XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum
 
TireRack





Go Back   XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum > BMW X5 Forums > General BMW X5 (E70) and X5M Forum (2006-2013)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-12-2013, 07:22 PM   #1
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Stay away from Costco gas

I've had issues with my fuels injectors in the X5M 3 times within 20k miles, I always suspect if it was related to Costco gas, since I exclusively use Costco gas for all of our cars. Never had any issues.

After the dealer replaced all the injector last time I decided to stay away from Costco gas as I've read other people had fuel related issues with Costco gas.

After many hundred of miles, no issues cars runs great. I was running on fumes yesterday and the only gas station close by was Costco so I said what heck.

Immediately afterward the car was not running right, felt sluggish and slow. Not very responsive at all.

I forced myself to drive all over LA today, from 71 to 60 to 10 to 405 to 105 to 91. Traffic sucks! Used up about half of a tank and filled it up right away with Mobil gas.

So all I can say is stay away from Costco gas!

Last edited by mrpcar; 03-13-2013 at 07:09 AM..
Appreciate 0
      03-12-2013, 11:44 PM   #2
JUSTIN335
.
JUSTIN335's Avatar
United_States
46
Rep
385
Posts

Drives: 2012 535i m-sport
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Carlsbad/Laguna Beach

iTrader: (1)

Me and my cousin both had misfiring 335s (common issue) that took quite a few dealer visits to fix (for me). They fixed mine over a year ago, but he still has problems to this day. He ONLY buys Costco gas, but I've never used it. And his misfires were always more severe than mine. He hates his car now because he gets a check engine light every time he accelerates hard, yet the dealer can't seem to fix it. I need to show him this, since I don't think he ever considered the fuel.
__________________
2012 F10 535i
2013 E70 X5M
2007 E92 335i - sold
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 07:11 AM   #3
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by JUSTIN335 View Post
Me and my cousin both had misfiring 335s (common issue) that took quite a few dealer visits to fix (for me). They fixed mine over a year ago, but he still has problems to this day. He ONLY buys Costco gas, but I've never used it. And his misfires were always more severe than mine. He hates his car now because he gets a check engine light every time he accelerates hard, yet the dealer can't seem to fix it. I need to show him this, since I don't think he ever considered the fuel.
Hard to believe, but I am fairly confident there is something wrong with Costco gas. Maybe it is not as evident on "regular" low performance cars, but it does weird stuff to a precise direct injected turbo charged engine.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 08:06 AM   #4
Spaceballs
Private First Class
Spaceballs's Avatar
4
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 2010 Space Grey X5M
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: The Un-Constitution State

iTrader: (0)

Interesting, since I only use Costco gas in my X5m and M3 without issue....knock on wood!
__________________
'10 Space Gray, Cinn Int.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 08:22 AM   #5
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spaceballs View Post
Interesting, since I only use Costco gas in my X5m and M3 without issue....knock on wood!
It could be just California, since we have all the stupid regulations with summer. winter blend etc etc... It may be all the high ethanol content that's causing the issue.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 12:24 PM   #6
chrisnyc
Private
chrisnyc's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
71
Posts

Drives: bmw x5 50i
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: nyc

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpcar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spaceballs View Post
Interesting, since I only use Costco gas in my X5m and M3 without issue....knock on wood!
It could be just California, since we have all the stupid regulations with summer. winter blend etc etc... It may be all the high ethanol content that's causing the issue.
Huh interesting, but isnt that a known issue with x5 (especially M)?

Btw are you guys using these fuel injector cleaners (stp and similar) or other fuel additives ?
__________________
chrisNYC
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 03:18 PM   #7
mrmomo313
Captain
mrmomo313's Avatar
United_States
56
Rep
691
Posts

Drives: M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Only shell vpower 93 octane in my rides or BP if theres no shell around. I've always had my reservations about gas from costco, meijer and other no name places. Glad your trucks running strong again, was wondering why your 12 would be giving you all those injector probs
__________________
2012 X5M Monte Carlo Blue/Black-SOLD
Velos Stage 2/Velos Catless downpipes/Dinan exhaust/Dinan Suspension

2018 M6 Gran Coupe Competition- Singapore Grey/Aragon Brown
DME Stage 3

Last edited by mrmomo313; 03-13-2013 at 05:28 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 04:07 PM   #8
Spaceballs
Private First Class
Spaceballs's Avatar
4
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 2010 Space Grey X5M
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: The Un-Constitution State

