328i Shooting Brake LPG- The Mods thread!

[320touring]

Recently acquired this 1997 BMW 328i Touring (estate) fitted with an LPG system..

its got 193 BHP, and is geared for 2500rpm at 60mph with a 5 speed Manual

weight is circa 1500kg, and the Cd is similar to my 318iS (0.30)

its being used to do the 48 mile round trip to my work daily, coupled with runs to/from my unit at the weekends

Fuel logging is currently working this way..

Petrol tank filled

LPG filled to 45L (from empty)

Run until LPG is out and refill to 45L

Car will start on LPG, so the petrol is really only there incase I run out without having LPG to hand..

Have an LPG station 1 mile from house, and 1 mile from work, so have made it to stations easily.

I'll top up the petrol once 1/2 the tank is used, so I know total number of gallons (LPG and petrol) used to cover the miles. this will give a combined fuel MPG

any suggestions re this recording method?

anyways Here's some pics:

Car needs front tyres changed to correct 205/55/16s- will do asap

As per usual- open to any suggestions/hints/tips you have re aero/modding or driving technique







Cheers!

[320touring]

A fairly successful weekend.

Got 2x part worn 205/55/16 off a mate for free (always the best price!) just need to get them fitted

First Mod already done..

Removed the 1! rear mudflap..





Also gor some pics of the front grilles and engine bay so I can have a look and see options.

I'm thinking the WAI may be difficult to do- and I dont know if the MAF meter will respond to it?

[320touring]

Hoping to get some actual modding done on this at the weekend- got distracted with new bits for the old 320touring!

may try to measure up for front grillblocks and some under-panels.

Potential also to try and lose some weight from the car inconspicuously- should help during the pulse part of P&G

[Neen]

A four door wagon isn't considered a "shooting brake". Never-the-less I am very jealous of that ride. I wish wagon BMWs were more available here in the states.

[euromodder]

Ditch the roofrails if you don't use them.

[focus1.6uk]

It could be worth removing the roof rails if you don't use them and replacing the crank-driven fan with an electric one.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by Neen

A four door wagon isn't considered a "shooting brake". Never-the-less I am very jealous of that ride. I wish wagon BMWs were more available here in the states.

its a hatchback! estate...

so it is

[320touring]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Ditch the roofrails if you don't use them.

Originally Posted by focus1.6uk

It could be worth removing the roof rails if you don't use them and replacing the crank-driven fan with an electric one.

thhe roof rails appear to be bolted in from underneath- possibly requiring the removal of thee roof trim inside.

I think there are better or similar gains to be hadd elsewhere with less work?

I'll bear them in mind though.


crank driven fan replaced with electric one is on the list- just need to find one that costs less than a full tank of LPG to make it worthwhile..

cheers for the suggestions fellas

[320touring]

new best LPG tank in..

38.01L for 257.6 miles- 30.82 imp mpg!

If ever there was an incentive to do better!

[focus1.6uk]

Originally Posted by 320touring

thhe roof rails appear to be bolted in from underneath- possibly requiring the removal of thee roof trim inside.

I think there are better or similar gains to be hadd elsewhere with less work?

crank driven fan replaced with electric one is on the list- just need to find one that costs less than a full tank of LPG to make it worthwhile..

cheers for the suggestions fellas

Focussing on drag reduction might be best for your commute, especially if its at motorway speeds. the grille blocks and undertray mentioned are good mods. the best mod might be a kammback somewhat like piwoslaws:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...read-9040.html

Later Citroen Saxos have a fairly slim electric fan which uses a seperate loom with all the relays etc. Should be cheaper than a tank of lpg on ebay or a scrapyard too