[E90Flossin]

Hi everyone,

A little overview on my vehicle, I drive N54 with FBO and Cobb Stage 2+FMIC. I used to mix about 3 gallons of E85 with Cali's 91 Octane so I can run the aggressive map. However, when being pushed a little hard, the car sometimes would go into limp mode, engine service light comes on and I get all kind of codes, mostly from improper fuel mixture.

Now, the question lol....I just downloaded the E30 map and worried the car won't be able to handle the further stress of this map. Is it safe to run, giving the history of the vehicle and is this map better than me running with the aggressive tune, or should I just go back filling with boring 91 and running the Sport mode thanks all!!

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by E90Flossin

Hi everyone,

A little overview on my vehicle, I drive N54 with FBO and Cobb Stage 2+FMIC. I used to mix about 3 gallons of E85 with Cali's 91 Octane so I can run the aggressive map. However, when being pushed a little hard, the car sometimes would go into limp mode, engine service light comes on and I get all kind of codes, mostly from improper fuel mixture.

Now, the question lol....I just downloaded the E30 map and worried the car won't be able to handle the further stress of this map. Is it safe to run, giving the history of the vehicle and is this map better than me running with the aggressive tune, or should I just go back filling with boring 91 and running the Sport mode thanks all!!

What do you mean "fuel codes"

if it was a mixture or lambda code, it was likely due to a weak scalar that needs adjustment.

So long as you have the octane and the motor is in good condition, the OTS E30 map isn't that aggressive.

Load it up, take a few adaptations pulls, log, and post it here.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

What do you mean "fuel codes"

if it was a mixture or lambda code, it was likely due to a weak scalar that needs adjustment.

So long as you have the octane and the motor is in good condition, the OTS E30 map isn't that aggressive.

Load it up, take a few adaptations pulls, log, and post it here.

Thanks for responding so quickly!

When pulling up the codes from the AccessPORT, most of the description was from the improper fuel mixture...How would I adjust the scalar, if that is the issue?
I think taking a few pulls and logging it here is the best bet.
Also, I think either the spark plugs or the engine coils may need to be replaced. my car has about 65k miles on them and I only replaced one engine coil (by the dealer) haha

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by E90Flossin

Thanks for responding so quickly!

When pulling up the codes from the AccessPORT, most of the description was from the improper fuel mixture...How would I adjust the scalar, if that is the issue?
I think taking a few pulls and logging it here is the best bet.
Also, I think either the spark plugs or the engine coils may need to be replaced. my car has about 65k miles on them and I only replaced one engine coil (by the dealer) haha

Josh and the good folks at Cobb adjusted it for you in the E30 map. If you have E30 in the tank, your trims should be pretty on the money.

But if you wish to experiment it's the scalar bank 1 and 2 tables under fuel lookups in ATR. I prefer to set mine a bit strong for additional octane headroom, at the expense of MPG to a certain extent.

If you are still on stock coils I would absolutely recommend swapping them out, along with plugs. It's a 30 min DIY job so labor is minimal. The spark components need to be up to snuff to run more aggressive boost and advance.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Josh and the good folks at Cobb adjusted it for you in the E30 map. If you have E30 in the tank, your trims should be pretty on the money.

But if you wish to experiment it's the scalar bank 1 and 2 tables under fuel lookups in ATR. I prefer to set mine a bit strong for additional octane headroom, at the expense of MPG to a certain extent.

If you are still on stock coils I would absolutely recommend swapping them out, along with plugs. It's a 30 min DIY job so labor is minimal. The spark components need to be up to snuff to run more aggressive boost and advance.

Thanks for the advice! Any particular brand of spark plugs or coils you like to use? Another question lol will I need to change my fuel lines or tank to accommodate e85? I had a few people say it can eat thru the lines, but I am assuming with such minimal amounts it shouldn't be an issue?

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by E90Flossin

Thanks for the advice! Any particular brand of spark plugs or coils you like to use? Another question lol will I need to change my fuel lines or tank to accommodate e85? I had a few people say it can eat thru the lines, but I am assuming with such minimal amounts it shouldn't be an issue?

To the first part: Stock coils play very nice on this car. There's just no need for any other brand, OE is very nice. Plugs OE is just fine. At the power levels you are approaching i'd start to think about dropping down a heat range. NGK Iridium are popular for some of the stronger N54s out there. But to be clear OE are fine.

To the second part: No. At least in my opinion. I've never heard of or seen evidence of N54s suffering issues due to E85 use. @steveaz I think you would agree? Steve is the resident N54 fuel system genius around these parts. Outside of Munich i'm not sure there are many people on earth who have given more thought and work into understanding the fuel system than Steve.

