This Just In

[Frupal]

I spoke with my mechanic about the slight vibration on idle and he suggested that I stop buying Costco gas, and run a couple of tanks of Chevron or Shell through it. Says Costco has too much ethanol in it, is more suitable for newer cars. What do you think?

[Walt White Coupe]

Highly unlikely. All pumps that I see say max of 10% ethanol. The percentage of ethanol in gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 93 is either 10% or 15%. They are called E10 and E15 fuels, respectively. The E15 fuel is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It was introduced in 2012 for use in vehicles built after 2001. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all gas pumps display a label that shows the percentage of ethanol in the fuel.

[swissfraser]

I agree its unlikely but would also suggest that your car will definitely thank you for the occasional tank of premium fuel.

[FlyinLowSD]

From everything I’ve read, Costco/Kirkland stepped up their game a few years ago, and their fuel meets stringent Top-Tier specs. Maybe not exactly Shell V-power, but up there in quality.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by swissfraser

I agree its unlikely but would also suggest that your car will definitely thank you for the occasional tank of premium fuel.

I ALWAYS run premium

[TGrits10]

Your mechanic's old, right? One of those boomers who needs his kids to protect him from internet scammers? Has automotive wisdom that mayyyy have applied decades ago but definitely isn't a thing today? I'm presuming a lot here but damn, that's some really dumb advice he's given you.

[Blaxwil]

Before changing your fuel or telling your mechanic to GTH, go to your local automotive supply store and pick up a can of CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. Remove your two MAF sensors and apply a steady stream of cleaner across them. Let them dry overnight and thank me later.

[Frupal]

Cleaned the Mass Air Flow Sensor, went smoothly, but I lost one of the rubber sleeves for the tabs on the engine beauty cover. Ordered from BH BMW. $4.00. It seems to run a bit smoother! Next, Chevron injector cleaner - soon as the tank gets low enough. When I had that cover off, I saw how easy it'll be to change the plugs. Did it on a 330, but this might even be easier, moe room under the hood!

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe

Highly unlikely. All pumps that I see say max of 10% ethanol. The percentage of ethanol in gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 93 is either 10% or 15%. They are called E10 and E15 fuels, respectively. The E15 fuel is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It was introduced in 2012 for use in vehicles built after 2001. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all gas pumps display a label that shows the percentage of ethanol in the fuel.

Thanks for the info. Perhaps the mechanic was thinking of my 2001 CLK 430. It's on the cusp there, but I always use the Costco fuel and it hasn't presented any objections. I cleaned the MAFS and it seemed to help. We'll see.

[FlyinLowSD]

Frupal Good to hear. I’m embarrassed to say that cleaning the MAF has not been on my radar and I am nearly due for major service. Glad this came up, and that this seems to be solving the problem for you. Will have to put my own work off for a bit though, and get back to the old trusty commuter for awhile.


I did, however, also nearly lose that same sleeve at a rear tab during my recent oil change. Luckily, I found it about 3 cm away - it hadn’t fallen into the depths yet. Will be paying attention from here on out when I take the cover off. Can you provide the part number for future reference? In this case, easiest to ask since you just ordered. Thanks!

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

Frupal Good to hear. I’m embarrassed to say that cleaning the MAF has not been on my radar and I am nearly due for major service. Glad this came up, and that this seems to be solving the problem for you. Will have to put my own work off for a bit though, and get back to the old trusty commuter for awhile.


I did, however, also nearly lose that same sleeve at a rear tab during my recent oil change. Luckily, I found it about 3 cm away - it hadn’t fallen into the depths yet. Will be paying attention from here on out when I take the cover off. Can you provide the part number for future reference? In this case, easiest to ask since you just ordered. Thanks!

It's like they have self-propulsion! I have a pic, but no part number yet. I'll forward after I get the part.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

Frupal Good to hear. I’m embarrassed to say that cleaning the MAF has not been on my radar and I am nearly due for major service. Glad this came up, and that this seems to be solving the problem for you. Will have to put my own work off for a bit though, and get back to the old trusty commuter for awhile.


I did, however, also nearly lose that same sleeve at a rear tab during my recent oil change. Luckily, I found it about 3 cm away - it hadn’t fallen into the depths yet. Will be paying attention from here on out when I take the cover off. Can you provide the part number for future reference? In this case, easiest to ask since you just ordered. Thanks!

Here’s the part number:

[FlyinLowSD]

Originally Posted by Frupal

Here’s the part number:

Thank you!

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

Thank you!

Your welcome! Just fyi, they come in a set of two.

[ACCD]

Haven't been on the site for a while, but jumped in on this post. My 6er has ALWAYS idled a little bumpy since day one. I would think if the MAS was dirty enough to cause rough driving, wouldn't it throw a CEL? I'm one of those old boomers and I would never say "just change where you get gas". Now I may say, try a bottle of Seafoam....
However, my butt is headed out to the garage to clean my MAS anyway!
88,000 miles on my 2013, fingers crossed, but it runs strong and looks brand new. How could I ever replace it without spending LOTS of $$$S.

Glad to see some of the old members still have their 6er!