236
MobilityRefueling
Refueling
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may 
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to 
the special options or  national-market version 
selected. This also app lies to safety related 
functions and systems.
General information
Always switch off the  engine before refu-
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to 
the tank and a message will be displayed. <
Take all precautionary measures and 
observe all applicable  regulations when 
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle.  They can develop a leak 
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the 
event of an accident. <
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler flap. To do so, lightly 
press the rear edge.
2. Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in th e bracket attached to 
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it cl ockwise until you clearly 
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band  attached to the 
cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be closed 
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A mes-
sage will be displayed if the fuel cap is loose or 
missing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, you can release 
the fuel filler flap manually:
Coupe
1.Remove the cover from  the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
2. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol. 
The fuel filler flap is released.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  
237
Refueling
Mobility
Convertible
1.
Loosen the right-hand  cargo area trim panel 
by turning the screws by 90°, see arrow.
2. Slightly lift the top section of the panel. It is 
not necessary to remove the entire panel.
3. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol. 
The fuel filler flap is released.
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety 
instructions provided at filling stations; 
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or 
property damage. <
When refueling, insert  the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler 
nozzle while filling the tank , as that would lead 
to
> Premature pump shutoff
> Reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when  the filler nozzle clicks 
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 16.1 US gal/61 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur. <
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Never use fuels labeled at the fuel pump as 
metal-containing.
Do not use leaded  gasoline or gasoline 
with metal-containing additives doing so 
can cause permanent dama ge to the catalytic 
converter or other components. <
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel con-
taining 85 Ξ ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. 
Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system 
will be damaged. <
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
BMW recommends AKI 91.
Gasoline with lower AKI
The minimum AKI Rating is:
>328i/xDrive: 87
> 335i, 335i/xDrive: 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. 
This has no effect on the engine life. Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel gr ade. Otherwise, the 
engine could be damaged. <
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 Ξ ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8 Ξ oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15 Ξ MTBE or 3 Ξ methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the 
applicable warranties with respect to defects in 
materials or workmanship.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG