When does fuel light come on?

[cgt]

I chickened out today and filled up my car because the needle was getting pretty low and I didnt see the fuel light. I assumed the light must be faulty as it was very near to the lowest mark.

Turns out it was 45litres to fill the tank. If I'm right a 1990 316i has a 55 litre tank so I still had 10 in reserve.

Does the light come on very late in these cars?

Thanks for any replies guys.

[adit]

yes, normally when the needle is at the bottom of the red..then you have approximately another 25 miles until grinding to a halt...No Excuse!!

[rp2]

mine goes past the lowest mark on the guage then the light comes on. i kept chickening out and filling up way before it needed it!

[cgt]

Ah ok thanks guys. I'm going to have a Mexican standoff with the fuel light next time!

[freddiet123]

Hi
Worked it out on race car so as to get the weight correct
8 ltrs fuel left in tank when light comes on, that is with the smaller tank as fitted with the external link pipe
Graham

[clipper]

5 - 6 litres (closer to 5 than 6) from bone dry for the fuel light to go out.

4.54 litres in a gallon (English gallon that is).

[adit]

Ah ok thanks guys. I'm going to have a Mexican standoff with the fuel light next time!

better make sure you have a fiver's worth in a can in the boot then!
my last Touring was the same, i never did see the light come on and i was well in to the red more than once

[cgt]

Ah ok thanks guys. I'm going to have a Mexican standoff with the fuel light next time!

better make sure you have a fiver's worth in a can in the boot then!
my last Touring was the same, i never did see the light come on and i was well in to the red more than once

[e30-EVN]

Mine is the same, it goes into the red and then the light comes on!
If I were you fill a jery can and keep in the boot, when the light comes on reset the trip and run it till she starts to chug, that way you know for next time!
Don't run it completly dry though as its not good for the pump
Ant

[martauto]

Just think of all the crap you are draging into the pump/injection/engine when you let it go too low.

Mart.

[e30-EVN]

Just think of all the crap you are draging into the pump/injection/engine when you let it go too low

ive heard a few people say that, but this is why there is a fuel filter! change it when you service your car and happy days. no bits get anywhere near the engine

[Morat]

and you don't get a massive build up in the tank!
(in theory at least)