[stupordave]

Relocating to Denver in a few months but couldn't find any stations with 93 octane on my last trip. I've got a PTF tuned 335is running 93 and I hate to give up my map. Any stations around with 93? Really hate to go back to stock as the car performs so much better. Guess I could always go back to PTF for a 91 octane map.

[BQTuning]

Is there any E85 stations with easy access ?

[TheeGovernor]

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Is there any E85 stations with easy access ?

Yes there is plenty. We also have our fair share of sources for race gas, so no worries. But there are only a few stations with 93. In reality it will be better to run 91+e85.

[chepy24]

Originally Posted by TheeGovernor

Yes there is plenty. We also have our fair share of sources for race gas, so no worries. But there are only a few stations with 93. In reality it will be better to run 91+e85.

agree e85+91 is what i run so that i can run aggressive maps untill i get my etune

[richpike]

Originally Posted by TheeGovernor

Yes there is plenty. We also have our fair share of sources for race gas, so no worries. But there are only a few stations with 93. In reality it will be better to run 91+e85.

I would second this. You'll also probably want to get a new protune regardless. The thin air impacts all sorts of things - the efficiency of your intercooler, how hard your turbos work, etc.

Good luck and welcome to Colorado! Make sure to check out the Rockies/Midwest Forum on here and join the Colorado BMW Groupë on Facebook. Pretty active groups with lots of info on the Front Range.

-Rich

[jadnashuanh]

Thinner air affects the speed and ability to get to max boost. You might have to be really aggressive to require higher octane unless you're on a track. I know people mix in E85, but BMW does state a maximum alcohol content. If you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

[chepy24]

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

Thinner air affects the speed and ability to get to max boost. You might have to be really aggressive to require higher octane unless you're on a track. I know people mix in E85, but BMW does state a maximum alcohol content. If you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

no offense but bmw also doesnt like or approve mods and we still do it.. i think its safe to say we all know the risk we are taking and still decide to do it... only person ill be mad at if something goes wrong is myself.. but then not really because i enjoy my car

[V8bait]

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

Thinner air affects the speed and ability to get to max boost. You might have to be really aggressive to require higher octane unless you're on a track. I know people mix in E85, but BMW does state a maximum alcohol content. If you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

[stupordave]

Thanks for some advice. Doesn't hurt my feelings to hand a few dollars back over to PTF for another map. Great guys.

[stupordave]

Big props to Jake at PTF. Touched up my previous tune a bit (over a year old) to handle the new altitude and fuel options...for free. Not pulling as hard as it used to but I've now got some kick back. No customer service complaints here!

[richpike]

Originally Posted by stupordave

Big props to Jake at PTF. Touched up my previous tune a bit (over a year old) to handle the new altitude and fuel options...for free. Not pulling as hard as it used to but I've now got some kick back. No customer service complaints here!

That's awesome. I also got proTuned by PTF - worth every penny. Hope you are enjoying Denver. There is also a pretty active BMW Facebook group (search for Colorado BMW Groupë and ask to be added).

-Rich

[Miller335]

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

I know people mix in E85, but BMW does state a maximum alcohol content. If you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

What are you even on about?

[shushikiary]

Yea best bet is to just run an E30 or more mix and the respective tune.

You can get 101 octane from a couple of stations in town, but it really depends on where you live and that stuff is about 7 bucks a gallon. If you end up living on the north side of town its much harder to get 93 or 101 but e85 is cake.

So like we've said, an e85 mix is your best bet.

I've also noticed with the altitude that your intake temps (not just the charge air temps, but the actual air coming in to the compressor on the turbo) are very important to keep boost. With a BMS DCI I was having trouble on hot days hitting 16 PSI, then I put a heat reflector blanket in and keep the ambient temp next to the DCI down under 110 deg F most of the time and it does MUCH better, peaking around 17.8 on a good day (though that's not consistent).

The DME does actually compensate for altitude based on the barro sensor. Your peak boost requested will be reduced from mean abs of about 31 or so to mid 28 or so on the cobb E30 map in my experience. There is also at least a 1/4 second increased delay in turbo spool up below 3000 RPM... The FMIC also doesnt do as good a job cooling so you'll see higher charge air temps as well.... just the nature of the beast.

Might be a good idea to check your turbo solenoids and vacuum lines as to get to maintain boost you'll be keeping your waste gates closed more as well.

Hey, at least its not NA right?!

[stupordave]

@richpike... Can't complain about Denver. Lifestyle is worth a few HP. I'll check out the Facebook page. Thanks.

@shush... Really noticed the lag and the power drop under 3k. Seems to run pretty solid now for both daily and spirited driving though now. But as you said, I really notice the power loss more in my NA Titan...especially up top. Goes with the territory I guess. One more reason to look at a bigger single turbo setup down the road.

[jadnashuanh]

Originally Posted by Miller335

What are you even on about?

If you happen to believe the multi-billion dollar company and their numerous engineers, one would think they know their engines better than the average guy off the street. They list the max amount of alcohol for a reason. Should you choose to use more, yes, you'll get higher octane and with reprogramming, more power output, but if you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

[Ingeniator]

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

If you happen to believe the multi-billion dollar company and their numerous engineers, one would think they know their engines better than the average guy off the street. They list the max amount of alcohol for a reason. Should you choose to use more, yes, you'll get higher octane and with reprogramming, more power output, but if you keep your car a long time, you may not like the end result.

Ok thanks. Now you can stop bothering people.

[jaykayelemenohpee]

I was pro tuned for 91 when I was in the CO area for a year but not back to 1000ft altitude its time for a revision and hopefully a little more oomph.