Fuel shortage in Texas - Octane questions

[clomeli21]

I'm in San Antonio TX where while there is no actual shortage in TX refineries... Panic purchasing has created somewhat of a shortage and most fuel stations are either out of gas, have tremendous wait times (60-90+), purchase limits to 10gal per car. And almost all pumps that do have fuel only have diesel or regular unleaded 87 oct.

It's been like this for 4 days now, not sure when it'll get better. I'm down to about 50 miles before empty. I'm thinking of giving in and waiting in the long lines.

Questions is: if I fuel up with 87... what is the risk? Would an octane booster do the trick? I've never pumped anything but 91-93 on any of my M cars.

I'm in a '16 F12 btw!

[Evil Derboy]

Like most modern engines, these cars have anti-knock technology which will adjust the timing to suit. The performance of your car won't be as good on the lower octane fuel but that's it.

[BMWRog]

This from BMW:-


Gasoline quality - BMW recommends AKI 93.
Minimum fuel grade BMW recommends AKI 91.

Do not use any gasoline below the minimum fuel grade as this may impair engine performance.

If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rating, the engine may produce knocking sounds when starting at high outside temperatures. This has no effect on the engine life.

[mjposner]

"This has no effect on the engine life." Maybe not short term but it does cause long term deposits inside the engine.

[BMWRog]

Originally Posted by mjposner

"This has no effect on the engine life." Maybe not short term but it does cause long term deposits inside the engine.

Agreed. But hopefully the OP will be able to get back to his regular grade of fuel without having run too many miles on the cr*p stuff...

[mjposner]

Could get octane booster at local auto parts store as well....

[upstate650]

Just loot your local Napa store and grab some octane booster - problem solved!