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpcar View Post
It could be just California, since we have all the stupid regulations with summer. winter blend etc etc... It may be all the high ethanol content that's causing the issue.
We too have the summer and winter blends with up to 15% ethanol, but the difference may be that we (and Costco in Ct.) have 93 octane available everywhere, and the occasional 94 in some Shell and Sunoco stations.
__________________
'10 Space Gray, Cinn Int.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 10:11 PM   #9
krisnetaji
Private First Class
52
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: AUSTIN, TX

iTrader: (0)

Nothing is wrong with Costco Gas. Everyone uses the same supplier. They only add a small amount of additive which costco does.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 11:03 PM   #10
JNoSol
Brigadier General
JNoSol's Avatar
United_States
1378
Rep
3,834
Posts

Drives: 750 MSPORT & E90M3
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kansas City

iTrader: (0)

BP 93 contain, never gone wrong. I forgive them for spilling good oil years back.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 11:22 PM   #11
Thinkkkker
BMWs since 1977
United_States
2
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: '12 X5M Silverstone
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern California

iTrader: (0)

Cool How bout a Costco fuel test

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpcar View Post
I've had issues with my fuels injectors in the X5M 3 times within 20k miles, I always suspect if it was related to Costco gas, since I exclusively use Costco gas for all of our cars. Never had any issues.

After the dealer replaced all the injector last time I decided to stay away from Costco gas as I've read other people had fuel related issues with Costco gas.

After many hundred of miles, no issues cars runs great. I was running on fumes yesterday and the only gas station close by was Costco so I said what heck.

Immediately afterward the car was not running right, felt sluggish and slow. Not very responsive at all.

I forced myself to drive all over LA today, from 71 to 60 to 10 to 405 to 105 to 91. Traffic sucks! Used up about half of a tank and filled it up right away with Mobil gas.

So all I can say is stay away from Costco gas!
MPR how about identifying which COSTCO in LA you get gas from and one or more of the bros from Socal can drive by and fuel up for a test. Seems logical. If the "tester's" rig goes bad I woul.d be surprised if COSTCO wouldn't readily foot the repair bill or other expense (even pay an inconvenience monetary award) to keep customers satisfied and avoid a bad rap online. Alternatively if the dealer denies its a fuel problem consider asking the dealer to allow a test fill up at that COSTCO store with a dealer demo S63 engine vehicle. You might even share the proposal with the COSTCO manager at that store.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 11:52 PM   #12
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Seriously how do I even go about going after Costco for the performance loss, loss of time taking the car to the dealers having to drive the loaner.

I still use Costco gas in my 911 and the Cayenne, both cars runs fine. Heck once in awhile I would use Costco in the Ferrari.

Maybe it has to do with the direct injection?

I've used fuel injector cleaners when I was having injector issue but not recently. Sort scared about upsetting the system.
Appreciate 0
      03-13-2013, 11:56 PM   #13
Sylvan Lake V35
Vanilla Gorrilla
Sylvan Lake V35's Avatar
Canada
31
Rep
610
Posts

Drives: X5M & X5 35d
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Get some gas and send it to a lab to be tested.
__________________
X5M, Eisenmann exhaust, 22" HRE wheels, catless down pipes, Stage II tune/X5 Diesel, Lowered & Tuned
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2013, 08:38 AM   #14
MIX5
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2008 X5 3.0si
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

I have always used Costco premium gas. I've never had an issue..turbo or non turbo
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2013, 10:58 AM   #15
APLINE_997
Private
0
Rep
95
Posts

Drives: 997 Turbo
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ATL, GA

iTrader: (0)

QT gas is my favorite gas, then Shell then Costco. Any three will do. I do not use BP if I can help it and the others don't get anything from me unless I am traveling and then its up to the gas gods

Never had any problems with Costco gas.
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2013, 11:34 AM   #16
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by APLINE_997 View Post
QT gas is my favorite gas, then Shell then Costco. Any three will do. I do not use BP if I can help it and the others don't get anything from me unless I am traveling and then its up to the gas gods

Never had any problems with Costco gas.
When I lived in Atlanta I've always used QT gas. I used to call it "Cutie"

I think Atlanta gets better gas than we do in California. Our highest octane is 91. Also being the hub of pipeline storage Atlanta also have the cheapest gas.

I've used Costco for the past 7 years, never an issue with any of our 5 cars until the X5M.

Like others said it could be a BMW issue with their injectors. But it's too ironic and too coincidental that car ran fine after the last dealer visit and then immediately after Costco visit car ran like shit.

