Can the BMW 1 Series use 92-octane gasoline?
2 Answers
No. The owner's manual and fuel tank cap of this vehicle specify that gasoline with an octane rating of 95 or higher must be used. This provides better protection and maintenance for the vehicle and extends the service life of its components. Gasoline octane rating: It is the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the octane rating, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane. A higher octane rating is not necessarily better; the appropriate gasoline octane rating should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. Gasoline rating adjustment timeline: In December 2011, Beijing proposed changing the gasoline ratings from "90, 93, 97" to "89, 92, 95" and stipulated that the sulfur content must not exceed 0.001%.
As a BMW 1 Series owner, I believe it's best to use higher-octane gasoline, such as 95 or 98. The octane rating of 92 gasoline is too low, and BMW engines have a relatively high compression ratio. Using lower-octane fuel can easily cause knocking, leading to engine vibration or reduced power. I once tried using 92 gasoline, and the car felt sluggish while consuming more fuel—definitely not worth it. Over time, increased carbon deposits can affect the engine's lifespan, and repair costs would far exceed the small savings on fuel. I recommend checking the owner's manual or consulting a professional technician—BMW generally recommends using 95-octane or higher gasoline. This not only protects the car but also ensures smoother and safer driving. After all, nobody wants to break down on the road.
