You lose 3% horsepower for every 1000 feet
04-19-2009 | 05:46 AM
#1
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From: Pikes Peak- Colorado
My Ride: BMW 535xi
Model Year: 2008
Have any of you actually tested the % of loss of your horsepower as you move to higher sea level? Manufacturers publish a 3% HP loss for every 1,000 feet of elevation as a rule of thumb. For me, that represents an 18% loss of horsepower or just under 60 hp loss on my 300 horses. When I drive to the top of Pikes Peak (14,100') it represents a whopping 42% loss -about a 126 hp loss.
04-19-2009 | 06:22 AM
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Originally Posted by juris335' post='851650' date='Apr 19 2009, 09:46 AM
Have any of you actually tested the % of loss of your horsepower as you move to higher sea level? Manufacturers publish a 3% HP loss for every 1,000 feet of elevation as a rule of thumb. For me, that represents an 18% loss of horsepower or just under 60 hp loss on my 300 horses. When I drive to the top of Pikes Peak (14,100') it represents a whopping 42% loss -about a 126 hp loss.
04-19-2009 | 07:21 AM
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From: North Carolina, USA
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Originally Posted by Krozi' post='851663' date='Apr 19 2009, 10:22 AM
Damn could it really be THAT much? Do you feel the horse power loss up there?
However, per this web site: Altitude Presure Calculator, at 14,100 ft (4300 m) you're down to 60% O2, 3% per 1000, and probably a 40% loss in HP.
04-19-2009 | 07:48 AM
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From: Omaha, NE - USA
My Ride: MY07 525xi Silver Gray
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Yup!
That's why almost all the Pikes Peak Hill Climb contenders uses forced induction (especially the top front runner) to break the record of Race to the Cloud.
So, OP ... don't worry your car is set!
That's why almost all the Pikes Peak Hill Climb contenders uses forced induction (especially the top front runner) to break the record of Race to the Cloud.
So, OP ... don't worry your car is set!
04-19-2009 | 07:57 AM
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by juris335' post='851650' date='Apr 19 2009, 08:46 AM
Have any of you actually tested the % of loss of your horsepower as you move to higher sea level? Manufacturers publish a 3% HP loss for every 1,000 feet of elevation as a rule of thumb. For me, that represents an 18% loss of horsepower or just under 60 hp loss on my 300 horses. When I drive to the top of Pikes Peak (14,100') it represents a whopping 42% loss -about a 126 hp loss.
04-19-2009 | 08:13 AM
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From: SoFla
My Ride: MY06 530i Silver Grey (A08)
Originally Posted by Krozi' post='851710' date='Apr 19 2009, 11:04 AM
Hehehe I live at sea level 
All those numbers sound about right, but hey, it could be worse, at least we aren't using carburetors still.
04-19-2009 | 08:19 AM
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Originally Posted by 305bimmer' post='851712' date='Apr 19 2009, 12:13 PM
Now if only we could do something about that humidity, then we would really be making some power!
All those numbers sound about right, but hey, it could be worse, at least we aren't using carburetors still.
All those numbers sound about right, but hey, it could be worse, at least we aren't using carburetors still.
04-19-2009 | 11:13 AM
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From: SoFla
My Ride: MY06 530i Silver Grey (A08)
Originally Posted by kscarrol' post='851827' date='Apr 19 2009, 01:44 PM
So at 6 ft below sea level, my car is faster than yours!! 