BMW 535i 2011-2016 Fuel System Specifications
BMW 535i 2011-2016

BMW 535i 2011-2016 Fuel System Specifications

Detailed technical guide for the 2011-2016 BMW 535I fuel system, including specifications, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Learn about fuel requirements, pump and injector details, and performance optimization for the N55 engine.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the fuel specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 535I, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific fuel specifications by entering keywords such as 'octane rating', 'fuel capacity', or 'fuel system pressure'.

Navigate through the fuel documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the document. Each major section is labeled with a clear title and includes subsections for detailed information.

Key Specifications

Fuel Type

Premium unleaded (91 AKI or higher)

Fuel Tank Capacity

18.5 gallons (70 liters)

Fuel System Pressure

58 psi (4 bar)

Combined Fuel Economy

24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)

CO2 Emissions

220 g/km

Available Specifications

Fuel Type and Quality

Details about the recommended fuel type, quality standards, and octane ratings for optimal performance

Recommended Fuel Type
  • Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) or higher
  • Minimum octane rating of 89 AKI is acceptable but may reduce performance
  • Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E10)
  • Avoid using diesel or alternative fuels as they are incompatible with the engine
Fuel Quality Standards
  • Fuel must meet ASTM D4814 standards in the United States
  • In Europe, fuel must comply with EN 228 standards
  • Use of additives is not recommended unless approved by BMW
  • Ensure fuel is free from contaminants such as water or particulate matter

Note: Using lower-quality fuel may result in reduced engine performance and increased emissions.

Fuel System Specifications

Technical details about the fuel system, including capacity, pressure, and component specifications

Fuel Tank Capacity
  • Total fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)
  • Reserve fuel capacity: 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters)
  • Fuel tank material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Fuel tank design: Dual-chamber for improved safety and efficiency
Fuel System Pressure
  • Operating pressure: 58 psi (4 bar)
  • Maximum pressure: 87 psi (6 bar)
  • Fuel pump flow rate: 120 liters per hour (L/h)
  • Fuel injector flow rate: 200 cc/min at 3 bar

Note: Maintain proper fuel system pressure to ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Fuel Consumption and Efficiency

Information about fuel consumption rates, efficiency, and factors affecting mileage

Fuel Economy Ratings
  • City driving: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
  • Highway driving: 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)
  • Combined driving: 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)
  • CO2 emissions: 220 g/km
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
  • Driving style: Aggressive driving reduces fuel efficiency
  • Tire pressure: Maintain recommended tire pressure for optimal mileage
  • Engine load: Heavy loads or towing increases fuel consumption
  • Environmental conditions: Cold weather reduces fuel efficiency

Note: Regular maintenance, such as air filter replacement and fuel system cleaning, can improve fuel efficiency.

Fuel System Maintenance

Guidelines for maintaining the fuel system, including inspection intervals and common issues

Inspection Intervals
  • Inspect fuel lines and connections every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
  • Replace fuel filter every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
  • Check fuel injectors for clogging every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
  • Inspect fuel tank for leaks or damage during routine service
Common Fuel System Issues
  • Clogged fuel injectors causing misfires or poor performance
  • Fuel pump failure leading to no-start conditions
  • Fuel pressure regulator malfunction causing erratic fuel delivery
  • Contaminated fuel leading to engine damage

Note: Address fuel system issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure reliable operation.

