04, LL17fe).

The 20w oil used by BMW in the US is low SAPS (ACEA C5) but that wasn't always the case with previous gen TGDI engines.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

It was a typo. I meant to type "fuel dilution" rather than "fuel solution". In any case the purpose behind top tier fuel is to keep injector tips clean. They're incredibly hot in the combustion chamber and at shut down the fuel at the tips will carbonize. Clean tips minimize the change for poor spray pattern. Poor spray pattern can result in high levels of fuel dilution. Make sense? TT fuel has no cleaning effect via the crankcase. It's simply not possible.

As for my oil comment. All else being equal using high SAPS oils (LL01, LL01fe) can result in more IVD compared to Low SAPs (LL04, LL17fe).

The 20w oil used by BMW in the US is low SAPS (ACEA C5) but that wasn't always the case with previous gen TGDI engines.

Hmmm. Maybe you're misunderstanding me. I'm not per se suggesting that TT gas can actually CLEAN the valves, but there is at least suggestions from some authorities that high quality gasoline can help AVOID rapid deposition of deposits. Not the same, but same result. Low quality high volatility gas gets into the oil past the rings and then ends up as a volatile gas in the crankcase that can burn on a hot valve stem.

As far as SAPS go, now you're talking. High quality uniform carbon chain oil can be less volatile and not end up as oil vapor burning on valve stems. But that's not the ONLY cause of deposits. It has to be more complex than that.

Shawn

[cooolone2]

Lol all this ... The DI flaw in design is those dry valves. Ok, but the trade off is better combustion and power. I've considered Meth as a relief to keep those valves wet(ish) and possibly extend maintenance life. Also, I only see one mention of anyone using system or Injector cleaning agents separately. Interesting... Lol too about those penny pinching gas prices while driving a sports car. I'm sure they're not going to drop a $12 can of fuel system therapy in a tank, or every other tank, or every oil change (2-3000 miles). Lol

All of this, remember the RULES!

You gotta PAY to Play!

PICK YOUR POISON...

CHEAP/FAST/RELIABLE

Fast isn't cheap, nor reliable...
Reliable isn't cheap or fast...
Cheap isn't fast or reliable...

If you're cheap, you get the worst deal! If you spend on fast, you can affect reliability, to an extent. You want it to work forever, well that's just boring! Lol

Good Luck!

[Tejas1836]

Use tier 1 gasoline and if only DI, walnut blast intake valves every 30K miles, no big deal. Italian tune ups whenever possible.

[DanG]

Just an update. In my area Shells charges $.80 more for premium than for regular. While Chevron charges $.20 more for premium.

I am now a Chevron buyer. Interesting that Chevron premium is also cheaper than ARCO premium.

[pbonsalb]

Have not checked the nearest Chevron, but 80 cents difference between regular and premium is the norm in my area. I paid $4.29 per gallon the last few tanks for Mobil 93.

Was in Canada last month for a week and paid about 25% more than that.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Have not checked the nearest Chevron, but 80 cents difference between regular and premium is the norm in my area. I paid $4.29 per gallon the last few tanks for Mobil 93.

Was in Canada last month for a week and paid about 25% more than that.

Shell is $5.39 for premium and Chevron is $4.99 near me.

[pbonsalb]

Shell is more expensive than other top tier on my area as well. I rarely buy it. Sam’s Club is probably the best deal in my area and though I belong, I rarely remember to go there since it is less convenient. Sam’s is probably 5-10% cheaper and by some accounts is a top tier gas.

My wife uses the most expensive gas station in the area because it is most convenient. It is often 25-35 cents more per gallon, which adds up with a 22 gallon tank. I think she is trying to get me to fill up her car more.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Shell is more expensive than other top tier on my area as well. I rarely buy it. Sam’s Club is probably the best deal in my area and though I belong, I rarely remember to go there since it is less convenient. Sam’s is probably 5-10% cheaper and by some accounts is a top tier gas.

My wife uses the most expensive gas station in the area because it is most convenient. It is often 25-35 cents more per gallon, which adds up with a 22 gallon tank. I think she is trying to get me to fill up her car more.

Lol. My wife always wants me to fill her car.

[Rhidium]

I always have to fill her car.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Shell is more expensive than other top tier on my area as well. I rarely buy it. Sam’s Club is probably the best deal in my area and though I belong, I rarely remember to go there since it is less convenient. Sam’s is probably 5-10% cheaper and by some accounts is a top tier gas.

.

Sams Club gasoline is not Top Tier rated. However, Costco gasoline is.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Sams Club gasoline is not Top Tier rated. However, Costco gasoline is.

I just read about someone following a Shell tanker to Sam’s Club. Maybe it is not true. Where does Sam’s Club get its gas?

[ShocknAwe]

Just get whatever top tier gas is in your area it doesn't matter and it's all the same. Exactly the same. Sometimes even the same truck.

[pbonsalb]

I guess I’ll stick with Mobil since it is the cheapest name brand and Sam’s club may or may not be good. I see no point in risk. I drove my 2008 E61 535xi to 150k miles on Mobil 93 with no issues. Many have injector problems. I did buy the car as a CPO with 30k and maybe something was replaced before I bought it, but I added 120k and no DI injector issues.

I know have a 2018 M5 and use almost exclusively Mobil 93 and no issues.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I guess I’ll stick with Mobil since it is the cheapest name brand and Sam’s club may or may not be good. I see no point in risk. I drove my 2008 E61 535xi to 150k miles on Mobil 93 with no issues. Many have injector problems. I did buy the car as a CPO with 30k and maybe something was replaced before I bought it, but I added 120k and no DI injector issues.

I know have a 2018 M5 and use almost exclusively Mobil 93 and no issues.

I wish we could get 93. Only 92 here.

[pbonsalb]

Better than 91. I recently drove 1500 miles, mostly in Canada, and had to fill up with 91 a couple of times. And pay a lot more for the gas!