Should the BMW 3 Series use 95 or 98 octane gasoline?
3 Answers
BMW 3 Series uses 95 octane gasoline. In principle, the higher the octane rating of the gasoline, the greater the maximum power output the engine can achieve. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture obtained from petroleum through fractionation, cracking, or pyrolysis. It is primarily used as fuel for spark-ignited internal combustion engines and mainly consists of organic compounds derived from crude oil fractionation and various additives. Taking the BMW 3 Series 2021 facelift 320i Sport Package as an example: its dimensions are 4719mm in length, 1827mm in width, and 1459mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2851mm. It is equipped with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission and has a top speed of 222 kilometers per hour.
I've been driving a BMW 3 Series for several years, and as someone who enjoys racing, I highly recommend using 98-octane fuel. The higher octane rating of 98-octane gasoline reduces engine knocking—that clicking sound you hear when you step on the gas—making acceleration smoother and more powerful. BMW engines are designed for high-performance fuel, and with 98-octane, the response is quicker, especially noticeable when overtaking on the highway. Of course, 95-octane can also be used—the BMW manual states that the base model supports 95—but if you frequently drive aggressively or have the sports version, 98-octane is more suitable. Cost-wise, 98-octane is more expensive, but the longer intervals between maintenance sessions make it worthwhile overall. Lastly, always choose fuel from reputable gas stations to ensure quality and avoid impurities that could affect performance.
From a daily commuting perspective, my experience shows that using 95-octane gasoline in a BMW 3 Series is perfectly adequate. 95-octane is cheaper, saving you dozens of yuan per full tank, especially in stop-and-go city driving where performance differences are negligible. BMW's official manual typically states compatibility with 95-octane or higher, so it's fundamentally safe and won't cause engine issues. While 98-octane might offer slightly smoother engine operation, the difference is only noticeable during long highway trips - for regular commuting, 95-octane is entirely sufficient. Always remember to check the fuel cap label or manual to confirm requirements, as some high-performance models may recommend 98-octane. It's both economical and eco-friendly - 95-octane delivers decent fuel efficiency and meets emission standards.
