m3 out of gas

[mpowered]

I have a 2002 M3 that ran out of gas the other day with 29 miles still showing on the computer. Has anyone else had this problem and if so is there a fix besides keeping more gas in the car.

[Pinecone]

You should not on a regular basis run BMWs below 1/4 tank. The main fuel pump is i the tank and is cooled by the fuel. So running the tank down can reduce the life of the fuel pump.

Also the computer is not a magical device, it just compares the fuel level sensor to the average MPG and decides what the range might be.

[alpinewhite325i]

Originally posted by Pinecone
You should not on a regular basis run BMWs below 1/4 tank. The main fuel pump is i the tank and is cooled by the fuel. So running the tank down can reduce the life of the fuel pump.

Also the computer is not a magical device, it just compares the fuel level sensor to the average MPG and decides what the range might be.

I thought all fuel pumps were inside the tank? :dunno:

[mpowered]

I have talked with BMW about the running out of gas and they told me that they were aware of the problem and are working on it. It also seems to be a problem with the m3's only. The bottom line is you shouldn't run that low on gas but lets face it **** Happens.

[Pinecone]

Originally posted by alpinewhite325i
I thought all fuel pumps were inside the tank? :dunno:

I think SOME may have a second fuel pump. But every later model BMW does have a fuel tank mounted fuel pump. I am not sure about older cars.

[Anthony]

i just had the same thing happen to me last week. good thing for AAA. earlier this year, I had both sending units in my tank replaced, cuz my gas meter was always way off. well...it looks like its doing it again

[vatkens]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read that you ran out of gas. You might want to have your BMW center check your gas gauge. If you want our help, you can reach us at (800) 831-1117 or email us through the Owners’ Circle at www.bmwusa.com.

[The HACK]

Originally posted by mpowered
I have talked with BMW about the running out of gas and they told me that they were aware of the problem and are working on it. It also seems to be a problem with the m3's only. The bottom line is you shouldn't run that low on gas but lets face it **** Happens.

Not isolated to M3s only. Every single BMW 3 series I've ever seen since '89 have had the same "problem".

The fact is, it is impossible for a computer to estimate your "range" left. You may be coasting a few miles ago and then gotten back on the gas. The sender may be off. You should get gas as soon as the little yellow lamp lights up.

[JPinTO]

BMW's fix should be that once it reaches 50miles left, it should just say "<50miles--- get gas now!"

:D :D

[TGray5]

Yeap, BMW has had a history of trouble with the fuel sending units. I had them replaced on my M Roadster and on my 540 as well (I think). My M3 is very accurate and I've been as low as 6 miles and still made it to the gas station, however, with all this talk, I think I'll be more cautious in the future.

[adrian's bmw]

Originally posted by mpowered
I have talked with BMW about the running out of gas and they told me that they were aware of the problem and are working on it. It also seems to be a problem with the m3's only. The bottom line is you shouldn't run that low on gas but lets face it **** Happens.

I'm with you on this... I've told my customers that by all means, when the light comes on- get gas! Sure, most tanks have at least a 2 gallon reserve when the light comes on, but that OBC computer can be off a little sometimes..even though I've seen cars on dashes (and fumes) and they still make it to the gas station around the corner. It's not worth pushing it.

[SupraRZ]

Well, it happens in X5's too.... my friend's X had about 90 miles left, stalled while going 40-45, PS stopped, he jumped a curb, tore off transfer case. they had a lawyer ready but said 'f it' and paid $6k to fix it.

I've brought the mile # to beyond 0, it reads - - - and it didn't run out of gas :)

[surfah]

Originally posted by mpowered
I have a 2002 M3 that ran out of gas the other day with 29 miles still showing on the computer. Has anyone else had this problem and if so is there a fix besides keeping more gas in the car.

I've actually taken mine down to only 16 miles left before re-fueling. And several times down to the mid-30s.

Thanks for the warning tho...I'll try never to get down to less than 30 miles left from now on....

[Artslinger]

WTF... the inconvience, and possible damage to the feul system is enough insentive to keep me from ever running out of gas.

In 28 years of driving I have never once run out of gas. :tsk:

[bls]

I just ran out of gas with the fuel gauge showing well over 1/8 of a tank remaining. I didn't note what the OBC "range" said. Fortunately, I made it to a gas station and only had to push my heavy car the last ten feet to the pump. :mad:

I put in just over 16.9 gallons. The owner's manual says the tank capacity is 16.6 gallons.

I usually buy gas when I'm down to about 1/4 tank, and always stop at the very next gas station if the idiot light turns on. The light was nowhere near turning on this time.

[AF]

From my understanding, this should be able to be adjusted by the Dealer . . .

[Tanning machine]

In 28 years of driving I have never once run out of gas. :tsk:

Same, although only 16 years. Anyway, I've been trying to figure out scenarios that would make it excusable. And the only one I can come up with is being stuck in a massive traffic jam. If you're on the highway, there's always gas within a 1/4 range (and the few places in the US where there isn't are very obvious). And it's not a problem in town. There have been a couple of times where I've headed out with about a 1/4 tank, and gotten stuck in traffic, but I've always made it fine.

[bls]

I've been trying to figure out scenarios that would make it [running out of gas] excusable.


How about the one I experienced and described, where the gas gauge is lying to you?

[woohoo]

I was running some errands and the miles to empty read 25. I stopped to pick up some groceries and when I started the car again, the display read 5! I went straight to the gas station from there!

:wow: :confused:

[advan24r]

I had this happen as well. But my OBC stated that I had 50 miles left! Took it into the dealer and had the sensors replace. Some internal short was the reason. It was sending voltage ratings that were off balance causing the inaccurate mileage.