95 or 98

For all your questions, problems and DIY stories
Post Reply
User avatar
Mcinek
E21 Fanatic
Posts: 273
Joined: Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:19 pm
My E21(s): '80 BMW 323i
Location: Katowice, Poland

95 or 98

Post by Mcinek »

What fuel is proper for 1980 323i, 95 or 98 octane?


BMW E21 323i - My beloved classic car.
BMW "Freude am Fahren"
Marcin
User avatar
murran
E21 Pro
Posts: 1309
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:20 pm
Location: sheffield

Post by murran »

95 unless youve modified the engine with a slightly higher compression ratio and had it mapped to run on 98.

modern cars have active knock control and can effectly adjust themselves to run the best they can on either octane fuel.
old cars cant, so cant take advantage of 98 unless being mapped to run on it.
on old cars its just not worth paying the extra for 98.
Image
Jeroen wrote:Bmwe21.net, for all your insurance solutions :P
User avatar
J.K.jr.bad.
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 100
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:09 am
My E21(s): BMW 315, BMW 323
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ADParts
Location: Latvia
Contact:

Post by J.K.jr.bad. »

Guys who knows how to properly adjust ignition angle should have book where they can find information about correct angle for particular octane fuel. So you can choose correct ignition angle either for 95 or 98 octane fuel. ;)
-----------------
J.K.jr.bad.
User avatar
PeteK
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 192
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:18 am
My E21(s): 1979 323i Euro
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Contact:

Re: 95 or 98

Post by PeteK »

I've heard people say the higher octane fuel has better quality control, so is less likley to contain contaminants. Sounds unlikley, but I drive the 323i so rarely I always use 98.
Pete K
'79 323i (for good times)
'81 M535i (for collecting)
'75 520i (track machine)
'03 320i (for commuting)
'97 Laser
http://team-orange.blogspot.com/
User avatar
Lars-Nord
E21 Pro
Posts: 535
Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: Norway

Re: 95 or 98

Post by Lars-Nord »

In my usermaual it say "min 98 octan". Thats what i use on my car.
81 e21 323i polaris
That's a whole lott of engine under the bonnet;-)
User avatar
tommi_e21
E21 Mad
Posts: 1536
Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 2:31 am
Location: letchworth sg61hy

Re: 95 or 98

Post by tommi_e21 »

Bens engine (although higer compression than most) sounded shit on low octane shell fuel, pinked like fook when he was getting it mapped, up to the point where we had to drain the tank and get shiny new high octane fuel to continue
BMW e21 - 320tsi - Project Rajay
Audi 50 RS
1/2 a BMW 2002 tii - Project Nipon
Smart 4/2 84bhp cabriolet - Company car
User avatar
J.K.jr.bad.
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 100
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:09 am
My E21(s): BMW 315, BMW 323
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ADParts
Location: Latvia
Contact:

Re: 95 or 98

Post by J.K.jr.bad. »

You all have to chech your engines for correct ignition timing angle. After setting it correct you can start to find best fuel for your car.
-----------------
J.K.jr.bad.
Post Reply