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LPG / Alternative fuel system

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Old 03-05-2006, 12:22 AM
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This is something I want to share with you guys because I couldn't find any information about any person who was using a LPG fuel system in a E60/E61 520i(2004) series BMW on the internet.

LPG (Liqified petroleum gas) is a kind of propane which is a product that is formed when creating gasoline from oil. http://www.wps.com/LPG

Around 30% of the gasoline stations in the Netherlands are equipped with LPG refueling system. In the rest of europe its between (3% and 20 %)


I equipped my car with LPG because its cheaper to drive that normal gasoline.
Gasoline costs around 1.30 euro per Liter (6 dollar per us gallon)
LPG costs around 0.45 euro per liter (2 dollar per us gallon)

The cost of a LPG system for a BMW E60 for my BMW 520i (2004) is 2200 euro (2640 Dollar)

I choose for a system of Vialle and I had it build in at a shop in the netherlands ( 2M alternative fuel systems )
The LPG tank (67 Liter) is in the boot where the spare tire is located.

There are a few disadvantages:

- With gasoline I can drive around 550 KM and with LPG my range is 380 km
- You can drive less kilometers per liter of LPG than Gasoline with gasoline its 1 liter per 10 kilometer and with LPG its 1 liter 7,2 kilometer
- expensive installation
- No space for the spare tire

Advantage:
- Engine has slightly more power with the LPI (Liqified Petrolium gas system Injection) I have installed
- Cheaper to drive

Now I drove 15000 kilometer without any problems ( just a small problem with a rubber -O ring of one injector but was quickly fixed )

Here I have some foto's of my installation:

The 67 liter Tank:
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8245.jpg




The boot:
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8248.jpg




The fill nozzle:
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8282.jpg




The fuel gauge meter/on off switch ( its possible to switch between gasoline and LPG while driving)
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8238.jpg




The LPG ditributor
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8242.jpg




The injectors
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8243.jpg



The not so pretty cables and hoses
LPG / Alternative fuel system-img_8244.jpg
Old 03-05-2006, 03:38 AM
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Justin,

My brother uses LPG in his Volvo S40 and has done so for about 4 or 5 years now. (He's on his 2nd Volvo which he's had converted to LPG).

Experiences seem to be the same regards less MPG's on LPG, but hey, in the UK the LPG is half the price per lite than unleaded petrol.

I've not come accross anyone using LPG on an E60 I'm afraid so can't help you there. If I did lots of miles a year then I would probably consider having the conversion done - my brother paid about ?1,500 to have his Volvo converted. I only do around 10,000 miles per year so the payback isn't really worthwhile for me.

Nice to see that someone has been brave enough to convert their E60 though. Do you have runflats, so that you can ditch the spare wheel? Most of us don't have spares in the boot anyway so the space for the donut LPG tank is ready and waiting.

Kev
Old 03-05-2006, 05:39 AM
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That's some good info there, thanks.
Old 03-05-2006, 06:44 AM
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My Ride: 2004 E60 Bi-Fuel Business Navigation Park distance control Sunroof extended airco with armrest 18" M5 rims with Runflats xbox with 2 headrests LCD front LCD video enabled Detachable towbar Alarm anti-blind rearview mirror Adaptive Xenon Bluetooth carkit Garage door opener integrated Headlight cleaning system Seat heating front
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Originally Posted by Kev525' post='250056' date='Mar 5 2006, 07:38 AM
Justin,

My brother uses LPG in his Volvo S40 and has done so for about 4 or 5 years now. (He's on his 2nd Volvo which he's had converted to LPG).

Experiences seem to be the same regards less MPG's on LPG, but hey, in the UK the LPG is half the price per lite than unleaded petrol.

