I know for the wagon, coupe, and sedan m52tu and m54 all have the same fuel capacity of 16.6 gallons but I was under the impression that the reserve fuel is 2.0 gallons. I normally fill up at 14.6 gallons at exactly when the low fuel light kicks in

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I think the reserve capacity refers to when the gas light turns on. Total should be 16.6 gallons.

 

This..i ussually fill up when my the carputer mileage calculator is at about 50miles left, which would be around the reserve level.

 

According to my owners manual the total fuel tank capacity is 16.6 gallons with a 2.1 gallon reserve. Therefore I would conclude that 16.6 gallons is the answer with 14.5 gallons before the reserve fuel light illuminates. Just my two and a half cents worth...

 

That all makes sense...I'm checking my owner's manual. I should really read it more often.

I really don't run down to the warning light, as I adhere to the BMW bible, and don't let it go below a quarter. I've seen the red light once in the last 5 years.

Without objection, then, we'll say 16.6 gallons.

I can go 572.7 miles if I keep at 71 mph (34.5 mpg). 348 miles if my average speed is around 25 mph and I'm getting just 21 mpg. (I rarely actually see below 22 mpg, but wanted a margin for safety!)

I'm actually trying to put an end to the 'how far can I go on a tank' threads, as I think a 'tank' is not a uniform unit of measurement!


EDIT: My manual also says 16.6 with 2.1 reserve...so I'm writing a letter of complaint to Bentley Publishers!

Also, I don't want you thinking I'm a total moron for asking! I didn't know if the reserve was separate or not. Does that make me a bad person? :lmao:

 

Fuel tank capacity is 16.6 gallons (63L), with the reserve being 1.3 gallons (5L). This does not mean the tank holds 68L, it means you get to drive on 58L until the Empty light, then you get another 5L before you are walking.

Think of this sorta like a motorcycle gas tank, gas flows through a pipe that is relatively high above the bottom of the tank and you ride until there is no more gas, then change the direction of the petcock and gas flows through a shorter pipe so you can ride to the next pump. Your car has a light that comes on when the fuel level gets to the height of the shorter pipe because there is no petcock to turn. You get a visual reminder that you need gas instead of having the engine shut off because it is sucking air.

The tank holds 16.6 gallons. 0.1 gallon is 3.2 ounces, so if you manage to pump 17 gallons into the tank, you put in almost a pint more than the car is supposed to hold. Which means you were running on Empty. Assuming you get 20 mpg, and you can carry 15 gallons, you ought to be looking for your pit crew after about 300 miles. If you reset the trip meter on every fill up, and always fill up, you should not even need a fuel guage.

 

16.6 total

Normally when I fill up at 1/8th of a tank I put in like 14.x gallons.