Late model USABLE fuel capacity

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

I know that 16.5 gallons is the magical number thrown around for late model gas tanks.

But I ran my car down to the light last night, to the point where the range was blinking ----mi. Spare me the lecture, I know this is bad for the fuel pump.

And when I filled up, it only filled to 14.7 gallons.

I know I've got a dent in my tank, but no way is that dent eliminating a whole gallon to two gallons of capacity!

So what is the usable capacity on our late model tanks?

Who here has filled their late model tank with the most fuel (not overfilling, only to the first click, etc.)

[DCColegrove]

I think the dead storage is just about a gallon...

[jlevie]

It isn't that hard to find out how much the tank holds. Run the tank down, then remove the plug on the passenger side and drain the tank. Put a measured 5 gallons in the tank and add that to what you put in the car at a gas station.

As to what the usable capacity is, run the car until it sputters from fuel starvation (have a full gas can handy). Add the gas can quantity to what it takes to fill the tank.

[StrokedSix]

i can't get more than 13 gallons in my '86 325es (yes, from running it dry) and the fuel capacity is listed as 14.5 gallons.

[DCColegrove]

i can't get more than 13 gallons in my '86 325es (yes, from running it dry) and the fuel capacity is listed as 14.5 gallons.

Bad transfer pump.

[gearheadE30]

My M42 car holds 14.7 gallons when completely empty, and that is what is quoted in teh manual. Perhaps the 6-cylinder cars got bigger tanks.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

M20 cars have larger tanks than M42 cars

[KenC]

My M42 car holds 14.7 gallons when completely empty, and that is what is quoted in teh manual. Perhaps the 6-cylinder cars got bigger tanks.

12.6 is the most I've ever put in mine.

[bmw325csi]

12.6 is the most I've ever put in mine.

never got mine past 13gal either.

On another note while were on the topic, I think my indicator bulb on my gas gauge never comes on, even when the needle is clearly past the red area. My question is, does that light come on before the red. during or after?

[jlevie]

never got mine past 13gal either.

On another note while were on the topic, I think my indicator bulb on my gas gauge never comes on, even when the needle is clearly past the red area. My question is, does that light come on before the red. during or after?

The light should come on about the time the needle touches the red. Not having that happens suggests a bad level sensor/switch, a wiring fault for the warning light, or a bad bulb. Note that the warning light switch is a part of the level sensor.

[golde30]

when my dad ran my e30 till it died, i was able to get about 15gallons in.

[Jean]

Lol, I love my 318i $20 fills it up to the top at the whopping 10.5 gallons hahaha.