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If you're aware of the hazard, and know what to listen for in knocking and pinging, I don't see the harm in trying 87 to see how it goes. If the car is loud, or there's lots of wind noise, you do risk not being able to hear pinging or knocking. But I'd expect you'd be OK if you go carefully. Of course, if you drive too carefully, it won't knock or ping.
To get knock or ping, try the proven combination of low rpm, large throttle opening, and high ambient temperature. Guaranteed to ruin your engine. Also hard on rod bearings.
My wife's 97 BMW 328i pings on Calif sea-level 89 octane; not sure what generation of Bosch engine management it has; Motronic something, and presumably knock sensing and spark retard?
Andrew
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