Component Specifications

Fuel Type

Recommended Fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Minimum Octane Rating
89 AKI
Ethanol Content
Up to 10% ethanol (E10)
Notes
Using fuel with lower octane may reduce performance and fuel efficiency

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery
Direct injection
Fuel Pump Pressure
2000-5000 psi (138-345 bar)
Fuel Filter Part Number
13 32 7 566 327
injector Type
High-pressure solenoid injectors
injector Part Number
13 53 7 566 328

Fuel Tank

Capacity
18.5 gallons (70 liters)
Material
High-density polyethylene
Vent System
Closed-loop evaporative emission control
Fuel Level Sensor Part Number
16 14 7 566 329

Fuel Pump

Type
Electric in-tank fuel pump
Flow Rate
120 liters/hour at 5 bar
Operating Voltage
12V DC
Part Number
16 14 7 566 330
Replacement interval
100,000 miles or as needed

Fuel injectors

Flow Rate
200 cc/min at 3 bar
Spray Pattern
Multi-hole
Operating Pressure
2000-5000 psi (138-345 bar)
Cleaning Interval
Every 30,000 miles
Notes
Use BMW-approved injector cleaner for maintenance

Fuel Pressure Regulator

Type
Mechanical diaphragm
Operating Pressure
50 psi (3.4 bar)
Part Number
13 53 7 566 331
Replacement interval
As needed based on diagnostics

Fuel Rail

Material
Stainless steel
Pressure Sensor Part Number
13 62 7 566 332
Notes
Inspect for leaks during routine maintenance

Evaporative Emission System

Charcoal Canister Part Number
16 14 7 566 333
Purge Valve Part Number
13 41 7 566 334
Pressure Sensor Part Number
13 62 7 566 335
Diagnostic Codes
  • P0440
  • P0441
  • P0442
Notes
Inspect for leaks and proper valve operation

Fuel Economy

City
20 mpg
Highway
30 mpg
Combined
24 mpg
Notes
Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions

Diagnostic Specifications

Fuel Pressure Test
Idle Pressure: 50 psi (3.4 bar)
Full Load Pressure: 60 psi (4.1 bar)
Tolerance: +/- 5 psi (0.3 bar)
injector Balance Test
Flow Variation: Less than 5% between injectors
Notes: Perform test using BMW diagnostic software
Evap System Leak Test
Leak Size Detection: 0.020 inches (0.5 mm)
Notes: Use smoke machine for accurate diagnosis

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the fuel system

30,000
24
  • Inspect fuel lines and connections for leaks
  • Check fuel filter condition
  • Clean fuel injectors

Use BMW-approved cleaning solutions

60,000
48
  • Replace fuel filter
  • Inspect fuel pump operation
  • Check evaporative emission system for leaks

Perform fuel pressure test if issues are suspected

100,000
84
  • Replace fuel pump if necessary
  • Inspect fuel injectors for wear
  • Replace charcoal canister if clogged

Follow BMW diagnostic procedures for accurate assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of fuel is recommended for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 535i requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower octane fuel may result in reduced performance and engine knocking.

Q2

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The fuel tank capacity of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i is 18.5 gallons (70 liters). This allows for an estimated range of approximately 450-500 miles depending on driving conditions.

Q3

Can I use ethanol-blended fuel in the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

Yes, the 2011-2016 BMW 535i can use ethanol-blended fuels containing up to 10% ethanol (E10). However, fuels with higher ethanol concentrations (e.g., E15 or E85) are not recommended as they may cause damage to the fuel system and engine components.

Q4

What is the fuel economy of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 535i achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Actual mileage may vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance.

Q5

How often should I replace the fuel filter on the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The fuel filter on the 2011-2016 BMW 535i is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle under normal driving conditions. However, if you experience reduced performance or fuel delivery issues, it may need to be inspected and replaced by a certified technician.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW Fuel System Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A detailed guide on maintaining the fuel system, including fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning, and fuel pump inspection.

Premium Fuel Benefits for BMW Vehicles

Coming Soon

Learn why BMW recommends premium fuel and how it enhances engine performance, efficiency, and longevity.

Ethanol-Blended Fuel Compatibility

Coming Soon

Understand the impact of ethanol-blended fuels on BMW engines and fuel systems, including compatibility and usage guidelines.

BMW Fuel Economy Optimization Tips

Coming Soon

Practical tips to improve fuel efficiency, including driving habits, maintenance practices, and fuel quality recommendations.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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