Note: General fuel quality — Even fuels that conform to the specifications can be of low quality. This may cause engine problems, for instance poor engine startup behavior, poor handling and/or poor performance. Switch gas stations or use a brand name fuel with a higher octane rating.
For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline should be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content. Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as containing metal must not be used. Refuel only with unleaded gasoline without metallic additives. Do not refuel with any leaded gasoline or gasoline with metallic additives, e.g., manganese or iron, as this can cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter and other components.
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10%, i.e., E10, may be used for refueling. Ethanol should satisfy the following quality standards:
xx: comply with the current standard in each case. Do not use a fuel with a higher ethanol percentage than recommended or one with other types of alcohol, e.g., M5 to M100; otherwise this could damage the engine and fuel supply system.
BMW recommends AKI 91.
BMW recommends AKI 89. Do not use any gasoline below the minimum fuel grade as this may impair engine performance. If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rating, the engine may produce knocking sounds when starting at high outside temperatures. This has no effect on engine life.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in harmful engine deposits or damage. Additionally, problems relating to drivability, starting, and stalling, especially under certain environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude, may occur. If drivability problems are encountered, switch to a high-quality gasoline brand and a higher octane grade (AKI number) for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful engine deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase gasoline from Top Tier retailers. Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in the need for unscheduled maintenance.
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel with low sulfur content: Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel ASTM D 975-xx. Use only Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel. The fraction of biodiesel in the fuel must not exceed 5%, referred to as B5. Do not use gasoline. If you fill the tank with the wrong fuel, e.g., gasoline, do not start the engine as this may damage it. After adding the wrong fuel, contact your service center or Roadside Assistance.
If the fuel pump nozzle does not fit in the filler pipe, check that you are refueling at a diesel fuel pump. If the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel cannot be fully inserted, contact BMW Roadside Assistance for instructions.
To ensure that the diesel engine remains operational in winter, use winter diesel, available at gas stations during winter months. The fuel filter heating system prevents disruption of the fuel supply while driving. Do not add any diesel additives, including gasoline; otherwise, engine damage may occur.
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen oxides in diesel emissions by injecting diesel exhaust fluid reducing agent into the exhaust system. A chemical reaction inside the catalytic converter minimizes nitrogen oxides. The vehicle has a tank that can be refilled, and an adequate reducing agent must be present to start the engine as usual. Reducing agent is added by the service center.
To warm the engine to its operating temperature after a cold start, the Steptronic transmission may subsequently shift up to the next higher gear.
This display provides information about the distance that can still be driven with the current reserve level:
