Fuel tank size

[OldenburgerM3]

one more minor correction: I'm pretty sure the 'ding' comes on at 65-70 miles left, not a specific amount of fuel left (although that may be different for the second 'ding' when the yellow fuel thing takes up your dash permanently). But I can't back that up with facts, I get similar MPG every tank and can't confirm that beyond a hunch.

[meyergru]

Originally Posted by Llando88

This.

Nope. That is the essential point: The tank (including filler or whatever) has a certain volume and fuel is sold by volume as well at any temperature. And we have proof that the M3 can take more than the 16.6 US gallons that BMW specifies it does.

What changes with temperature is the weight of the fuel - and the mileage you can reach with a full tank, because energy depends on the weight of the fuel.

Actually, this is correct (at least in general, not arguing about exact numbers there):

Originally Posted by chriszeh

The fuel reserve isn't refering to an extra tank. The tank is 16.6 like the manual says and the fuel light comes on when you have 3.3 gallons left which means you are working off the reserve. Just like any other low fuel light?

The german manuals also state "fuel capacity including reserve", don't know about the US specs. I severely doubt that the actual capacity is ~19 gallons (i.e. 16.6 gallons + reserve).

With my 335i, I once had the car stuttering already in a slight bend and could fit only 62.5 liters after that, so tank + filler capacity was about as specified at 63 liters. We have seen several people fit 17.1 gallons (65 liters) to the M3. This along with the facts about part different numbers and different weight of the tank lets me conclude that the M3 has at least 2 liters more than the regular 3-series - although BMW manuals tell otherwise.

Whatever, the actual M3's fuel capacity is AT LEAST 17.1 gallons.

Any volunteers to try going for more?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I make it a point to fill up when the light goes on to tell me to do so. As for the tank size, I am certain there is plenty of reserve in there just drive slower should you ever be in a "no station in sight situation"

Once in my AMG (some years ago) my best friend and I drove from Edmonton to Jasper, Alberta ... the gauge showed zero and we past a station in Edson, Alberta and made it another 20 miles to the next one. He said "let's live on the wild side" as we passed the gas station, I on the other hand was worried I have to addmit it fealt exciting.

I have on occasion rolled into gas stations on fumes only ... it happens here up north with miles and miles between stations at times.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by meyergru

Nope. That is the essential point: The tank (including filler or whatever) has a certain volume and fuel is sold by volume as well at any temperature. And we have proof that the M3 can take more than the 16.6 US gallons that BMW specifies it does.

What changes with temperature is the weight of the fuel - and the mileage you can reach with a full tank, because energy depends on the weight of the fuel.

Actually, this is correct (at least in general, not arguing about exact numbers there):



The german manuals also state "fuel capacity including reserve", don't know about the US specs. I severely doubt that the actual capacity is ~19 gallons (i.e. 16.6 gallons + reserve).

With my 335i, I once had the car stuttering already in a slight bend and could fit only 62.5 liters after that, so tank + filler capacity was about as specified at 63 liters. We have seen several people fit 17.1 gallons (65 liters) to the M3. This along with the facts about part different numbers and different weight of the tank lets me conclude that the M3 has at least 2 liters more than the regular 3-series - although BMW manuals tell otherwise.

Whatever, the actual M3's fuel capacity is AT LEAST 17.1 gallons.

Any volunteers to try going for more?

Great info. Exactly what I needed to know. I'll start looking for gas when my range gets to ~10 miles instead of ~30. That increases my driving range by 10%!

[Rich_Jenkins]

Originally Posted by meyergru

Nope. That is the essential point: The tank (including filler or whatever) has a certain volume and fuel is sold by volume as well at any temperature. And we have proof that the M3 can take more than the 16.6 US gallons that BMW specifies it does.

What changes with temperature is the weight of the fuel - and the mileage you can reach with a full tank, because energy depends on the weight of the fuel.

Actually, this is correct (at least in general, not arguing about exact numbers there):

The german manuals also state "fuel capacity including reserve", don't know about the US specs. I severely doubt that the actual capacity is ~19 gallons (i.e. 16.6 gallons + reserve).

With my 335i, I once had the car stuttering already in a slight bend and could fit only 62.5 liters after that, so tank + filler capacity was about as specified at 63 liters. We have seen several people fit 17.1 gallons (65 liters) to the M3. This along with the facts about part different numbers and different weight of the tank lets me conclude that the M3 has at least 2 liters more than the regular 3-series - although BMW manuals tell otherwise.

Whatever, the actual M3's fuel capacity is AT LEAST 17.1 gallons.

Any volunteers to try going for more?

Good post.

Agree with points in bold. Interesting that the M3 tank might be different than "normal' part. I would not be at all surprised if no one from "normal" BMW caught the difference in the tank sizes, subtle though it might be.

By the way, not trying to offend or question anyone. Props to you for getting additional range out of your car, I totally get it.

:grouphug:

[rye m3]

Originally Posted by meyergru

Whatever, the actual M3's fuel capacity is AT LEAST 17.1 gallons.

Any volunteers to try going for more?

That's what I'm hoping for - a voulenteer!

Yep, we seem to know that there is at least 17.1 gal capacity, did it myself. I'll add that I DID NOT run out of gas, so the AT LEAST part is worth saying. These cars have such short range, I was simply interested to know what the real range is.

Thanks for all the contributions!

[smmmurf]

Drove 5 miles past -- range and filled 16.9 gallons yesterday. Confirmed. Larger than 63 liters.

[smmmurf]

16.944 gals 240.2 miles