Sulfur actually is a problem in gas, and yes, the sulfur content depends on
where you live. I believe, it's caused by different refinement processes.
Shell for example, is now developing a new gas grade for the VW Lupo GDI (the
5liter/100 km car). With regular gas, their catalytic converter gets clogged up
with sulfur deposits.
Some Japanese company (Honda, I believe) has a GDI engine out on the Japanese
market, but only there because it needs low sulfur gas. The Japanese have a
different refinement process and consequently, less sulfur in their gas.
>From what I read, "normal" cars will benefit from low sulfur gas, too - better
>milage, less deposits, and a longer life for catalytic converters.
I have no idea, if the BMW story is true, but if I recall correctly American
gas has a lot more sulfur than German gas.
Cheers,
Marcus
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