Alcohol Detection Procedure

Fuel Blends containing a high percentage (10% and above) of alcohol, mainly ethanol, are becoming more commercially available. Usage of E85, or any other high alcohol content blend (e.g. E30) in BMW vehicles, will cause various driveability complaints (cold start problems, stalling, reduced performance, poor fuel economy, etc.), may cause excessive emissions, and may cause irreversible damage to engine, emission control and fuel delivery systems due to incompatibility of materials with alcohols.

In order to correctly diagnose various driveability complaints caused by fuel blends with a high level of ethanol content, BMW is providing you with an alcohol detection test tool.

Distribution of the following tool will be through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program. Additional tools may be purchased through your PDC. All prices on this bulletin are introductory prices and are only valid during the Automatic Tool Shipment.

Procedure 

Safety Precautions: 

Gasoline is highly flammable; observe normal precautions for working with flammable liquids. Perform all tests away from any source of ignition. A class B fire extinguisher must be available. Wear protective eye protection with side shields and Nitrile rubber gloves for handling syringe. Please adhere to any applicable OSHA regulations when handling Gasoline. Dispose of the mixture according to local, state and federal regulations.

Fill a clean container with gasoline drawn from the fuel system of the affected vehicle then fill another container with water. Only a small amount of fuel is needed to perform the test (5 ounces of each fluid).

Slowly draw 3cc of water into the syringe. Note: To remove air, draw at least 5cc to 6cc of water, invert the syringe and squirt the water out until the top rim of the rubber plunger is at the 3cc mark.

Slowly draw gasoline into the syringe until the fluid reaches the 12cc mark. Place your finger over the tip of the syringe, vigorously shake the syringe for one minute. Relieve built-up pressure by occasionally removing your finger.

Place the syringe on a flat surface with the nozzle pointing up, allow the syringe to stand for one minute.

If alcohol is present in the fuel, it will separate from the gasoline and dissolve in the water.

Empty the syringe and rinse thoroughly with water, allow drying and apply a silicone lubricant to the rubber plunger before storing.