I just took my mini in for maintenance and re flash of the chip due to infrequent yoyo at idle. The dealer just called to say that the latest bulletin from BMW indicates that the customer must try to use lower octane gasoline to see if it solves the issue before reprogram. What do you guys think? the latest flash of the ecu was on november 2004.

thanks

 

First off, I think I'd make them show me the bulletin from BMW and then give me a written guarantee that using lower octane fuel won't damage the car in any way, including the performance aspect.

IIRC the manual states that the fuel has to be at least 91 octane...

 

Smells like a BIG load of dealer BS to me.

 

Wow, they gave me the "you have the me-too syndrome" speech. Atleast they gave you advice, even if it doesn't sound like healthy advice.

 

Sounds like a lame response. How is the octane rating going to affect the idle?
I would challenge them on this and ask to see the bulletin. Sounds like they don't know and are just blowing you off to make room for paying customers...