Dutch Z3 Running on LPG

[hard top]

BMW Z3 Roadster, 1.8 LPG-G3
Apr 1998, 116 HP, 216.413 km (LPG System built in at 152.958 km) Asking price € 4.450,-

My question is, why would you want to do that with a 1.8?
LPG over here is normally used in big American V8's.
LPG is not easily available in all European countries and if it is, you would have to stick to the motorways.

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[Grumps]

Interesting. Can't see any point either on any Zed, they are all economical so why would you bother? Each to their own h/t.

 

[FRANKIE]

BMW Z3 Roadster, 1.8 LPG-G3
Apr 1998, 116 HP, 216.413 km (LPG System built in at 152.958 km) Asking price € 4.450,-

My question is, why would you want to do that with a 1.8?
LPG over here is normally used in big American V8's.
LPG is not easily available in all European countries and if it is, you would have to stick to the motorways.

​

They must be "picnic" cars. You throw your BBQ grill in the boot and go on a picnic. When you get to where you're going, just plug the grill into the fuel tank and you're set to cook up a storm. Frankie

 

[Mint]

...Can't see any point either on any Zed...

Agreed and the tank just takes up a lot of room in the (already) small boot

 

[GazHyde]

Met a guy in the UK with an LPG Z3 once. Got a picture of it somewhere...

 

[t-tony]

Surely couldn't have been cost effective I wouldn't have thought. Not really needed on something less than 3.5 V8.

Tony.

 

[Brian H]

I may have been done to extend the range on the vehicle before fill ups? I would certainly add another 100+ miles or so.

 

[TaffZee]

It still halves the fuel costs? So why not?

 

[GazHyde]

Knew I had one somewhere... Slightly bigger thank on this one though!

 

[t-tony]

Simply the cost of fitting would make it a very long time and many miles before you'd get a return on your investment? Also it was fitted on a car that had already done 150,000 Km, how many more trouble free miles would be left in a 1800 4 cyl.?

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

Knew I had one somewhere... Slightly bigger thank on this one though!
View attachment 22149

Bloody hell! Couldn't they find a more suitable tank!

 

[TaffZee]

12,000 miles average per year, the fuel saving would pay for the conversion in a little over a year. decent conversion would cost around £1,200 for a six pot, averaging 35 to the gallon this would mean a saving of £1,044 per year or if you only get 30 to the gallon £1,218.

 

[GazHyde]

I think you also need an annual inspection on the LPG system as well, not sure how much that adds to the running costs.?

 

[t-tony]

One point in its favour, I don't think I've ever failed an LPG car on emissions.

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

I converted a 330i a few years ago when I was doing big miles.
Lots of theory and myths about LPG out there but done right on a suitable engine (not all engines agree with it and not all kits/installers are equal) with a suitably big tank it's a great way to enjoy a petrol engine with equivalent to diesel/hybrid costs.

My 330i cost the same per mile as a 320d.
It was less to buy then a equivalent 330d so that offset the conversion cost of 2k from the start. I was doing 20k pa then.
Availability not really an issue as when you do big miles you tend to be on motorways and most have lpg. Can always run on petrol when no lpg about.

Annual inspection is only £30.
Engine oil stayed super clean burning on gas.

 

[t-tony]

There aren't many Z's out there which would warrant it really. 20,000 a year is a lot of miles, you nearly live in your car. I certainly wouldn't want to do that many in a small engined car personally. Some good info there Dino, thanks.

Tony.

 

[Roryzzz]

I think you also need an annual inspection on the LPG system as well, not sure how much that adds to the running costs.?

My Z3 2.8 runs on LPG. There’s no annual check apart from the MOT, it drives very well and it runs much cleaner so your internals are less covered in deposits. I get 10p/mile if I’m sedate and 12p/mile if I’m having fun on the country roads.
My tank is underneath the car so I’ve lost no bootspace.
Most importantly I’m only putting CO2 and water vapour into the atmosphere and my Carbon output is just over half that of a petrol or diesel car.
Many comments are “Why would you?” when the reasonable question is “Why wouldn’t you?”

 

[t-tony]

LPG makes little difference to the MOT test here in the UK, actually it defaults back to a non-catalyst equipped cars, so not difficult to pass.

Tony.

 

[Oddly Godly]

I think you are exempt from the London congestion charge with LPG. Not though the low emission zone. If you live just outside the congestion zone it could be worthwhile

 

[Roryzzz]

I think you are exempt from the London congestion charge with LPG. Not though the low emission zone. If you live just outside the congestion zone it could be worthwhile

Sadly not; they scrapped LPG exemption a few years ago, but road tax is cheaper if you’re registered with DVLA as an LPG vehicle.