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Since fuel economy is an issue, I'm guessing that is cost related. The TSX and many of the German cars take supreme. I don't know the compression ratios of the German cars to know if you can get away with running regular octane, but anything over 10:1 and I wouldn't suggest it. Turbo/supercharged cars can also be iffy since the compression numbers aren't counting the forced air.[/quote]

Small turbo charged engines are the most efficient (giving the best fuel economy) these days, so I definitely would not rule them out if you are looking for a car with good fuel economy.

Small turbo charged engines are the most efficient (giving the best fuel economy) these days, so I definitely would not rule them out if you are looking for a car with good fuel economy.

it's just a side issue and not a deal breaker by any means. i'm fairly sure i'm set on the 128i right now.

i'm coming from a 1994 Accord manual, 22 city/29 highway, and i only spend $25 per week. so going to premium on a 18/28 car isn't going to kill me or anything (hey, i'm rationalizing costs for a cool car already, so it begins... ).

it's just a side issue and not a deal breaker by any means. i'm fairly sure i'm set on the 128i right now.

i'm coming from a 1994 Accord manual, 22 city/29 highway, and i only spend $25 per week. so going to premium on a 18/28 car isn't going to kill me or anything (hey, i'm rationalizing costs for a cool car already, so it begins... ).

128i is pretty solid choice, good luck finding the right one.

VANOS is obviously good from what I've heard, at least if we talk about performance (you get a better torque like in diesel, it's similar to Honda's V-tec). However, I saw loads of topics where people complain on VANOS (it makes strange noises or something like that), but I am talking about E36/E39/E46, since these models are the most popular on Polish BMW forum.
I am sure new models have been improved and as far as I know, even a Double VANOS has become a standard, according to the BMWs site (you can download .pdf file with prizes and check the specification of each model).

128i is pretty solid choice, good luck finding the right one.

thanks, and i'm gonna need it. there's 3 listings for low-mileage, late model 128i's in my area. about that car broker...

(and i'm over the regular v premium thing, this post convinced me i was being way too cheap.)

VANOS is obviously good from what I've heard, at least if we talk about performance (you get a better torque like in diesel, it's similar to Honda's V-tec). However, I saw loads of topics where people complain on VANOS (it makes strange noises or something like that), but I am talking about E36/E39/E46, since these models are the most popular on Polish BMW forum.
I am sure new models have been improved and as far as I know, even a Double VANOS has become a standard, according to the BMWs site (you can download .pdf file with prizes and check the specification of each model).

i think the 128i use a Double VANOS. i still don't understand what that means, but i'm learning quickly!

[emphasis mine]

why wouldn't you suggest it?

i'm not beat up over losing a few hp since this is prob way too much engine for me anyway. so it's just which is more: money saved on regular or the hit to gas mileage when using regular in a premium car. are there more dire consequences i'm not aware of? but mileage is also heavily dependent on personal driving patterns, and i don't go around redlining my car all the time (not yet anyway).

Octane is in practical terms a heat rating. If the car runs at a high compression ratio, using a low octane gas could cause knock, which is the air/fuel mixture detonating prior to the time it should. When this happens, instead of the piston being on the downswing where the explosion of air/fuel pushes it around, the piston may be on the upswing or at top dead center, so the force of the explosion travels through the piston and connecting rod, causing damage to those parts, which = needing engine work.


VANOS is BMW's VTEC, which is an adjustable cam lobe. The cams (intake) open and (exhaust) close the valves that let in the fuel and air into the combustion chamber. At low throttle, the valves are open a shorter duration than wide open throttle (which is the adjustment). More air+fuel=more power. At low speeds (revs or rpm) you don't need lots of air and fuel. Double VANOS or whatever just means there's an adjustment on the intake and exhaust cams. The original VTEC by Honda was only on the intake side. Now everyone pretty much has it on both. Whoever is making double overhead cam engines anyway.


Small turboed engines may be efficient, but they may also require supreme. For the most part you'll be okay - I had a friend who worked for Subaru who ran reg in his turbo WRX STi.
My car has a 10.9:1 compression ratio. I run the middle grade gas with no ill effects.

as it turns out, i will be getting the full amount regardless of which car i choose. i had nice dreams of being a BMW owner the last 2 days, but it's time to get real. Honda Fit, here i come.

and Steppin, thanks for that detailed reply. i won't need to worry about it anymore, but still good to know.

Where do you live, in USA? (i am curious regarding 89 and 93 octane fuel)
Here we have either 95 or 98.

Honda Fit is known in Europe as Jazz, lol it's a completely different car. Small machine for a city drive.

