Great topic, one I think we discussed in the past. I'll open with my thoughts and the group can chime in. Owners manual says 87.
In Kalifornia at least, my EB runs fine on our crap 87 fuels, even the "winter blend" which contains Ethenol up to 10 maybe 15% which by itself is not a bad thing, alcohol burns cleaner them regular ole gasoline alone and adds a cooling affect to the burn, and slowing down the flame front. With the winter blends you will probably see a drop in MPG, alcohol has a lower BTU rating. It does help with pre-ignition at the cost of MPG.
Fuels mostly vary by additives by each manufacturer, the raw "base stock" fuels are perceived to be basically the same, add the brands "secret formulations" and the distinctions are born.
Regular fuels burn just fine, lots of BTUs, now add the additives and the fuels change characteristics such as a slower burn so it does not burn so quick and higher octane fuels are born. The higher grade fuels have more additives adding to cost, these additives also help clean deposits, or so they say.
I run crap 87 fuels all the time, runs just fine, I believe because of the knock sensors and the variable valve timing. I'm sure my carbon deposits on the valves are higher because the regular fuels are not "as refined" as the higher grades.
Now if you start playing with engine tunes the game changes, BTW my EB is stock, and it's super fun to drive on regular.
In Kalifornia at least, my EB runs fine on our crap 87 fuels, even the "winter blend" which contains Ethenol up to 10 maybe 15% which by itself is not a bad thing, alcohol burns cleaner them regular ole gasoline alone and adds a cooling affect to the burn, and slowing down the flame front. With the winter blends you will probably see a drop in MPG, alcohol has a lower BTU rating. It does help with pre-ignition at the cost of MPG.
Fuels mostly vary by additives by each manufacturer, the raw "base stock" fuels are perceived to be basically the same, add the brands "secret formulations" and the distinctions are born.
Regular fuels burn just fine, lots of BTUs, now add the additives and the fuels change characteristics such as a slower burn so it does not burn so quick and higher octane fuels are born. The higher grade fuels have more additives adding to cost, these additives also help clean deposits, or so they say.
I run crap 87 fuels all the time, runs just fine, I believe because of the knock sensors and the variable valve timing. I'm sure my carbon deposits on the valves are higher because the regular fuels are not "as refined" as the higher grades.
Now if you start playing with engine tunes the game changes, BTW my EB is stock, and it's super fun to drive on regular.