BMW E39 530 - How far on empty?
Discussion
With 0 range on the OBC I probably wouldn't even attempt a 20 mile drive, let alone a 50 mile. The consequences of running out are too much of a ball ache.
How was your driving leading up to this (as the OBC with estimate the range based on fuel left + driving style)?
EDIT:
I ran my E36 to 0
IIRC I added 62 litres (if not a smidge more).
Afterwards, started to have issues with the the fuel gauge which would fluctuate between min/max, I presume the float in the fuel sender unit got stuck from being so low.
How was your driving leading up to this (as the OBC with estimate the range based on fuel left + driving style)?
EDIT:
I ran my E36 to 0
IIRC I added 62 litres (if not a smidge more).
Afterwards, started to have issues with the the fuel gauge which would fluctuate between min/max, I presume the float in the fuel sender unit got stuck from being so low.
Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 25th September 19:53
If it's any help I've done about 30 miles in my 2005 330i on empty (0 miles) without running out, at about 30mpg. Same engine but a different fuel tank I guess. I would imagine BMW at that time would aim for a similar buffer of gallons in those two cars in their reserve range. I think there's probably 6-7 litres left, on mine anyway. I think you'd be lucky to scrape out 50 miles unless all sat at 60mph in top gear doing about 40mpg. It is a bit risky.
Admittedly it's been a while and I'm just some guy on the internet, but...
In my E39 525i I played fuel light bingo all the time and never lost. I seem to remember doing 10-15 miles on 0 (or ---) but never managing to get more than 67 litres in. Mind that was up to the filler neck!
If you don't know the tank is 2 connected tanks on either side of the prop so tends to be less accurate the lower the level. You can get a true reading via the hidden OBC menu this video explains it and the description shows the codes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnQVYGjBi4&ab... . I thought you needed to also push the button the number of times to correspond to the final number in the VIN but he doesn't in that. Maybe that's only for facelift cars or other functions?
In my E39 525i I played fuel light bingo all the time and never lost. I seem to remember doing 10-15 miles on 0 (or ---) but never managing to get more than 67 litres in. Mind that was up to the filler neck!
If you don't know the tank is 2 connected tanks on either side of the prop so tends to be less accurate the lower the level. You can get a true reading via the hidden OBC menu this video explains it and the description shows the codes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnQVYGjBi4&ab... . I thought you needed to also push the button the number of times to correspond to the final number in the VIN but he doesn't in that. Maybe that's only for facelift cars or other functions?
WilsonWilson said:
Admittedly it's been a while and I'm just some guy on the internet, but...
In my E39 525i I played fuel light bingo all the time and never lost. I seem to remember doing 10-15 miles on 0 (or ---) but never managing to get more than 67 litres in. Mind that was up to the filler neck!
If you don't know the tank is 2 connected tanks on either side of the prop so tends to be less accurate the lower the level. You can get a true reading via the hidden OBC menu this video explains it and the description shows the codes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnQVYGjBi4&ab... . I thought you needed to also push the button the number of times to correspond to the final number in the VIN but he doesn't in that. Maybe that's only for facelift cars or other functions?
That's a good idea. I'd forgotten about the ECU knowing the tank levels. Hopefully it is accurate though. Still think 50 miles could be pushing it though, but if it said 10 litres then I think it could work, assuming economical conditions for the trip (motorway or dual carriageway at 50-60mph).In my E39 525i I played fuel light bingo all the time and never lost. I seem to remember doing 10-15 miles on 0 (or ---) but never managing to get more than 67 litres in. Mind that was up to the filler neck!
If you don't know the tank is 2 connected tanks on either side of the prop so tends to be less accurate the lower the level. You can get a true reading via the hidden OBC menu this video explains it and the description shows the codes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnQVYGjBi4&ab... . I thought you needed to also push the button the number of times to correspond to the final number in the VIN but he doesn't in that. Maybe that's only for facelift cars or other functions?
My e39 told me 20 miles. Within 10 miles it dropped like a stone down to 0, making it the only car I ever ran out of petrol in in this country. Its all a bit hit and miss when it gets low, i wouldn't risk it.
Amazing car, mine is undergoing a big restoration atm, nearly finished - an official e39 msport. Bought in an emergency and never wanted it, but never found anything quite so good again...can't explain it to anyone who's never had one. I have "better" more expensive toys, but I always crave to drive it again over everything else, so It will sit on the driveway as a dry weather indulgence used regularly.
Amazing car, mine is undergoing a big restoration atm, nearly finished - an official e39 msport. Bought in an emergency and never wanted it, but never found anything quite so good again...can't explain it to anyone who's never had one. I have "better" more expensive toys, but I always crave to drive it again over everything else, so It will sit on the driveway as a dry weather indulgence used regularly.
I'd be nervous just driving to the nearest petrol station, let alone 50 miles!
