BME115 or DA100?
 

The BME115 is [email protected]. The DA100 is [email protected]. If the BME is putting out a much higher power-to-weight ratio, why does everyone seem to use the DA engines?

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Reputation?

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Old versus new. Change is pretty difficult for some. You can't argue about the service with either one. I wouldn't place much stock of rated H.P. numbers from any engine manufacturer. Use information developed by those that buy and fly them, not from the one's that sell them.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Very good point surfer. I'm was thinking there's a good reason why everyone has DA over any other engine manufacturer.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Hopefully you didn't take my comment about rated hp numbers the wrong way. Both are strong engines, well designed and built. DA has had their 100 on the market longer than the 115 has been out, so DA is the winner in the age and quantity departments. Until recently the DA and 3W 100's were the standards that power was based upon. The 115 is now the king of the hill in power levels and light wieghts, but I don't buy into ANY manufacturer's hp ratings.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

With the light weight and power of the 115, it seems as though alot of the 35% planes are over powered at this point. My QQ Yak came in at 24lbs. 12oz. with the BME. I will maiden it tomorrow so I can't say yet but I am sure it will be ballistic. It seems as though the 35% SD Yak would be a good fit with a larger wing area. Maybe it is time for someone to come out with a 36% Extra:D I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just gives us more options.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

The answer to that will be in seeing how the new Wild Hare 105" Extra works out in prototype testing. It should be hitting our shores for retail sales in the next couple of months. Add to that a new and larger Giles and MX-2.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

DA100 for me. 100+ gallons through it and still goin strong. I fly and fly. Comp-arf 2.6, imac or 3D it does it all. Great engine, service and record. Good luck with your new plane. HTH

Joe

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I'm about to make this same decision, the thing about it is you can find NIB or near new DA 100's with muffs for about 1100 right now if you keep an eye out. The BME new with muffs is about 1360... I want the BME but $260 is $260 and it's not like there is something wrong with the DA. It's not the power claims that draw me to the BME it's the weight difference.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

A pound & 1/2 - 2 lbs lighter, 15 more cc's, I'll pay the extra $260 for that kind of performance enhancement on a 35% all day long.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I have had a DA 100 for a few years. After seeing a BME 115 fly a 35% like a foamie I was sold!! It just had that extra go power the DA 100 lacked. DA's are great dont get me wrong, but for me its worth the extra cost for power.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Another thing to consider, you are saying that you will save $260 but you are comparing a used engine to a brand new one. Somehow that does not seem like a fair comparison.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

No such thing as too much power:D Good luck on your maiden.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

RTK,
I agree:D The power increase and weight decrease just seem to open up the options a bit. I did maiden today with two flights. It was very overcast so visability was an issue. The plane flew great:D The BME was definately running rich but performed well. I did a couple of long up lines but with the visability I didn't want to go to high. The plane showed no sign of slowing down what so ever. I do need to either add a hose to my carb plate running into the fuse or change to a different plate. In knife edge and inverted the engine cut out. The carb plate is very close to the front of the cowl and I know I am getting a pressure change. Did you just cover the existing carb plate with the aluminium can or did you change your plate?

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

Naw, he just cut a hole in the cowl...

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

dbcaster,
Every installation is a little bit different. I would go with the easiest first and work your way from there. If you are very rich it will make the situation worse. Also make sure the carb venturi opening has enough between it and the cowl.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I did open up a hole under the carb. The carb plate is very close to the front of the cowl in what could be a pocket of air. I added a nipple and fuel line from the carb plate to inside the fuse. I will try that and see what that does. I will also lean it out a bit. I am sure I was rich on the high.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I have found that it helps to be pretty lean on the low end, but I always stay just a tad rich on the high.
Remember the Low needle will affect the High end mixture.

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I was trying to make the point that the DA's are pretty easily available used or lightly used/NIB where the BME's especially the 115 is not, which is why I was comparing the used DA to the new BME. I guess the thread was more comparing a new DA to a new BME, sorry. I mention them that way because I wouldn't even consider a new DA over the new BME since they are within $50 or so of each other new. $260 for me is enough to consider the DA but I will probably end up with the BME myself as well. :D

RE: BME115 or DA100?
 

I see what you are saying. It does seem as though there are alot of used DA's out there. The main thing is getting it from a reliable source. I have had too many bad experiences with used engines of different types to risk it. I spoke to Keith around the first of January and he told me he sold over 100 BME's in the last month. Maybe there will be some more out there. There are a few 110's on the used market though, but not as cheap as a used DA.