Topic: BMW X5 conversion to propane

[djenka381]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum so don't get mad if this question sound little bit strange :-)

My long ago plans are to be accomplished soon by purchasing X5 (2006 or 2007, prefer 2007 because of new look) here in Ontario, Canada.
At the time I am about to buy one, as you all see, the gas prices are $1.38 and BMW is fed by premium gas which is about $1.50 today (Saturday, April 16, 2011).

My few questions are:
1. What do you think about converting X5 to propane (I see there is lots of X5s converted in EU)?
2. Old system vs new system (injection) in Ontario and are both doable on X5?
3. Preferred (well known and recognized) service shop that will do conversion professionally on $35,000 2007 X5?

Note: I heard that one shop in Mississauga did it to a taxi guy to convert his Toyota Camry and after 200,000km Toyota Camry died where all taxi Camrys are going close to 400,000km before vehicle dies.

Do you know which shop it is?

Thanks to all with answers and suggestions

djenka381

[Turbo Bob]

If you can't afford to run an X5 buy something cheaper.

[EV Dan]

Save on the conversion, buy a used Prius as your second car for when the bimmer is broke down and you can't afford repairs any more 

[ovr50]

I would not do that, period. Why not ask your question on a BMW X5 forum and see what responses you get??

[vdk]

Just get the diesel.

[Gardiner Westbound]

Propane as an automobile fuel is questionable on many levels. Twenty years ago we experimented with converting a half-dozen service vehicles to propane only. Aside from the capital cost and having to return to the propane shop for routine maintenance, there was a severe range problem. I can't remember the numbers, but it seemed the service people were always running around looking for fuel. There are far fewer places to refuel with propane now so the problem will be even worse. I don't see the signs anymore, but at that time propane vehicles were eventually banned from almost all parking garages. Imagine looking for a surface parking space in downtown Toronto and schlepping tools and equipment three blocks. We dealt the vehicles off early and were very happy to wave goodbye to them.

[maritime_storm]

One of my brother's drove cab for years in the Kitchner area, for a number of those years they issued him a Caprice, 350/4spd converted to propane. The company he worked at the time was expirementing with it to see if they could save on fuel costs. My brother wasn't particularly fond of it, he mentioned the old boat being quite gutless compared to the same model not converted, propane seemed to get less mileage as compared to the gas model, also noted the car seemed to run hotter, which was a concern in summertime traffic. To second what was already mentioned, if you can't afford to feed an X5 premium fuel, then you CANNOT afford an X5 period.

[sailor723]

I would also suspect that you would pretty much destroy the resale value of the X5 by doing this conversion.

[gta_driver]

Canso by the airport does conversions. However after saying that, they wouldn't touch a BMW, the conversion is very complicated. If I where you, I would get myself (a.) a more fuel efficient vehicle (b.) trade the X5 in for a Cadillac or Lincoln and convert that (they specialize in GM and Ford propane conversions).

[initial_D]

Just get the diesel.

2nd that. ... or convert it to be pull by REAL horses.