But rather play safe than sorry, so no more Costco gas for me for now. at least not in the X5M.
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2013, 09:02 PM   #17
APLINE_997
Private
0
Rep
95
Posts

Drives: 997 Turbo
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ATL, GA

iTrader: (0)

Yeah QT is great and their gas is as cheap if not cheaper than Costco. Also their 89 is rated lower than it is. It's about 91-92 octane. I forget you guys only get 91. Bah. California and their craziness. Lol

If the resulting problems happen at Costco then it's just smart to avoid. Maybe a bad batch or just the additives aren't playing nice with your injectors. If happens again and you have stayed away then process of elimination begins

I hope that the issue is resolved though. Warranty or not it can be a hassle.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2013, 12:12 AM   #18
Thinkkkker
BMWs since 1977
United_States
2
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: '12 X5M Silverstone
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern California

iTrader: (0)

Cool Its the process of elimination

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpcar View Post
Seriously how do I even go about going after Costco for the performance loss, loss of time taking the car to the dealers having to drive the loaner.

I still use Costco gas in my 911 and the Cayenne, both cars runs fine. Heck once in awhile I would use Costco in the Ferrari.

Maybe it has to do with the direct injection?

I've used fuel injector cleaners when I was having injector issue but not recently. Sort scared about upsetting the system.
MRP you dont "go after Costco." You eliminate Costco if you can as the suspect cause of the fouling (by not replicating the issue with another S63 using gas from THAT store). Then its a dealer issue. A Fortiori. Literally "the thing speaks for itself." If you do replicate the issue with another S63 which hasn't had this issue before then it is the Costco fuel/fuel tank at THAT store. Likely a dirty tank if it happens to your rig every time. If it happens just once in a while it may have been a bad load of gas but it doesn't appear that many of us have had this problem using Costco fuel. Its the process of elimination that takes you to the next step. You have to eliminate causes, the easiest being the fuel at THAT store. If you cant do that then Costco will listen. Go directly to the store manager and show him this blog. They are reasonable guys and very consumer conscious. But do first things first. Good luck bro.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2013, 07:34 AM   #19
Frank_NJ
///M Specialist
Frank_NJ's Avatar
United_States
556
Rep
1,497
Posts

Drives: E30 M3, E52 Z8, G83 M4Cx
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ Shore

iTrader: (0)

I have learnt my less many years ago and only use tier 1 rated gasoline. I am in the northeast and use Shell exclusivly with zero issue.
__________________
2023 M340ix my Daily Driver

G83 M4CV, F80 M3 CS, E30 M3, Z8, other various BMW's
Ferrari F8
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2013, 07:49 AM   #20
mrpcar
Second Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinkkkker View Post
MRP you dont "go after Costco." You eliminate Costco if you can as the suspect cause of the fouling (by not replicating the issue with another S63 using gas from THAT store). Then its a dealer issue. A Fortiori. Literally "the thing speaks for itself." If you do replicate the issue with another S63 which hasn't had this issue before then it is the Costco fuel/fuel tank at THAT store. Likely a dirty tank if it happens to your rig every time. If it happens just once in a while it may have been a bad load of gas but it doesn't appear that many of us have had this problem using Costco fuel. Its the process of elimination that takes you to the next step. You have to eliminate causes, the easiest being the fuel at THAT store. If you cant do that then Costco will listen. Go directly to the store manager and show him this blog. They are reasonable guys and very consumer conscious. But do first things first. Good luck bro.
Here is the problem, Costco's gas supplier is not very consistent changes daily. So I think the problem goes from batch to batch, so it is very difficult to trace and identify. I think Costco knows this and are aware that sometimes they may get a bad batch so they usually offer no question asked compensation if you can show a repair bill.

Ever since my incident I've done a lot of google search and found that there are many people whom also had fuel related problems with Costco gas.

BTW, I am a big fan of Costco. I like the company, their service and products they offer. Hack, my reward check recently from them was $450. And I spent $6000 just on Costco gas last year.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2013, 09:08 AM   #21
shodanusmc
Captain
20
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: 09 135 Vert
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chicago burb

iTrader: (0)

I have never had a problem with Costco gas. Do not us it all the time and also put in Mobil and Shell. I buy my 6 bottles of Techron at Costco for $15.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2013, 10:07 AM   #22
info@trinityautosport
United_States
278
Rep
7,518
Posts

Drives: F13 M6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpcar View Post
It could be just California, since we have all the stupid regulations with summer. winter blend etc etc... It may be all the high ethanol content that's causing the issue.
Ive heard reports on costco gas as well. for our Ms we use only mobil, chevron, or shell with no issues.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:56 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST