BMW X5 LPG Conversion
BMW X5 4.4 litre V8.
System type: Vapour injection. No discernible difference in power between gas and petrol. Seamless change over. Indirectly controlled by the cars own computer so that there is no conflict and all features are retained (eg traction control). BRC was used on this application. The BMW engine has a few challenges with all the engine wiring contained in special boxed conduit. It makes for a very neat job as the gas wiring is also concealed in the boxing.
This particular vehicle was actually a 4.6 performance enhanced engine and required the biggest injectors available to feed sufficient LPG under all rpm and power conditions.
Cylinder: Gas cylinder 63 litres usable.
Location: This is one of the most challenging tank fits we have done. The spare wheel has the air suspension compressor located in it as per Range Rover and this needs to be relocated. (engines are common to both as well).
On the BMW the battery is located under the spare wheel. This means that the gas cylinder needs to be able to be easily removed to replace the battery. We tackled this by making the gas cylinder on a hinged bracket and getting all the plumbing to move with the tank. The plumbing uses flexible lines so this was just a question of location and getting the point at which the lines exit the vehicle in the right spot. We then designed the rear bracket to take the vehicle jack as a secure prop to hold the tank.
To get clearance for the battery cables and to make sure the tank didn't sit on the battery, we spaced the tank up which required a new rear floor to be fitted also. The only give-away on the floor is the corner tie down hooks which are lower than before but otherwise there is no compromise in utility or access.
Controls: Built into dash as per photos. There are other possibilities but this was the customers choice.
As with all our jobs, if it is possible to fit the LPG filler in with the petrol filler then that is where we locate the filler, BMW make it very hard but we have accomplished it.
Disclaimer: We endeavour to get all our data correct but we do not guarantee that we are perfect and haven't made an error in some of the data.
With the injection systems we do change the brand we use where we can improve on the quality of the equipment fitted. We are not tied into one particular brand and we are entirely motivated by self-interest; we aren't compensated for the labour to replace parts under warranty. When we fit components we don't fit them for ease of replacement but for best performance and looks and then within the requirements of the standards.It is therefore in our interests as well as yours that we don't have to replace parts and so we make sure we fit the most reliable, long lived parts.
