Weird fuel warning message

switlikbob · 10-31-2018, 08:03 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

This is the second time this has happened. My fuel level on the gauge drops very quickly after driving a short period. I'm talking 1/4 tank in 5 miles on the gauge marker. Then, I get the fuel light on the dash for a minute, then I get the whole paragraph about not driving the car under 30 mile capacity. When I started my car this morning, it was 2 clicks shy of half tank.

WTF is going on here???

miiipilot · 10-31-2018, 10:49 AM

I experienced this last week too. My car was at a 1/4tank, but the readout said 51 miles. I thought that was nuts...HOWEVER...I was averaging 11MPG at the time (PA 666 is a beast of a road and this car is fucking amazing and the DCT is brilliant)

That Miles to Empty display changes based on your current MPG figure. Once i got back on the highway, it seemed that I went miles and miles before it got lower. Since I was cruising in comfort at 70mph...I deduced it was that.

my thoughts...

Poochie · 10-31-2018, 11:16 AM

The mileage left to a empty tank is a rough estimate based on the vehicle's current usage; if you start driving like a grandma again, after awhile, you'll notice that same number increase..

The same thing occurred on a new 320i loaner car I had just this weekend..

It was averaging 28 miles per gallon on pick up and 13 upon return

chmura · 10-31-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poochie

The mileage left to a empty tank is a rough estimate based on the vehicle's current usage; if you start driving like a grandma again, after awhile, you'll notice that same number increase..

The same thing occurred on a new 320i loaner car I had just this weekend..

It was averaging 28 miles per gallon on pick up and 13 upon return

I agree its just an estimate, once you start driving normal again the number will increase. This is with all cars, not just BMW.

cpxchewy · 10-31-2018, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poochie

The mileage left to a empty tank is a rough estimate based on the vehicle's current usage; if you start driving like a grandma again, after awhile, you'll notice that same number increase..

The same thing occurred on a new 320i loaner car I had just this weekend..

It was averaging 28 miles per gallon on pick up and 13 upon return

Hahaha. that's impressive. I drive my 320i like a maniac in SF with all hills and I never hit 13 (16-18... that's another story). What did you do? Track the loaner to get it down that low?

Artemis · 10-31-2018, 04:17 PM

Enjoy a 'spirited drive' in the mountains and the fuel gauge needle steers port. Subsequently take it easy and the fuel gauge needle steers starboard.

A fast drop to 0 km range when you're in the mountains and the nearby fuel station you had scheduled turns out to be closed that day, can be a bit stressful. Been there, done that.

Poochie · 10-31-2018, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpxchewy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poochie

The mileage left to a empty tank is a rough estimate based on the vehicle's current usage; if you start driving like a grandma again, after awhile, you'll notice that same number increase..

The same thing occurred on a new 320i loaner car I had just this weekend..

It was averaging 28 miles per gallon on pick up and 13 upon return

Hahaha. that's impressive. I drive my 320i like a maniac in SF with all hills and I never hit 13 (16-18... that's another story). What did you do? Track the loaner to get it down that low?

I coded the brighter LEDs, Euro emergency brake lighting, folding mirror, & I activated Sport +.. Amongst other things..

I also had a JB+ plugged on 93 gas.. Removed now..

It was enough power to get one arrested.. Not that I was lucky enough to test the theory..

Butter soft suspension, I miss that.. 320i is a perfect daily driver..

switlikbob · 11-02-2018, 06:34 PM

Thanks for your input.
I live in South Jersey, so there are no hills.
My problem seems different than what you guys mention.
It presents as a mis-read of the fuel level on startup, then corrects itself abruptly revealing a low fuel level.

pruettfan · 11-03-2018, 10:19 PM

The warning is just that, a warning because this is a car that you cannot run to empty or within 2 gallons of it. The system calculates range based on driving conditions so it changes up quickly. The simple solution is to fill at 1/4 tank, when I track my car I cannot drive it below 1/2 tank because in the corners there are fuel pick up issues and the car will go into limp mode. Your not having that issue so I would say your system is probably ok but I'm sure your car is under warranty so the simple solution is take it to the dealer and have it checked out.

10-31-2018, 08:03 AM	#1
switlikbob Chuggin' Along 333 Rep 588 Posts Drives: 2017 LBB ///M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Southern NJ iTrader: (0)	Weird fuel warning message Featured on BIMMERPOST.com This is the second time this has happened. My fuel level on the gauge drops very quickly after driving a short period. I'm talking 1/4 tank in 5 miles on the gauge marker. Then, I get the fuel light on the dash for a minute, then I get the whole paragraph about not driving the car under 30 mile capacity. When I started my car this morning, it was 2 clicks shy of half tank. WTF is going on here??? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-31-2018, 10:49 AM	#2
miiipilot Lieutenant Colonel 519 Rep 1,501 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Brooklyn Grey 6mt Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0)	I experienced this last week too. My car was at a 1/4tank, but the readout said 51 miles. I thought that was nuts...HOWEVER...I was averaging 11MPG at the time (PA 666 is a beast of a road and this car is fucking amazing and the DCT is brilliant) That Miles to Empty display changes based on your current MPG figure. Once i got back on the highway, it seemed that I went miles and miles before it got lower. Since I was cruising in comfort at 70mph...I deduced it was that. my thoughts... __________________ miiipilot '24 M2 Brooklyn Grey, 6mt, Bi-Color, Black M-Color seats, '16 MG M2, DCT, Exec. Took Delivery 4/30/16 (Sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2018, 11:16 AM	#3
Poochie Luxury at the redline :) 9105 Rep 7,563 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	The mileage left to a empty tank is a rough estimate based on the vehicle's current usage; if you start driving like a grandma again, after awhile, you'll notice that same number increase.. The same thing occurred on a new 320i loaner car I had just this weekend.. It was averaging 28 miles per gallon on pick up and 13 upon return
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2018, 04:17 PM	#6
Artemis Moderator 29376 Rep 13,097 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Enjoy a 'spirited drive' in the mountains and the fuel gauge needle steers port. Subsequently take it easy and the fuel gauge needle steers starboard. A fast drop to 0 km range when you're in the mountains and the nearby fuel station you had scheduled turns out to be closed that day, can be a bit stressful. Been there, done that. __________________ ///M is art ↔ Artemis
	Appreciate 1 Poochie9104.50 Quote

11-02-2018, 06:34 PM	#8
switlikbob Chuggin' Along 333 Rep 588 Posts Drives: 2017 LBB ///M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Southern NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks for your input. I live in South Jersey, so there are no hills. My problem seems different than what you guys mention. It presents as a mis-read of the fuel level on startup, then corrects itself abruptly revealing a low fuel level.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2018, 10:19 PM	#9
pruettfan Brigadier General 1622 Rep 3,402 Posts Drives: 2017 M2, LBB, DCT, Exec Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	The warning is just that, a warning because this is a car that you cannot run to empty or within 2 gallons of it. The system calculates range based on driving conditions so it changes up quickly. The simple solution is to fill at 1/4 tank, when I track my car I cannot drive it below 1/2 tank because in the corners there are fuel pick up issues and the car will go into limp mode. Your not having that issue so I would say your system is probably ok but I'm sure your car is under warranty so the simple solution is take it to the dealer and have it checked out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote