Fuel Type

[Alex320]

Apologies if this has been covered previously. I have searched old posts but could not find the information I require.

I have a 1977 E21 320 (M10 Carburettor) and after the death of lead based fuels, have been running her on 98-octane unleaded fuel. I just wanted a bit of feeback on what people thought of this and if I should be using a different grade of fuel.

Thanks.

[Jeroen]

Would be best to run her on 98 octane fuel as much as possible, lead additives are not necessary. But I always keep a few bottles of octane booster in the trunk. I once ended up with a fuel tank that was almost dry and the local gas station only sold 91!

[petroscf]

Once I was emailing with a guy (Rich) from Fritz bits and he told me that all BMW engines after 1973 can run unleaded fuel without problems

"You can run unleaded petrol in all BMW engines after 1973, including yours. You will need to retard the ignition slightly, but it is fine to use unleaded petrol."

I haven't retarded the ignition yet, and I am mainly filling with 100 octane unleaded (ouch!!!expensive!!!), only I am trying to fill with the "leaded" (see LRP below) at least once every 4-5 fillings
Actually here in Greece, leaded petrol has stopped, but some fuel statons sell for non catytic cars, something called Super LRP (which is an unleaded type of petrol with a special additive "Lead Replacement Petrol")

And of course I am also looking to always have some petrol additives as Jeroen says (gas booster, or gas treatment, or injection cleaner etc) in my trunk!!!!

[Alex320]

Thanks for the feedback guys!