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Originally Posted by geokoppmann
Re-read the roundel statement: 'the fuel lines weren't MEANT to receive . . . ' it doesn't say they CAN'T or, that they WON'T, withstand alcohol based fuels.
Why would anyone choose to believe that a automotive mfgr. would install any material that was able to withstand the effects of only 'a little bit' of a corrosive substance that has been mandated for use in their product ? To protect their 'six', just like Roundel article does for BMW, they will over design everything that has any chance of coming in contact with the corrosive substance to beat hell. To do anything less would guarantee very expensive product recalls not to mention many, many unhappy customers.
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This deserved a separate response, IMO.
Rightly or wrongly, as an engineer, I choose to believe that when I design something, I should include a safety factor. I don't expect the consumer to use up that safety factor and then blame me if the product fails. It might not fail. But if it does, I wouldn't be surprised, I may even expect it.
If you think that we can all go and use up the safety factors inherent in our vehicle's designs, then I suggest you try turbocharging your engine. There is a safety factor on peak cylinder pressure, you can go ahead and use it. Why wouldn't an automaker allow for that?
Sorry, that is an indefensible position.
It is like saying you can overinflate a tire, because those warnings on the side are just from overly-conservative tire engineers. If you overinflate it enough, you will get better mileage. So what?
Posters are here to get information. Yes, you can experiment with E-85 on your own vehicle. I for one am even interested in the results. Just don't drag others down the road with you, unless you are prepared to compensate them for your dangerous advice. The truth is that E-85 may work fine in a BMW. I understand that you haven't tried it yet. Until you do, selling others on the idea by insisting that nothing will happen, contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations, just seems wrong.
/rant off