E36 328i Petrol (super or not)

[pbirkett]

I've done a bit googling but nothing conclusive. Does the E36 328 benefit from use of super unleaded (as in extra power, better fuel consumption)? I've just been using 95 at the moment, but if it is more economical / powerful using super, then I'd consider using that instead. Any thoughts?

[tractor 2990]

my opinion is no you wouldnt see any benefit worth 5-7p per litre extra from using super unleaded in performance terms i use 99 ron because the car was set up for 98 ron the super unleaded are suppose to have better addictives in them which can only be good thing but if you fill up with 95 ron at non supermarkets it might help

[Tallis]

I find Super is best for my e36 Evo m3 - You CAN notice it & drives miles better!!!

Edited by Tallis on Thursday 30th December 08:00

[4rephill]

tractor 2990 said:

my opinion is no you wouldnt see any benefit worth 5-7p per litre extra from using super unleaded in performance terms i use 99 ron because the car was set up for 98 ron the super unleaded are suppose to have better addictives in them which can only be good thing but if you fill up with 95 ron at non supermarkets it might help

That's not strictly true,if your car is an E36 328i then according to the owners handbook it can run on any unleaded fuel from 91 RON to 98 RON due to the use of knock sensors.


It then says:
The rated performance and fuel consumption values are achieved with:
Premium-grade unleaded fuel (octane number 95, Research Method).

For higher performance and lower fuel consumption, it is also possible to use Super Plus/premium plus fuel (octane rating number 98, Research Method).

So essentially it was set up to run on 95 RON.

I run My 328i sport on Super unleaded partly out of force of habit (My old E30 325i sport could only run on super unleaded), and partly due to personal preference, whether it's a better fuel or not, I prefer to run on it!.

The one time I did try a tank of 95 RON, My car thanked Me by having a crankshaft sensor failure! (logic says it was merely a coincidence but I'm convinced the car was having a strop about the cheaper fuel!).

As others have said, the best bet is to try a few tankfuls of each for yourself and see what your personal preference is, with either fuel you shouldn't do any harm.

[Luca Brasi]

I always put cheap rate (€ 1,40/L) 95 in my 325. Runs absolutely fine. Tried fancy Shell 98 a few times, really couldn't tell the difference performance- or economywise.

[Para]

I was having ongoing erratic idling issues. I cleaned my carb. That helped a little. But I started using super and gradually over the course of a couple of months my 320i e36 just started running smoother and smoother. So I always use it. Its cleaner. Even now occasionally I get a tank of regular. I notice the difference.

[E-bmw]

e36 320 with a carb????

[SebringMan]

I had an E36 323i. I used to put in 95 until one day I put in 98 and then another tank afterwards. In short:

-The low end sluggishnes that was very apparent on 95 went away completely.
-It started up and ran smoother.

I am surprised as it was a detuned engine in reality.

[LanceRS]

My 328 ran much better on decent fuel. Felt really sluggish and unresponsive on 95. Fuel economy improved too (possibly just because you don't have to try so hard to get the car moving).

[SidewaysSi]

Isn't Shell 99 ron so will it be ok?