What type of gasoline should a BMW 1 Series use?
3 Answers
BMW 1 Series is more recommended to use 95 octane gasoline. Gasoline grade selection: Common gasoline grades in China mainly include 92 octane and 95 octane. The gasoline grade indicates the octane number in the gasoline. The higher the octane number, the better the anti-knock performance of the gasoline. Diesel grades are different from gasoline, as diesel grades represent the freezing point. Refueling precautions: Try not to wait until the fuel light comes on before refueling. Because the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, it operates at a high temperature when working continuously. Being immersed in fuel helps to effectively cool it down. When the fuel light comes on, it means the fuel level is already below the fuel pump. If you always wait until the light comes on to refuel, it will shorten the service life of the fuel pump. Having too little fuel or running out of fuel can also burn out the fuel pump. If the vehicle has been driven for more than 30,000 kilometers, extra caution is needed. Once the fuel pump draws in sediment from the bottom of the fuel tank, it can easily cause blockage of the fuel pump or fuel line.
When I drove my BMW 1 Series before, I tried using 92-octane gasoline a few times, but the engine noise became noticeably louder and the car was prone to jerking. Later, during a service at the 4S shop, the technician explained that the car's factory settings require higher-octane fuel and recommended using 95-octane or above. BMW engines have a high compression ratio, and using lower-octane gasoline can easily cause knocking, which may damage the pistons and fuel injectors over time. Now, I've made it a habit to always choose 95-octane fuel at the gas station. Although it's a bit more expensive, the power delivery is much smoother, acceleration feels more explosive, and surprisingly, fuel consumption hasn't increased. I also make sure to only refuel at reputable gas stations to avoid impurities clogging the system. If you're a new owner, you can directly check the owner's manual or the label sticker—usually located near the fuel filler cap—for detailed recommendations. Don't try to save a little money by cutting corners; maintaining your car requires a long-term perspective.
In terms of vehicle maintenance, I frequently work with various BMW models, including the 1 Series. They typically require 95 or 98 octane gasoline because the engine design is relatively sophisticated, and high-octane fuel helps prevent knocking and protects turbo components. While regular 92 octane fuel is cheaper, its combustion efficiency is poor, which can easily lead to carbon buildup and shorten engine lifespan. If you insist on using lower-octane fuel, the car might tolerate it once or twice in emergencies, but prolonged use will trigger dashboard warning lights and result in sluggish acceleration. Additionally, different model years of the BMW 1 Series may have varying requirements—older models might be more lenient, while newer ones are stricter. Always check the fuel cap label or the owner's manual during inspections, and don't blindly follow others' advice. For hassle-free maintenance, consistently using high-octane fuel is key.