I've not come accross anyone using LPG on an E60 I'm afraid so can't help you there. If I did lots of miles a year then I would probably consider having the conversion done - my brother paid about ?1,500 to have his Volvo converted. I only do around 10,000 miles per year so the payback isn't really worthwhile for me.

Nice to see that someone has been brave enough to convert their E60 though. Do you have runflats, so that you can ditch the spare wheel? Most of us don't have spares in the boot anyway so the space for the donut LPG tank is ready and waiting.

Kev
This topic as not a question for help, but before I made the jump into the deep I was looking if anyone did this before. But nobody described this on the Internet.

My goal is to inform people who are thinking of installing such system. I drove already 15000 Kilometers with this LPG installation.

Yes I have runflats (18" m5 rims) but At the moment its snowing in The Netherlands, and I have my winter-tyres mounted (16" rims) and they are not runflat
Old 03-05-2006, 06:59 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: � Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 � Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, � Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 � Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 � Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 � Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , � Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 � Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 � Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 � Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) � ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) � ///M pack rear � HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: �real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 � CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). � Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 � Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 � Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM � Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 � Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 � Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) � Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): � Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). � Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
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Thanks Justin,

new resources are always needed, I will not do this I do not care how much is to have the gas in my car, I bought it and now pay whatever it takes...3L diesel is ok, I am doing 900kms on highway, 450-500kms in city even in DS, nowadays more DS.

But thx for the info, what is the weight you added to your car? Is that 2L???

EU will increase biodiesel/ethanol usage quite rapidly. Now new cars are offered by different brands, not yet by BMW.
Old 03-05-2006, 07:01 AM
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thanks for sharing your experience, Justin
Old 03-05-2006, 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by ats77' post='250127' date='Mar 5 2006, 10:59 AM
Thanks Justin,

new resources are always needed, I will not do this I do not care how much is to have the gas in my car, I bought it and now pay whatever it takes...3L diesel is ok, I am doing 900kms on highway, 450-500kms in city even in DS, nowadays more DS.

But thx for the info, what is the weight you added to your car? Is that 2L???

EU will increase biodiesel/ethanol usage quite rapidly. Now new cars are offered by different brands, not yet by BMW.

Can you explain me what do you mean with DS and 2L?
The "paper" weight that is added is 70 kg but because the gasoline tank is almost empty, the real weight is not increased.
Old 03-05-2006, 07:17 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: � Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 � Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, � Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 � Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 � Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 � Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , � Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 � Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 � Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 � Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) � ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) � ///M pack rear � HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: �real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 � CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). � Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 � Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 � Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM � Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 � Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 � Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) � Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): � Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). � Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
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Originally Posted by Justin' post='250135' date='Mar 5 2006, 05:09 PM
Can you explain me what do you mean with DS and 2L?
The "paper" weight that is added is 70 kg but because the gasoline tank is almost empty, the real weight is not increased.
Sorry Justin, right, so wanted to ask what kind of engine you have ?

DS-is the sports mode of Steptronic when you can achieve full performance.

Like your Parrot too
Old 03-05-2006, 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by ats77' post='250141' date='Mar 5 2006, 11:17 AM
Sorry Justin, right, so wanted to ask what kind of engine you have ?

DS-is the sports mode of Steptronic when you can achieve full performance.

Like your Parrot too
I have the 2.2 liter 170 HP, 6 cylinder petrol engine.
Its also used in the older versions of the 5 series if i'm not mistaken.
Old 03-05-2006, 07:26 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: � Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 � Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, � Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 � Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 � Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 � Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , � Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 � Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 � Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 � Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) � ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) � ///M pack rear � HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: �real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 � CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). � Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 � Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 � Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM � Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 � Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 � Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) � Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): � Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). � Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
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Originally Posted by Justin' post='250143' date='Mar 5 2006, 05:20 PM
I have the 2.2 liter 170 HP, 6 cylinder petrol engine.
Its also used in the older versions of the 5 series if i'm not mistaken.
yeah, ok 525i? is it...

where did you get your Parrot, is it nice displaying the pics?


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