Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.