A few M3 Queries.....

[Foomanchu]

Hello

I have a few problems with My M3 firstly I have the long range fuel tank but I can never get the full amount of fuel in I believe that it is supposed to be a 70 litre tank ??? but I can't get more than 60 in... Is there a BMW way to fill it as I know it isn't the same tank ?

And the other problem is I ran out of fuel last night the light had only been on for 5 miles or so and it coughed and splutterd so I stopped and got more fuel. It started fine and then it just wouldn't pull away it seems to have a problem with the fuel supply... PUMP ???? I don't know. I managed to hop my way home and then alot of black smoke came out and I'm obviously a little concerned about it......

Please help...

Also where is the fuel pump located..

I can get over 35 miles on reserve in my 325i..

Thanks
Lui

[Nostrils]

Strange! IIRC from another thread somewhere that you should fill the tank at the light or in the red zone!

Check out this thread, it might explain things

http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/forum_ ... g+the+tank

[Foomanchu]

Nice one

I do recall reading something like that but I didn't have the car then so It didn't matter...
But once I get it going I will try it..
Thanks.

Any clues on the rough ride and lack of go.....

Lui

[Nostrils]

Its happened twice to me in 6 years, the first time it was suggested that I just picked up some crap from the tank and was told not to wait until the last minute to fill up......my mechanic at the time told me to disconnect the battery whilst cleaning the car and see how it goes!! It seemed to work, why I dont know.

The second time this happened the ECU failed and the car was put into some kind of 'get you home mode'. No real acceleration, no more that say 3000rpm or it would cut out. New with an oil service and tune cost me over Ԛ£600 at a specialist, not BMW dealership.

Perhaps doing a search on http://www.s14.net/forums/ may come up with other ideas!

Or here from the same site, but for Stalling, starting, driving problems..

http://www.s14.net/forums/forumdisplay. ... forumid=49

[Foomanchu]

Cool

I have just had a little look on s14 and saw your tag and thought I recognise that and it was you. nice car.....

It not in a limp mode my 325i auto does that if I hit the limiter in manual mode and it's not like that.

When you say disconnect the battery and clean the car, I know it might sound stupid but clean what part of the car..


Lui

[shadrick]

I think he means disconnect the battery WHILE cleanig the car...i.e. leave the battery disconnected for a few hours. This should reset the ECU and cause it to learn new values the new time you drive it, which should get rid of the limp home mode..

[TheDutch]

If the M3 pumps are like the others (in the fuel tank?) then it will not appreciate being run empty, and doing so can bring about a quick failure.
Do you know how old the fuel filter is? Could be clogged perhaps, I had similar symptoms once and this was the problem.
Do take a look at S14.net though they seem to be well clued up on the M3s.

[Foomanchu]

Thanks for the help

I will look at the pump and filter I have only had the car for 2 months so I have know idea when they were last replaced...

What clues can I have to suss out if they need replacing..


Lui

[Simon]

I get the same problem too, also problems filling it, where the pump keeps stopping.
If you look at the fuel guage, a full tank is where the white block starts, the rest of the white block is for the long range tank, best way to fill, is to pull the nozzle out most of the way, and slowly fill until you can see the fuel.

I do believe the M3 has 2 fuel pumps, one under the seat, and one in front of the drivers rear wheel, first thing to do though is change fuel filter as has been suggested.

[Foomanchu]

Hello

Thanks for all your help I seemed to have solved the problem...

It was the Shell unleaded petrol !!
My girlfriend put that in the can instead of Optimax and the car really didn't like it..
I didn't think that it would be quite so sensitive but it was.
She is now running like a dream..
Inspection 1 due soon and some new tyres what are the M3 boys running I have standard 16" BBS and Goodyear F1's at the moment should I stay with them or try something different ???


Lui

[Simon]

Hello

Thanks for all your help I seemed to have solved the problem...

It was the Shell unleaded petrol !!
My girlfriend put that in the can instead of Optimax and the car really didn't like it..
I didn't think that it would be quite so sensitive but it was.
She is now running like a dream..
Inspection 1 due soon and some new tyres what are the M3 boys running I have standard 16" BBS and Goodyear F1's at the moment should I stay with them or try something different ???


Lui

I've had nothing but praise for the F1's, and I've heard loads of positive comments about them too, they are especially good in the wet, stick with them!