Converting an BMW e39 530i Touring

[richardzxcq]

Afternoon all,
I've recently purchased an e39 530i Touring with the intention of getting it converted to gas. I've driven it round now for about 3K miles and very happy with the car - aside from the MPG!
I have a few questions that I'm hoping I can get answers to from people with the same car or experience with conversions:

1. Bought the touring version as I really need the load space - and happy to sacrifice the spare wheel for an LPG tank BUT I noticed when I was exploring around the car that there was a mystery black cake-shaped unit under the spare wheel. Googling the part number reveals it is the air suspension compressor. I suspect it can't be removed without upsetting the car but a quick butchers with a socket set reveals that is is movable object - but to where??

2. Fillers - the thought of 70mm hole in the side of the car really isn't floating my boat. Saw a small filler inside the petrol cap of someone's conversion when I was researching a while back (can't seem to find it on the forum at the mo). It required an adapter for filling up and I'd be OK with that. What is it called?

3. The weak point on these cars is the cooling system - something I intend to overhaul (i.e. replace everything) when the weather gets better - i.e. next spring. Is the conversion going to make this a more complicated job? Should I ask the installer to replace the bits that interface between the LPG and the cooling system?

4. What's involved in a 'service' for an LPG system? Is it possible for an enthusiastic amateur to perform such work?

5. Finally, any recommendations for or from installers in the West: Bristol - Gloucester? Happy to travel and I don't really fancy the sound of the 1 day brigade over the water...
Thanks in advance,
Richard

[Tubbs]

Richard,
Ive converted a few, a user on here called antimony was the last one i converted. The mystery 'turtle' in the boot is for the air suspension. It can be relocated into the cubby hole on the side.
As i remeber filler was a square towbar type under the rear valance, he was also not keen on a hole in the side, if you email me i have a pic somewhere. Using adaptors is a not really possible if you want it certificated. Whilst the converter has the manifold off get the oil breather thingy (cant quite remeber the name of it now) changed. Its no bigge whilst the manifold is off. And worthwhile. As far as the coolant system goes it may be worth getting all that done at the same time.
Servicing is certainly something you can do yourself, its only a couple of filters.
Im in Shropshire by the way, Ludlow to be precise, so not that far from you. Switch in the ashtray ?

[mat_fenwick]

4. What's involved in a 'service' for an LPG system? Is it possible for an enthusiastic amateur to perform such work?

Service basics would be changing the filers (vapour and liquid), and checking over hoses, electrical connections etc for any early signs of problems. Ideally you'd connect the LPG ECU to a laptop and make sure the mapping is still OK as the vaoporiser ages. You'll probably be able to work out how much of this is done from the price that someone charges for a service versus their hourly rate...

You should be able to do it yourself, if you can get the software (this would tend to rule out the 'installer only' systems like BRC and Prins), although filters are available.

[xmas6]

Not connected to the LPG but sort the cooling system asap - I cooked the engine on my 2.2 5 touring - the header tank cracked in a motorway road work system.
From memory the tank was about £40 and a radiator £100 - easy jobs to do for peace of mind.
I mounted the compressor on a hinged bracket in the off side compartment above the battery.
Cheers Neil

[richardzxcq]

Tubbs,
Thanks, I'll drop you an email for the picture. Presumably not getting it certificated isn't an option? That is, insurance would be difficult?

Matt,
Thanks, filters change and system inspection, and, depending on system, a visit somewhere to check mapping.

Richard

[richardzxcq]

Not connected to the LPG but sort the cooling system asap - I cooked the engine on my 2.2 5 touring - the header tank cracked in a motorway road work system.

Neil,
I'd assumed that there was life in it, at least until the spring, being a fair weather mechanic... Did you have any suspicions about yours failing or was it out of the blue? (I've got no reason to suspect mine at the mo, other than age)

[Tubbs]

Tubbs,
Thanks, I'll drop you an email for the picture. Presumably not getting it certificated isn't an option? That is, insurance would be difficult?

Matt,
Thanks, filters change and system inspection, and, depending on system, a visit somewhere to check mapping.

Richard

Thats about the long and short of it. Sent you a pic.

[antimony]

Lots of info + pictures http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/65474-530 ... ng-on-lpg/

[classicswede]

you have to join the forum to view those photos.

[antimony]

you have to join the forum to view those photos.

Only the first few, mine are still viewable (page 2)

[classicswede]

Do you have any under bonnet photos?

[Tubbs]

I did chop and insulate the spare plugs off before i sent it out by the way.

[Morat]

Go for it, the M54B30 loves a bit of gas

[Tubbs]

They certainly do, as long as you get the injector spuds in the right place.....but thats a whole other thread

[richardzxcq]

Antimony - thanks for the link. Also found your post about a spare wheel - very useful! I'll be doing the same - did you get it from Jag direct or Ebay? ('m guessing ebay, if it's with a tyre as 25 quid seems too cheap!)