For you gasoline ethanol experts. Can I use 90 grade?

[IS300E30]

I know the gas that is required in the manual is "87" unleaded gasoline and that is all I have been using and now since we have darn ethanol gas and its hard to get ethanol free gas. I drive 45 minutes to this gas station that has ethanol free "87" grade gas. The proper stuff.

Now, I see a gas station that is around 10 minutes from me offering ethonal free gas but a grade of "90." I have never even seen a grade of "90" before. I have only seen 87, 89, 93.

Will non ethonal grade "90" be ok for my 325i or should I stick to the recommended "87." I rather drive farther and have a healthy car then not.

So, what you think?

[nrubenstein]

It'll be great.

[619E30]

Sheeeeit, wish they had 93 here in Cali, but they do sell 100 leaded right around the corner from me ;)

[Kershaw]

running ethanol is fine too.

[NC325iC]

the manual specifies 87AKI which is a measure of the fuels octane level not its ethanol level. the main detractions from using ethanol fuels lie in its lower energy levels and its reactions with rubber hoses. With a low ethanol level, such as in e10 gasoline (gasoline ethanol levels are denoted by e##, e85 is 85% ethanol etc) the deterioration effect is minimal, as the octane level should be the same as whatever it is rated as. In short dont worry about low ethanol levels in your gasoline, sure they suck because the power is down a tiny bit, but they wont damage your engine.