RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

What fuel grade is everyone using on their 2012-2015 RX?

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Old 01-28-16, 08:53 AM
  #256  
ehc0720
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From what I've read, lower octane ignites (from the spark not the heat) sort of wildly and irregularly, thus the pinging, vibrations or whatever. Higher octane burns slower, evenly or regularly, so no/less pinging, and also makes the engine run smoother and cooler. This steadier burn may give better mpg and also running smoother may have better performance. I use 89 oct without ethanol in my 15 F-Sport. I believe these, as many other newer vehicles, have enough computer sense to control the spark and/or controls the timing so they can run on about anything. I've tried 87, 89, 91 and 93 in mine and have chosen 89. I've felt vibes, pinging or hesitation (don't quite know how to call it) with 87 but not with any of the other octanes.
Old 01-28-16, 12:45 PM
  #257  
lexus114
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yes the motor and drivetrain are definitely smoother on higher octane fuel. the transmission even acts better...
Old 01-29-16, 06:00 AM
  #258  
chandlervt
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Originally Posted by Whitigir
To what I know

Regular 87 will burn at lower heat, lower compression.

Premium 93 will burn at Higher heat, Higher Compression.

Every new car nowadays, not just RX, Their ECU is made to sense and Retard the timing, or go full advance. The best fuel will be the Fuel which is recommended by the Factory, because that is based on the engineered engine compression.

Let say if you put in Premium for an engine that required Regular, the Timing have to be retarded, Fuel will be wasted more, and the engine lose it efficiency in order to protect itself, from where it was engineered to do.

Vice Versa, if you were to put Regular into an engine that was engineered for Premium, the Computer will have to Advance the timing, and spark fire up earlier, but this will not be enough, and your engine will more likely burn a hole into Itself at higher RPM, and under load.

For all that said in Theory, I do not believe burning Premium in the RX will make it stronger, faster, or more efficient. The most Efficient was engineered, scaled, tested, proved carefully before they print out the Manual for you. :-)
First 87 is not recommended. Its the minimum recommended. There is a difference between the two.

Second, science is exactly opposite of what you mentioned. Octane rating indicates how much fuel can be compressed before it ignites. Lower rating means it can handle lower compression. Minimum octane rating for engine is determined by your engine's compression ratio before it leads to knocking. So in RX an 87 rating fuel is minimum required based on the engine's compression ratio. Lower than that you will get knocking and bad mpg. So a 93 rating fuel will not lead to bad mpg but you will get better performance (not noticeable in RX) due to higher octane rating.

Timing is retarded only if you get knocking to get rid of it. Your statement is exact opposite of what happens.
Old 04-27-17, 07:40 AM
  #259  
jfooch33
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Default What gas to use for better performance Lexus 2014 RX350

In my Lexus 2014 RX 350 manual it mentions the Fuel to use is

87 (Research octane number 91) or higher

If I am looking for better performance, should I try 89 or 91 octane? Will that hurt my engine?
Old 04-27-17, 07:42 AM
  #260  
jfooch33
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Default 2014 RX 350 Fuel

My manual mentions 87 (Research octane number 91) or higher for fuel

Is is ok if I use 89 ir 91 fuel for better performance?
Old 04-27-17, 07:57 AM
  #261  
GSteg
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The RX350 was never tuned to take advantage of 91 octane so you're not going to see any performance gain.
Old 04-27-17, 08:27 AM
  #262  
DaveGS4
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Welcome to Club Lexus!

Dozens of threads on this topic, try the search feature! Here are a couple to get you started

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/838940-switching-from-premium-to-regular-gas.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/686969-anyone-using-premium-fuel-in-the-2013-rx-350-a.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...s-regular.html
Old 04-27-17, 08:36 AM
  #263  
lexus114
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Originally Posted by jfooch33
My manual mentions 87 (Research octane number 91) or higher for fuel

Is is ok if I use 89 ir 91 fuel for better performance?
run two tanks of premium and see for yourself. i am and am quite happy with the results.
Old 09-26-17, 04:19 PM
  #264  
Tharr62
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Default 2015 RX350 Octane question

Let me ask..

Regarding gas octane.. I know the car is rated for standard 87, but I came from years and years of owning BMW and always HAD to use 93. So, admittedly there has been several times where I still use the 93, and have not noticed any bad effects. Can I just drop this back to 87, or because I have been using 93 in the lexus RX350 I should stick with that? Also, is heat a consideration? As I understand it.. 87 will ignite at a lower temp, and the 93 will take a higher temp? I live in Miami, and right now its about 98F.. so, is it best to use the higher octane in this heat?

What I have done so far.. is use the higher octane when the weather is super hot.. and the lower octane when the weather is a bit cooler.. is that a good logic to use?
Old 09-26-17, 05:30 PM
  #265  
mcomer
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Many threads on this topic. The answer is no, using Premium is a car that is not tuned for it is just a waste of your money.
High Octane fuel resists pre-combustion "ping" in high compression engines. If it is not going to ping, don't bother with the fuel.

On a historic note, Hi-Test fuels once were a source of fuel system cleaners and additives that regular grade fuel didn't have.
Carbureted and low energy ignition engines would require more frequent cleanings and an occasional tank of "Ethyl" would
provide a bit of detergent. Now that all grades of fuel have similar additives the difference is pretty much limited to Octane ratings.
Old 09-27-17, 05:24 AM
  #266  
takeshi74
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Right. In addition to prior threads there are resources out there on the intertubes but mcomer has posted the tl;dr version.

Ambient temperature isn't relevant.
Old 09-27-17, 05:47 PM
  #267  
panjfj
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Interesting. I thought the RX350/450H for the 2015 MY and all MYs are rated to need premium 91 octane?
Old 09-27-17, 05:57 PM
  #268  
Tharr62
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Originally Posted by panjfj
Interesting. I thought the RX350/450H for the 2015 MY and all MYs are rated to need premium 91 octane?
Nope.. check out the owners manual.. I thought the same.. but the engine timing is set for reg. gas :-)
Old 09-27-17, 06:08 PM
  #269  
panjfj
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Originally Posted by Tharr62
Nope.. check out the owners manual.. I thought the same.. but the engine timing is set for reg. gas :-)

Mine says 91.
Old 09-28-17, 05:12 AM
  #270  
iolmaster
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Originally Posted by panjfj

Mine says 91.
On page 818 in my manual is says 87. Are you sure you have a 2015?


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