IMO ask yourself a question: are you ok with maintaing a BMW (I assume you can afford it)? If yes, go for it. Hardly any cars will give you so much pleasure. That's why they have their motto "Sheer driving pleasure" and I fully agree with this

Look how quick is 128i (this has been slightly modded), you will fall in love with the sound of inline 6:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fsw3ln8ok

The first time I heard it was in 2009, when my mate from uni introduced me to BMW and showed his E39 523i. I will never forget that drive, still can't believe a 1996 car can be that fast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54MsUDlfGo0

Where do you live, in USA? (i am curious regarding 89 and 93 octane fuel)
Here we have either 95 or 98.

Honda Fit is known in Europe as Jazz, lol it's a completely different car. Small machine for a city drive.

IMO ask yourself a question: are you ok with maintaing a BMW (I assume you can afford it)? If yes, go for it. Hardly any cars will give you so much pleasure. That's why they have their motto "Sheer driving pleasure" and I fully agree with this

i'm in the US. i think octanes available depend on the region. in my area (southern US), there is regular 87, mid-grade 89, premium 93.

as for the car, i was only looking at the BMW because i thought it was a car gift, not a gift-gift... if that makes sense. i mean, i still want the 128i. i'm sad too! but i should use the extra money to pay debts and put money into a retirement account before spending it on a nicer car (not that Honda Fit isn't a nice car, just not as nice as 128i). i think that's the +EV play anyway.

i guess i'll have to work for the BMW. sigh, one day... or did you mean buy a 1996 5-series?

My take on owning a BMW
I am not a BMW kind of person. I prefer vehicles that I can 4x4, camp, and/or travel long distances with plenty of gear. But, I won a 120i (casino poker). Immediately became the wife's car. She loves it. Small, but surprisingly plenty of room for most anything. And powerful for a little engine.

Pros:
*everyone tells me that it is one of the best maintains-its-resale-value cars.
*4 door plus hatchback. Surprises me how much room is inside this car (fairly big guy /w passengers no problem)
*Leather seats (helps keep value and classy)
*lots of power for 4cylinder (no doubts when stepping on gas or downshifting). I usually prefer v6 for my size, gear, and/or passengers.
***Transmission is nice (auto and click-shift) -- nice for mountain curve driving
***backup obstacle warning something I am not accustom to having. nice
* Great stereo with USB. But I expect that in any car today.
* Cruise Control and Steering Wheel control buttons (i.e. stereo). Another expected for me.
* does feel kind of cool getting out of a BMW. but I prefer climbing out of a well used adventure vehicle.
******Wife loves it. Fits her perfectly. Not a camper. More of a hoteler. lol

Cons:
*the engine power does not make the 4cylinder the most economical. compact powerhouse
*dealers swear that we must use premium. Mexico (Pemex) has 87 and 93 octane. Gas is cheaper in Mexico.
*Fricking oil-change and checkup (whatever) cost me about $200. No more Jiffy Lube allowed. lol
*Insurance/Registration was higher than I am accustom. Even old age did not help the insurance a lot. lol
****** Not a Global Warming lover's kind of car. Not economical on petro. I should upgrade it to a bigger one. lol


Oh yeah! My favorite thing about it in a city. Very easy to park.

*Fricking oil-change and checkup (whatever) cost me about $200. No more Jiffy Lube allowed. lol
*Insurance/Registration was higher than I am accustom. Even old age did not help the insurance a lot. lol

it's stuff like this. sure, i can afford a $200 oil change if i plan for it. but do i want to? it's much different than a newer BMW with the free routine maintenance.

and if the rumors of your age are true, Sneakers, the insurance company should be paying you to own a Bimmer. so i def wouldn't like that either.

Free maintence is very attractive for any vehicle. Make sure of this, as nothing like that is provided by BMW universally.

My vehicle is 2 years old (this month), and I got it with 5 Kilometers on it. For the warranty, our maintenance (oil changes) must be done at the dealer, which seems absurd. I need to double-check this again.


Oh, and for the old age thing. lol I may have misspoken. In Mexico, insurance is different. They insure the vehicle, not the person(s) driving it, like in the US.

i guess i'll have to work for the BMW. sigh, one day... or did you mean buy a 1996 5-series?

I would love to work for the BMW...who knows, maybe I will have a chance, I have already sent them my cv. Obv I don't encourage you to buy E39, it's a car for a real fan, since it is quite old and requires lots of attention, money, etc. But its outlook is just outstanding, after 16 years it still looks great.
5-series are limousines, maintenance costs are much higher.

And btw what do you mean by "gift-gift"?

@Sneakers
Wow I thought these lotteries are bullshit, gj man! I am sure your family enjoy that car.

@Sneakers
Wow I thought these lotteries are bullshit, gj man! I am sure your family enjoy that car.

Thanks! I have to admit it does look very nice in the driveway -- and it made my wife very happy.

"Her car" also makes my SUV look better -- like it is supposed to be dirty and muddy on Monday morning -- after a great weekend. Everyone is happier now.