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What happens if you accidentally put regular gas in a BMW?

I’m borrowing my brother’s BMW while my Toyota is in the shop for the next couple of days and I accidentally put regular gas in the car. I thought BMWs used some premium gas or something. What happens if you accidentally put regular gas in a BMW?

avatar
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The short answer is - nothing. Most BMWs can run on regular gas so you aren’t at any risk of causing damage to your brother’s car.
When you put regular gas in a
BMW
instead of premium, the car will recognize this and may run with less power and less timing but all components will work properly. BMWs have sensors that will recognize the type of fuel it is receiving and will operate the vehicle accordingly.
Of course, you’ll want to follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for gasoline (and all other fluids) moving forward, to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle—so don’t make a habit of opting for the cheap stuff! 
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