Expert: Dan Roberts - 9/16/2006

Question
I am looking at a 2000 528, and wonder if it requires premium fuel?

Answer
Joe,
The 528i specifies premium 91 octane fuel but in my experience the car will run perfectly on 89 octane but no less than that. In fact what I  have seen is that on 91 octane the cars run pretty poorly in cold weather and better on 89 octane. On a side note if you get the car check the water pump by pulling on the fan blade and seeing if the water pump pulley moves around. The straight 6 motors are known for having less than reliable water pumps and cause bad damage of they go out while driving. You might even think about replacing it even if it seems ok. Have fun with the new car.