E85

[Tearitupsports]

Is anyone thinking about using E85 in the 135i? I currently own an Evolution where the conversion is quite common using just an upgraded fuel pump, larger injectors, and a small bit of tuning. I also live in an area where we have several local stations that carry it.
Anyone know of any aftermarket companies doing any conversion kits?
100+ octane at the pump is very appealing to me, especially with this engine's potential.

[atr_hugo]

The problem you'd have is that the injectors for the N54 are in the cylinder head. It's direct fuel injection.

[Mad Dragon]

BMW's are not designed for E85, and it can damage the fuel system. Not to mention what atr_hugo said. It's not possible to upgrade the N54's fuel injectors. You can't even change them yourself, or you will run into problems.

[natedog_1959]

With the proper tools, you could change the injectors. The trouble would be sourcing new injectors, high and low pressure fuel pumps, proper seals/o-rings, etc. Nate

[Metallic135i]

I also have an evo - doesn't seem to be an easy a transition for this car compared to the evo, where all you need are bigger injectors, pump, and a tune.

[Mad Dragon]

Even if you have the tools to change the injectors, you still need a GT1 to set the correct adaptations.

[ichiban]

That's why no tuners has touched fuel yet, but we'll c what kits come out after another year. I think space and fuel are the only thing holding tuners from making 500+ whp on the N54.

... actually, on second thought, the tranny too.

[Tearitupsports]

Originally Posted by Mad Dragon

BMW's are not designed for E85, and it can damage the fuel system. Not to mention what atr_hugo said. It's not possible to upgrade the N54's fuel injectors. You can't even change them yourself, or you will run into problems.

I highly doubt E85 would damage a modern fuel system in any vehicle, but I guess the injectors sounds like PITA. I would doubt the fuel pressure can be raised enough safely and without side effect to compensate for the needed extra 20-30% volume.
I'm used to the Evo where mods are so easy it's scary. I just took a test drive Saturday in a 135i though and loved it. Awesome car and my only other choice (besides Evo X) when I sell my current Evo. I am leaning to the 135i now, but would love to see more mods than a downpipe, exhaust, short-shifter, and Dinan vs Vishnu debate.

[atr_hugo]

The early N54s had a recall for the high pressure fuel pump - IIRC pressures are in the 200 Bar range. YIKES!!

[natedog_1959]

Nothing a diesel mechanic hasn't dealt with for about 50 years. You would need to understand the flow rates of each of the injectors and program them into the ECU accordingly. You would also have to look into single or multi-shot fueling strategies, etc. I would think someone like Gale Banks or any of the other diesel tuners would be able to handle this sort of thing pretty efficiently as long as they had access to the ECU. Nate

[Nixon]

Originally Posted by ichiban

That's why no tuners has touched fuel yet, but we'll c what kits come out after another year.

The big thing that gets in the way of tuners, or any company in the US from offering E85 conversion kits is that it is illegal to sell them in the United States.

The only way to legally sell an E85 conversion kit is to put each engine/drivetrain combination you want to convert through the full EPA testing routine that new car makers have to put their cars through.

"EPA Grants Certification for First Time to E85 Conversion Kit"
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007...ants-cert.html

As far as I know, Flex Fuel US is still the only company that is legally selling E85 conversion kits. And supposedly their first versions of their product will only be for shitty cars, like Lincoln town cars and crown vic's.
http://flexfuelus.com/

On the other hand, I'm sure that the phrase "for off-road use only" could be used to skirt the law.

[Metallic135i]

Originally Posted by Tearitupsports

I highly doubt E85 would damage a modern fuel system in any vehicle, but I guess the injectors sounds like PITA. I would doubt the fuel pressure can be raised enough safely and without side effect to compensate for the needed extra 20-30% volume.
I'm used to the Evo where mods are so easy it's scary. I just took a test drive Saturday in a 135i though and loved it. Awesome car and my only other choice (besides Evo X) when I sell my current Evo. I am leaning to the 135i now, but would love to see more mods than a downpipe, exhaust, short-shifter, and Dinan vs Vishnu debate.

If i got a 135i, i wouldn't want it to be the same kind of money pit my VIII turned into. Yes, it has insane power, but I'm looking for something more refined, easier to drive, and gutsy...I think a 135i with a chip, exhaust, and fmic would accomplish that!