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by DannyBee 2705 days ago
It lasts just fine (Source: I've done it)

The M3 has knock sensors, like everyone else.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bmw+m3+knock+sensor

If you look up engine knock on wikipedia, it will tell you the same

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking#Knock_detectio...

"Due to the large variation in fuel quality, a large number of engines now contain mechanisms to detect knocking and adjust timing or boost pressure accordingly in order to offer improved performance on high octane fuels while reducing the risk of engine damage caused by knock while running on low octane fuels. "

1 comments

"...while reducing the risk of engine damage caused by knock while running on low octane fuels."

That doesn't necessarily mean it reduces the risk of engine damage to zero. The engine still has to knock for the sensors to detect it and adjust unless it uses flex fuel sensors. Yes modern engines CAN cope with lower octane fuel than they were designed to use, but you would lose performance and run an increased risk of damage. If the manufacturer states a minimum octane rating you would likely be voiding some parts of your engine warranty by running the incorrect fuel.