[Murph335]

I do 5 gal of e85. Test the e85 at your normal pump and adjust accordingly. I track tested Dyno, and daily drive that map 92k miles so far.

[SteveAZ]

Holy...how do I live up to an intro like that? Thanks though!

As for the fuel system and E85


Your fuel lines and fittings in the tank are all nylon. The line from the tank to the front of the car is either nylon or PTFE. Both of these are compatible with ethanol and I have included the compatibility info below. The line from under the car up to the LPFP sensor assembly (pictured below) is a rubber line that has an interior coating. I can't say for sure what that coating is but I have yet to hear of any problems with it. When I removed mine, there were no signs of degradation but I never re-installed it do to not liking the interior restrictions in it. The lines from the LPFP sensor to the injectors are all stainless steel hard lines.

As for running the E30 map, 135Pats is probably right. Your scalar in your previous map wasn't adjusted to accommodate for the ethanol content. The OTS E30 map will already have those adjusted and you should be fine. But you are right...post logs and there are many on here that are knowledgeable and typically happy to review them.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

To the first part: Stock coils play very nice on this car. There's just no need for any other brand, OE is very nice. Plugs OE is just fine. At the power levels you are approaching i'd start to think about dropping down a heat range. NGK Iridium are popular for some of the stronger N54s out there. But to be clear OE are fine.

To the second part: No. At least in my opinion. I've never heard of or seen evidence of N54s suffering issues due to E85 use. @steveaz I think you would agree? Steve is the resident N54 fuel system genius around these parts. Outside of Munich i'm not sure there are many people on earth who have given more thought and work into understanding the fuel system than Steve.

Thats great to hear OE parts for once are just as equal as after mart parts lol
Thanks for your help!

Originally Posted by Murph335

I do 5 gal of e85. Test the e85 at your normal pump and adjust accordingly. I track tested Dyno, and daily drive that map 92k miles so far.

Thank you for your personal input. I am glad to hear I can put more than 3 gallons and it will still drive fine

Originally Posted by SteveAZ

Holy...how do I live up to an intro like that? Thanks though!

As for the fuel system and E85


Your fuel lines and fittings in the tank are all nylon. The line from the tank to the front of the car is either nylon or PTFE. Both of these are compatible with ethanol and I have included the compatibility info below. The line from under the car up to the LPFP sensor assembly (pictured below) is a rubber line that has an interior coating. I can't say for sure what that coating is but I have yet to hear of any problems with it. When I removed mine, there were no signs of degradation but I never re-installed it do to not liking the interior restrictions in it. The lines from the LPFP sensor to the injectors are all stainless steel hard lines.

As for running the E30 map, 135Pats is probably right. Your scalar in your previous map wasn't adjusted to accommodate for the ethanol content. The OTS E30 map will already have those adjusted and you should be fine. But you are right...post logs and there are many on here that are knowledgeable and typically happy to review them.

Wow Steve, these are great insight about our fuel lines. I am glad to hear our cars aren't cheaply made...maybe they know the BMW community can't stick to boring Octane lol Thanks for the info and experiences about our fuel line

[Aerotest]

I think your issue was maxing the trims. The Cobb e30 will have adjusted scalars to prevent this.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by Aerotest

I think your issue was maxing the trims. The Cobb e30 will have adjusted scalars to prevent this.

Yea I agree! I haven't had any issues so far running this tune, but we will see how it goes when I really push it several times this week

[Aerotest]

Make sure you reset you trim adaptations so the ecu isnt fighting old trends with the new scalars.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by Aerotest

Make sure you reset you trim adaptations so the ecu isnt fighting old trends with the new scalars.

I haven't had an issue so far, but how do you reset it? I thought the car automatically adjusts itself

[Aerotest]

Via Cobb AP. It will adapt but reseting accelerates the process.

[E90Flossin]

Originally Posted by Aerotest

Via Cobb AP. It will adapt but reseting accelerates the process.

Thats awesome, I didnt know Cobb did that also! Thanks for the tip

[AlpineSwift]

I haven't had the balls to try the E30 map, but having read all of this info, I might just have to now since the E85 station I use is 5 minutes from my house.

[Give_Em_The_DD]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

I haven't had the balls to try the E30 map, but having read all of this info, I might just have to now since the E85 station I use is 5 minutes from my house.

U won't regret it lol

[Aerotest]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

I haven't had the balls to try the E30 map, but having read all of this info, I might just have to now since the E85 station I use is 5 minutes from my house.

Think of e30 as addes safety margin, do it and you wont ever look back. Just dont go tocrazy with added timing at e30. I run peak 12 degrees under load with zero break up.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

I haven't had the balls to try the E30 map, but having read all of this info, I might just have to now since the E85 station I use is 5 minutes from my house.

Wha? Dude go do that like now.