[WKTimpco]

My wife’s BMW required the highest octane. I didn’t know that. I put in the lowest octane. I complained that there was a delay when I stepped on the gas. She reported that to her BMW salesperson. He immediately knew what the problem was. When I started putting in the highest octane the problem disappeared. The owner’s manual usually gets it right. Most people don’t read it.

[thoughtomator]

I knew someone who had engine troubles with a high-end Porsche, he took it to the dealer and swore that he only put in the premium gas. Dealer told him that was the problem, that the engine was specifically designed for regular gas, and the premium was causing the engine knocks.

[Trumpet 1]

Exactly. Here in Denver the grades are 85 87 89. My car needs 87. If I try to operate with 85 it feels like a person trying to go jogging on an empty stomach. Just not enough energy.

[Lockbox]

Your wife’s BMW has little German gnomes who make sure BMW drivers buy the most expensive items, and if not they cripple the car until you pay enough!

Before you get mad, my wife drives a BMW and I speak from experience.

[Mrs.Z]

The new high horsepower 6 cylinder Mustang and Camaro need a higher octane to avoid hesitation also.

[kvanbrunt2]

93 sonoco

[Huck]

My ‘02 WRX only drinks premium. Gave it regular one time after whichever superstorm that was when we had gas lines. It drove OK but I went right back to premium.

[trebb]

My wife’s BMW required the highest octane. I didn’t know that. I put in the lowest octane. I complained that there was a delay when I stepped on the gas. She reported that to her BMW salesperson. He immediately knew what the problem was. When I started putting in the highest octane the problem disappeared. The owner’s manual usually gets it right. Most people don’t read it.

Yep - my Mercedes has a turbo and requires minimum 91 octane - the sales rep said he used 89 octane in his if from a name brand vs. "generic" but it makes enough difference that I won't torture my car with it to save $2 per fill up.