Whether you're considering a new BMW SUV in the Irondale area or you already have one, you may be wondering if your vehicle requires premium gas. At BMW of Birmingham, we understand that fueling up with the right grade of gasoline is important for optimizing the performance and longevity of your BMW SUV's engine.

BMW Recommends Premium Gas for Best Performance

For most BMW SUV models, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. Using premium gas helps ensure your BMW SUV delivers the power, efficiency and performance you expect near Birmingham.

The higher octane rating of premium gas is designed to prevent "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion, especially in high-performance engines like those in BMW SUVs. This allows the engine to operate at optimal levels and can even contribute to improved fuel efficiency over time.

Regular Gas is Acceptable in a Pinch

While BMW of Birmingham advises using premium gas for peak engine performance, your BMW SUV can safely run on regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 if needed. The advanced engine management systems in BMW vehicles can adjust the timing to accommodate lower octane fuel and prevent knocking.

However, using regular gas long-term may result in reduced performance and fuel efficiency compared to using premium gas as recommended. If premium unleaded gasoline is unavailable or too costly, using regular gas occasionally will not harm your BMW SUV's engine.

Trust BMW of Birmingham for Vehicle Care Advice

At our Irondale dealership, BMW of Birmingham is committed to helping you get the most out of your BMW SUV. Our knowledgeable service staff can advise you on the proper fuel grade for your specific model and answer any other vehicle care questions you may have.

Visit Our Dealership Today

Whether you live in Irondale or are visiting from the greater Birmingham area, you can pay us a visit to find your new BMW in Alabama today.