I attended the San Diego chapter autocross this weekend, and something really odd happened to me that had never happened before. As I later figured out being from a low gas supply, after every hard right turn, I would lose power (no power whatsoever) for about a couple of seconds, then I gained power back. It was the gas getting shoved over to the left side of the tank, and the pump sucked in air until it could suck up more gas. I didn't even think of that before going into the autocross, but I was about at reserve. At the time, I was so confused as to what was going on, but I'm just wondering if anybody has had these sorts of problems taking hard turns with not much gas in their e30s, because it is kind of odd.
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I usually drive my car until the light comes on, then put in ~$5 or so (like 3-4 gallons) before an autocross. The idea is to run as little gas, and therefore weight, as possible, yet still have enough to prevent what happened to you...BEERTECH
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Funny, here $5 will only get you 2 gallons if your lucky. But has anybody else autocrossed or tracked there e30 with a little amount of gas, and did anything happen?
Ya, I'm trying to think what would be the best amount of gas, I think next time I will go with 3/8 to 1/2 a tank to be safe, at 8 pounds a gallon that's not all that much, a lot less than having an instructor with you.Comment
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I dunno, I did 3 runs with the light on and had no trouble. but it's not like 5 gallons of gas is going to make much difference in your driving times.
you guys seriously are still paying over $2.50 for premium? I find that hard to believe.. last time I filled up it was under $2.00, and it's usually not much cheaper in washington.Comment
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shit, regular was $2.77 in Kauai, I am so happy we have 1.80 premium here in NC...BEERTECH
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The M3 tanks aren't different are they? I am going to check out the part numbers right now. I'm definately taking the simple route out of this, more gas.Comment
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Guess what, M3 tanks have a different part number, I wonder what the difference is, anybody know, I would like to know.Comment
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it's just smaller, 14.5 gallons instead of 16.5 for a 325i. I think the other 4cyl cars came with the same tank.Comment
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That's right, forgot about that. I wonder if m10/m42 guys have the same problem? Anyone with a four banger have any experience with this?Comment
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I have a m42, and using the above process, never had a problem. I dont think i've ever autocrossed with the gas light on either...BEERTECH
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Giorgio, you're over-complicating this. The last thing you need to worry about is the added weight of a half tank of gas...especially for one of our laid back auto-x's. Just make sure you have enough gas, a spare tire, and OIL in your motor! ;)Comment
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:oops:Originally posted by JasonHComment
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My car will often cut out on right-handers if i have less than a 1/4 tank of gas. This actually caused me to spin out one time when car suddenly cut out when i was taking a fast sweeper. Now i just make sure i have 1/4 tank for SCCA Autocrosses (only 3 runs) and arrive at BMW Club events with over a half tank.
Randy Walters
2021 Mazda 3 Sedan Premium AWD
1988 325is (w/89 bumpers, recently sold)
1989 325is (Broadsided long ago RIP)
1996 328is (Sold to Matt J)
2003 530i Sport (Spare car now)
2005 X3 (little woman's car)
Driving Instructor BMW CCA L.A. & S.D. Chapters
Multiple L.A. & S.D. Region SCCA Autocross ChampionshipsComment
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:rofl:Originally posted by Rob
Welcome to my world :P
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[quote="randywalters"]My car will often cut out on right-handers if i have less than a 1/4 tank of gas. This actually caused me to spin out one time when car suddenly cut out when i was taking a fast sweeper. Now i just make sure i have 1/4 tank for SCCA Autocrosses (only 3 runs) and arrive at BMW Club events with over a half tank.
I've had my car at autocross and on track with gas light on solid and it NEVER cut out.
Except that one time about 3 years ago when I was on interstate coming back home from school in the afternoon and I forgot that my light went on early in the morning on my way to school. The drive was about 30 miles one way. so it started cutting and then finally died as it was obviously dry after about 50 miles since the light went on.
If I get low on gas I just do this to move all the gas to the pump side:
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