Last year I parked up with twenty miles of range, and the next morning I made it twenty yards down the road before it died. Had to siphon petrol out the lawnmower just to get it back in the drive, then cycle to the next village with a petrol can bungie strapped to my bike.
I've also run out a couple of times in Cardiff when I've parked on steeply cambered roads and all the petrol sloshes to the passenger side away from the pump.
Never call an E39's bluff when the fuel light is on!
Last year I parked up with twenty miles of range, and the next morning I made it twenty yards down the road before it died. Had to siphon petrol out the lawnmower just to get it back in the drive, then cycle to the next village with a petrol can bungie strapped to my bike.
I've also run out a couple of times in Cardiff when I've parked on steeply cambered roads and all the petrol sloshes to the passenger side away from the pump.
Never call an E39's bluff when the fuel light is on!
dickapocalypse said:
I'd be nervous just driving to the nearest petrol station, let alone 50 miles!
Last year I parked up with twenty miles of range, and the next morning I made it twenty yards down the road before it died. Had to siphon petrol out the lawnmower just to get it back in the drive, then cycle to the next village with a petrol can bungie strapped to my bike.
I've also run out a couple of times in Cardiff when I've parked on steeply cambered roads and all the petrol sloshes to the passenger side away from the pump.
Never call an E39's bluff when the fuel light is on!
Yup, an e39 is the only car I've ever run out of fuel completely and had to do the walk off shame with a jerry can. Last year I parked up with twenty miles of range, and the next morning I made it twenty yards down the road before it died. Had to siphon petrol out the lawnmower just to get it back in the drive, then cycle to the next village with a petrol can bungie strapped to my bike.
I've also run out a couple of times in Cardiff when I've parked on steeply cambered roads and all the petrol sloshes to the passenger side away from the pump.
Never call an E39's bluff when the fuel light is on!
Agree - do not call it's bluff!
I was on a call out in 2000. My colleague had struggled to return with a filled car due to the pumps being closed. I bought a bottle of fuel treatment from a motor factor a few doors down. Managed to get 25 miles (on range zero) before it started coughing and spluttering, sucking up crud from the fuel filter. The AA said they would be 2 hours as they had similar fuel call outs. I managed to get transportation onward from a local kind soul who gave me his bicycle and was a patient of mine. Saw me broken down in the E39! He said he had a diesel Jerry can at home but this 5’er was petrol. Thankfully I was only 5 miles away. Stethoscope around neck I cycled like the wind.
Anyhow, there are many risks attached like if you hit traffic, the fuel filter failing… You could try make the journey when it’s cold out. The theory being more fuel range in cold weather. Turning off anything electric such as blower motor, stereo etc. Pick a quiet time or less busy. Lastly, if you are around London then there are a few mobile fuel companies. Some even give you a bit free as an introductory offer.
Hopefully you manage to get to your destination.
Anyhow, there are many risks attached like if you hit traffic, the fuel filter failing… You could try make the journey when it’s cold out. The theory being more fuel range in cold weather. Turning off anything electric such as blower motor, stereo etc. Pick a quiet time or less busy. Lastly, if you are around London then there are a few mobile fuel companies. Some even give you a bit free as an introductory offer.
Hopefully you manage to get to your destination.
njw1 said:
My 540i will still run when the range has gone past 0 and is showing - - - - but not for long! As for driving fifty miles on empty, I wouldn't attempt to drive mine fifty miles even if the range was showing fifty miles, the range drops like a stone when the tank nears empty.
This 
Many a journey the OBC would say 100 miles range - great, I’ll make it without stopping! And for the next 70 miles it all stayed in balance.
The last 30 miles it would just start to drop rapidly.. oh, maybe I won’t make it after all!
Edited by The spinner of plates on Sunday 26th September 13:07
wsn03 said:
My e39 told me 20 miles. Within 10 miles it dropped like a stone down to 0, making it the only car I ever ran out of petrol in in this country. Its all a bit hit and miss when it gets low, i wouldn't risk it.
Amazing car, mine is undergoing a big restoration atm, nearly finished - an official e39 msport. Bought in an emergency and never wanted it, but never found anything quite so good again...can't explain it to anyone who's never had one. I have "better" more expensive toys, but I always crave to drive it again over everything else, so It will sit on the driveway as a dry weather indulgence used regularly.
There's something nicely analogue about BMWs of that era, enough quality, nice 6 cyl engines, enough electronics, but not dominated by them, nice styling (except the 1 series). Not sure I can part with my E46 330i convertible, would love to have it restored underneath and keep forever.Amazing car, mine is undergoing a big restoration atm, nearly finished - an official e39 msport. Bought in an emergency and never wanted it, but never found anything quite so good again...can't explain it to anyone who's never had one. I have "better" more expensive toys, but I always crave to drive it again over everything else, so It will sit on the driveway as a dry weather indulgence used regularly.
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