4.6is - decided to LPG convert

[Geezer]

After a week of deliberation an much research (including a number of threads on this great forum) I've decided to LPG convert my 4.6.

I settled on a guy in Walsall near Birmingham who came highly recommended from a number of close friends who have used him for years and has much experience in BMWs.

I dropped it off yesterday and will pick
It up in a week, so hopefully it all goes well. I must say, I am a tad nervous.

[Raj]

Interested to know who you've used and what system, etc? Also be interested in the cost.

I'm only in Wolves.

[Geezer]

I can't remember the exact name of the system but it is definitely an italian one as the installer was proud of this fact, stating that Italian ones are the best. He also seemed very knowledgeable, stating he doesn't use an complete system as each car may have different requirents. For example he said the 4.6 would need bigger injectors.

Cost is £1,500, the company's called nationwide LPG and the guy I spoke to is called meton.

When I told I may not be able to pick it up for a week or more as I live in London, he was fine about this saying it would give him the opportunity to drive the car for a few days to make sure the system had bedded in.

I also took comfort from the fact his personal car is an M5 that he's converted.

I'll let you know how I get on in a week or so.

[Imy]

My research always led me to the fact that Prinns/brc were the better suited makes for the e53 and the cost your paying isn't too far off those 2. Good luck with conversion and interested to hear results

[IanP]

Make sure it will take full throttle and max revs after converting. Though I guess if the guy has done an M5 he should know what he is doing.

[tomhundy]

My 4.6 was converted 2 years ago with a BRC set up. I have had no problems at all, the only time the car will not take full throttle is when the gas tank is nearly empty and the the system beeps and changes back to petrol. The system continues to beep until you press the gas/petrol button to change it to petrol then press again to change back to gas.This only happens when you are low on gas. The savings I have found equate to 24 mls for the same cost as a gallon of petrol. Good luck with the conversion, It makes the V8 a more affordable car.    Tom.
                                                                       

[Aaron_P85]

What's the equations you look at again when comparing petrol to petrol/LPG to Diesel, I know there was a site where you entered your purchase price/mpg/mileage per annum etc and it gave the hardcore figures....for the life of me I can't remember it

[Geezer]

Some very supportive and useful comments guys. I was half expecting comments along the lines of "it's a BMW and they weren't meant to be run on LPG".

Imy, my research also suggested Prinz and BRC were the best systems, but no one I knew personally could reccommend an installer, whilst this guy had a fair few recommendations. It's now gone in but out of interest where did u get yours done, as I'm
In London too?

Aaron there are a number of LPG savings calculators online. I main used this one http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/about-autogas ... alculator/ but I also compared a few to get an average.

What are people's thoughts on the best place to locate the LPG fuel indicator?

[shadrack]

My lpg x5 was a stargas system and was fitted when I bought it, it was fine, I always wondered been as though most lpg cars are big v8s etc what would happen if you set off with something reasonable to run and then converted it, an lpg 318 or something would this mean like 80mpg?

[Aaron_P85]

No, You'd get less MPG for cheaper. or the same distance (roughly) for half the price - atleast that's what I was seeing when I had my 1.8 mondeo LPGd

[Don Coffey]

Looking forward to regular updates once your up and running with LPG.  I fully understand why you went with a fitter with good recommendations over just the system being fitted. 

Don

[Hoppy_70]

I had my 4.4 done a few years ago. It's already been said but test at full throttle before you accept it. Mine didn't cope we'll with it and would die (exactly wat you DON'T want at that moment, you floored it for a reason!)

It would die then get an engine light. I'm sure this will be well documented and fixed by now (4 or 5 years ago).

You'll be glad when its done, so you can stop looking at the fuel gauge/ consumption!

[Imy]

I cant remember who did the converson I think it may have been Tasso. Mine was converted before I bought it but all I was really looking for BRC or Prins as my understanding was that you had to be a licensed installer which required instensive training and so forth. Whether this is really the case or not I dont know.

Strange about people saying it cuts out at full throttle! That would be worrying...
Having said that thankfully mine has never done that. It is a bit "flat" going over 100mph but that could be due to the fact I only have a 3l.

[Aaron_P85]

With the big V8s is it not meant to flick back to petrol after a certain rpm?

[Ubatoid]

[quote="Aaron_P85"]
With the big V8s is it not meant to flick back to petrol after a certain rpm?
[/quote]

No sir. If it does that then it means the system is very badly setup or the vaporiser/s are not man enough for the job. Some sytems have the ability to put petrol through with the LPG in maximum load conditions, but for a normal everyday car this is never required.

Prins and BRC are indeed considered top end units but saying that most of the other Italian units are very good these days - most of them are the same internals from one company anyway, just re-branded.