I read that you can use E85 in the 335xi, has anyone had experience with such fuel? I was at the pump today and premium unleaded was $3.38/gallon and E85 was only $2.83/gallon...even if it costs me some fuel economy it's still a lot less per gallon at current time.

The E85 was listed at 105 octane, so the octane should be OK...anyone know for certain if this is OK to do?

I don't believe the N54 is designed to run flex fuel. It has a lot more to do with just octane numbers. The stoich of E85 is a lot different than that of gas. Unless your ECU is designed to adjust for this (or you have your own ability to remap), then you will see pretty crappy performance. Even if the ECU was calibrated for this, mileage with E85 is not very good, negating the cost savings at the pump.

I thought I had read somewhere that I was able to E85...however after reviewing the owners manual a little better I read the following:

"Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 85% ethonal, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise the engine fuel supply system will be damaged."

Sorry for asking the question when it was plainly noted in my manual.

I found where my confusion came from, it noted that you can use fuel with "10% ethanol or other oxygenates wih up to 2.8% oxygen by weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void the applicable warranties with respect in materials and workmanship"

I believe I will be staying clear of any of this fuel.

Does anyone have experience running mid-grade fuel? Did it effect performane of fuel economy? Were there any knocks in the engine? I plan on running the premium fuel, but wonder what I will do if sometime it is not available.

Where do people find flex-fuel? I have to see a pump here in California.

Where do people find flex-fuel? I have to see a pump here in California.


Most of the flex-fuel pumps are in the midwest (where the corn growers and their lobbyists are located -- imagine that!).


I would like to post a link, but I am not allowed.

The web site with the info is at e85refueling.com

Where do people find flex-fuel? I have to see a pump here in California.

Stay away from flex fuel. Our cars were designed for solid fuel only (solid but pliable).

Most of the flex-fuel pumps are in the midwest (where the corn growers and their lobbyists are located -- imagine that!).


I would like to post a link, but I am not allowed.

The web site with the info is at e85refueling.com

Yep, the Midwest. And our corn and beef prices are going up due to the run on corn. E85 currently is a bait and switch. Lower price at pump but less gas mileage. Probably uncle sam conspiracy to make us feel like something is being done to combat gas prices.

Yep, the Midwest. And our corn and beef prices are going up due to the run on corn.
mmmmm, Corned Beef *insert picture of Homer Simpson Drooling* :D

mmmmm, Corned Beef *insert picture of Homer Simpson Drooling* :D


Not knocking corn beef, but we eat BBQ here. Ribs, Brisket, Sausage - doesn't get any better than that. If you want some great BBQ in the great white north, I can recommend a great place you can order from that ships.

Not knocking corn beef, but we eat BBQ here. Ribs, Brisket, Sausage - doesn't get any better than that. If you want some great BBQ in the great white north, I can recommend a great place you can order from that ships.
hahaha, we are not that behind the times here, we have BBQ (although admittedly no where close to Texas or the neighbouring southern states). The Corned Beef is just reminiscing my college dorm days, that was the food of choice on a midnight last minute cram before a midterm.

I have to admit I like so called North Carolina BBQ. Slow cooked pulled pork with vinegar based sauce with god knows what is mixed in, spicy. So called Virginia BBQ stinks. Tomato based, might as well put catsup on roast beef. On the other hand, Va country ham is very good. Reuben sandwiches are pretty darn good too. I like my BMW as well.

I found where my confusion came from, it noted that you can use fuel with "10% ethanol or other oxygenates wih up to 2.8% oxygen by weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void the applicable warranties with respect in materials and workmanship"

I believe I will be staying clear of any of this fuel.

Does anyone have experience running mid-grade fuel? Did it effect performane of fuel economy? Were there any knocks in the engine? I plan on running the premium fuel, but wonder what I will do if sometime it is not available.

Hello "MrOffshore":

The wife and I both keep a few bottles of the best octane boost we can find in the back of the vehicles in case we run into towns where we can not get 91 octane.

For example, in Roswell (perhaps because of the Alien landings) the best grade is only 90.

Hello "MrOffshore":

The wife and I both keep a few bottles of the best octane boost we can find in the back of the vehicles in case we run into towns where we can not get 91 octane.

For example, in Roswell (perhaps because of the Alien landings) the best grade is only 90.

That sounds like a good plan to me...

Now in regard to the food...if you've ever been to Chicago you know Twin Anchors has the best ribs...maybe not in the country, but definitely in the region. I've had Texas BBQ, Memphis BBQ, North Carolina BBQ and every place in between...they're all great and have their own style...dry rub, wet, vinegar based, tomato based...it's all good to me as long as the meat itself is fall off of the bones delicious without loads of fat...mind you that you need some fat to get the taste right, but too much is just a waste. I hate restaurants that give you a full slab in two pieces, one of which is great the other is full of fat and bogus meat.

Oh great, now I'm hungry again! :D

The saving so switching to mid grade is really not worth the effort or savings. That extra $2.00 per tank is well worth not having issue or BMW having the ability to say you ran fuel that wasn't to specs.