E85 question

[m4h2o]

How low is too low of ethanol percentage?
Getting e85 tune and wamt to make sure the quality is good enough before i make the commitment

Also should i get a flex fuel sensor?

[ShopVac]

Actually - good question. I have an E85 tune for my Audi S4, which I've always noticed that certain places throw the CEL after filling. Over time, I just realize which locations these were...and avoided (found a couple good placed that I use solely).

I see that Amazon has test kits you can get - but would be miserable trying to test this from the pump. Assume testing is really the only way to tell what you're getting?

[TopJimmy]

A mild pump E85 tune is usually geared for 77-85%. A hotter tune would need 80% minimum.

Since E is a good drive away I bring a few gas pails to bring home, so pump testing is a must. Yes, testing at the pump is a pain in the ass, but better than filling with 75% and finding out when you stomp it. Get either the bigger gasohol tester that fits a gas nozzle in (easier but wastes a little more) or get the tiny gasohol tester vial and bring a clean glass bottle to pour from. I bring my little tester with the water already in it so testing is quick, but I use a Pipette to add my E from jar to tester. I don't care if some people stare...racers know what I'm doing and sometimes ask the %. If you're mixing E50 or E30 then knowing your pump E% is important, otherwise your tank E%will be off.

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

A mild pump E85 tune is usually geared for 77-85%. A hotter tune would need 80% minimum.

Since E is a good drive away I bring a few gas pails to bring home, so pump testing is a must. Yes, testing at the pump is a pain in the ass, but better than filling with 75% and finding out when you stomp it. Get either the bigger gasohol tester that fits a gas nozzle in (easier but wastes a little more) or get the tiny gasohol tester vial and bring a clean glass bottle to pour from. I bring my little tester with the water already in it so testing is quick, but I use a Pipette to add my E from jar to tester. I don't care if some people stare...racers know what I'm doing and sometimes ask the %. If you're mixing E50 or E30 then knowing your pump E% is important, otherwise your tank E%will be off.

Wow sounds like a pain, but I get it. I luckily had other platforms where I did not want to do that so I just got FF. Are you planning on switching to FF when its officially out with BM3?

[m4h2o]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

A mild pump E85 tune is usually geared for 77-85%. A hotter tune would need 80% minimum.

Since E is a good drive away I bring a few gas pails to bring home, so pump testing is a must. Yes, testing at the pump is a pain in the ass, but better than filling with 75% and finding out when you stomp it. Get either the bigger gasohol tester that fits a gas nozzle in (easier but wastes a little more) or get the tiny gasohol tester vial and bring a clean glass bottle to pour from. I bring my little tester with the water already in it so testing is quick, but I use a Pipette to add my E from jar to tester. I don't care if some people stare...racers know what I'm doing and sometimes ask the %. If you're mixing E50 or E30 then knowing your pump E% is important, otherwise your tank E%will be off.

Great info thanks...
Im hearing the winter blend is around 70. So i guess i should stay away from it?

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by m4h2o

Great info thanks...
Im hearing the winter blend is around 70. So i guess i should stay away from it?

You may want to just wait for BM3 to come out with full FF capabilities (or go with Ecutek). That would basically solve all your questions in thsi thread

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1782025

[m4h2o]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

You may want to just wait for BM3 to come out with full FF capabilities (or go with Ecutek). That would basically solve all your questions in thsi thread

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1782025

If im
Understanding this correctly the ff is a tune?
So i wouldnt need the actual sensor?

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by m4h2o

If im
Understanding this correctly the ff is a tune?
So i wouldnt need the actual sensor?

Flex fuel tunes still require input to make fuel trim and timing adjustments. This requires the sensor, regardless of who the tune is from. Ecutek and mhd are currently available where bm3 is NOT.....

[m4h2o]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Flex fuel tunes still require input to make fuel trim and timing adjustments. This requires the sensor, regardless of who the tune is from. Ecutek and mhd are currently available where bm3 is NOT.....

Got it! Would you hold
Out for bm3 or do you think thise are 2 are reputable enough?

[m4h2o]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Flex fuel tunes still require input to make fuel trim and timing adjustments. This requires the sensor, regardless of who the tune is from. Ecutek and mhd are currently available where bm3 is NOT.....

Any suggestions on a sensor?

[Humdizzle]

thats why im not touching e85 until a flex fuel tune comes out for my bm3. Had a flex fuel tune with GTR which makes life alot easier... you can throw in whatever mix of 93, e60 and e85 you want.

[papasmurf_m3]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

Wow sounds like a pain, but I get it. I luckily had other platforms where I did not want to do that so I just got FF. Are you planning on switching to FF when its officially out with BM3?

That does sound like a horrible PITA Go flex fuel with ecutek. You will thank yourself. I just pour in anything and go. Doesn't matter you have maximum power in any situation. No limping home testing flashing at the gas station.