500SEC LPG conversion

[Ben Whitworth]

I wonder if anyone might be able to answer a few questions for me. I'm seriously considering purchasing a 1989 500SEC (W126) - I've found a loaded minter with 59k on the clock, FMBSH and one owner from new - and want to know if its possible to convert it to run on LPG. Is it possible, is it advisable, is it expensive and any ideas on who best to take it to for the conversion? Any help you can offer would be much appreciated

 

[coups]

lpg conversion

Yes it is possible to have done, with gas at 37p a litre its cheaper to run, My 300se is running on gas but I bought the car with it already installed. Not much difference in performance and mileage, i believe a conversion would cost around £1500 to £2000, just search the internet for lpg and you should get results

 

[Ben Whitworth]

Many thanks for the help. Do you have any more specific details about the conversion, and who best to approach - the internet is full of LPG converters but I've been reliably informed that a good number of them are not to be trusted.

 

[coups]

conversion

they have different gas tanks that you can use, they are very safe and cut of gas supply if there is an accident. The car starts up on petrol then after reaching 2000rpm it automatically reverts to running on gas for the durattion the car is running, if you run out of gas it then returns to petrol. Try the www.lpga.co.uk site this is one of the best sites for reputable fitters

 

[Ben Whitworth]

Thanks again for the help. Can anyone reccommend a particular converter for Mercedes cars, ideally somewhere in the south east?

 

[G3maw]

Ben,
Use an lpga listed installer who will provide the installation certificate for your insurer ( so no increase in premium ). Also, make sure you have a closed loop system fitted i.e. one which has an oxygen sensor mounted in the exhaust down-pipe, this gets rid of the earlier problems associated with lpg, namely inadequate mixture control and backfiring in the air cleaner/throttle body. My merc 190E is pre-cat like your vehicle and I have used it on lpg for over three years now with no ill effects whatsoever. Pay a bit extra for a quality installation and you won't ever regret it!

 

[Ben Whitworth]

That's great - many thanks for the advice. Has anyone else out there carried out an LPG conversion on a V8-powered W126 model? Any problems I should watch out for, anything to avoid? And any idae how much boost space I will loose? Thanks again for the help...