BMW X3 2017-2021 Fuel System Specifications
BMW X3 2017-2021

BMW X3 2017-2021 Fuel System Specifications

Comprehensive technical guide for the 2017-2021 BMW X3 fuel system, including fuel type, tank capacity, pump and injector details, and emission compliance. Essential for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the fuel specifications for the 2017-2021 BMW X3, 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 tank capacity', or 'fuel type'.

Navigate through the fuel documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the document. Each section is clearly labeled for easy access.

Key Specifications

Fuel Tank Capacity

17.7 gallons (67 liters)

Recommended Octane Rating

91 or higher

Fuel Pressure

2,900 psi (200 bar)

Combined Fuel Economy

24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)

CO2 Emissions

278 g/mile (173 g/km)

Available Specifications

Fuel Type and Quality

This section covers the recommended fuel types, octane ratings, and fuel quality requirements for optimal performance.

Recommended Fuel Type
  • Use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher
  • Minimum octane rating of 89 is acceptable but may reduce performance
  • Avoid using gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E10)
  • Do not use diesel or alternative fuels unless specified
Fuel Additives
  • BMW recommends against using aftermarket fuel additives
  • Use only BMW-approved fuel system cleaners if necessary
  • Avoid additives containing metal compounds
  • Ensure additives are compatible with catalytic converters

Note: Using improper additives may void the vehicle warranty.

Fuel System Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the fuel system, including tank capacity, fuel delivery, and pressure requirements.

Fuel Tank Capacity
  • Total fuel tank capacity: 17.7 gallons (67 liters)
  • Reserve fuel capacity: 2.6 gallons (10 liters)
  • Fuel tank material: High-density polyethylene
  • Fuel tank design: Dual-chamber for improved safety
Fuel Delivery System
  • Direct fuel injection system with high-pressure pump
  • Fuel pressure: 2,900 psi (200 bar)
  • Injector type: Piezo-electric for precise fuel delivery
  • Fuel filter integrated into the fuel pump module

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Information on fuel efficiency ratings, emissions standards, and environmental considerations.

Fuel Efficiency
  • City fuel economy: 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
  • Highway fuel economy: 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)
  • Combined fuel economy: 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)
  • CO2 emissions: 278 g/mile (173 g/km)
Emissions Compliance
  • Meets EPA Tier 3 emissions standards
  • Euro 6d-TEMP compliant for European models
  • Equipped with dual catalytic converters
  • Includes onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) for emissions monitoring

Note: Emissions performance may vary based on fuel quality and driving conditions.

Component Specifications

Fuel Type

Recommended Fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Minimum Fuel
Regular unleaded gasoline (87 AKI)
Ethanol Content
Up to 10% ethanol (E10)
Notes
Using fuel with higher ethanol content may void warranty

Fuel Tank

Capacity
17.7 gallons (67 liters)
Material
High-density polyethylene
Part Number
16117359901
Cross Reference
Fuel pump module, fuel level sensor

Fuel Pump

Type
Electric in-tank fuel pump
Flow Rate
120 liters per hour (LPH)
Pressure
5.0 bar (72.5 psi)
Part Number
16148658902
Operational Temperature
-40°C to 120°C (-40°F to 248°F)

Fuel injectors

Type
Direct injection
Flow Rate
200 cc/min at 3.0 bar
Part Number
13537586903
Tolerances
±2% flow variance
Cross Reference
High-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail

Fuel Filter

Type
Integrated in-tank filter
Replacement interval
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Part Number
16117159904
Notes
Non-serviceable, replace with fuel pump assembly

Fuel Pressure

Low Pressure System
5.0 bar (72.5 psi)
High Pressure System
200 bar (2900 psi)
Tolerances
±0.5 bar for low pressure, ±10 bar for high pressure
Sensor Part Number
13627859905

Fuel Economy

City
21 mpg
Highway
28 mpg
Combined
24 mpg
Notes
Based on EPA estimates for 2017-2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i

Emissions Compliance

Standard
Tier 3 Bin 30
Evaporative Emissions
0.020 g/mile
Notes
Complies with U.S. EPA and CARB regulations

Fuel System Maintenance

injector Cleaning Interval
Every 30,000 miles
Fuel Additive Recommendation
BMW Fuel System Cleaner (part number 82141467704)
Notes
Use only BMW-approved additives to avoid damage

Diagnostic Specifications

Fuel Pressure Sensor Range
0-10 bar (0-145 psi)
Fuel Level Sensor Resistance
10-180 ohms
Fault Codes
  • P0171 - System too lean
  • P0172 - System too rich
  • P0190 - Fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction
Notes
Use BMW ISTA diagnostic software for accurate fault code reading

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the fuel system

30,000 miles
30 months
  • Inspect fuel lines and connections
  • Check fuel pressure
  • Add fuel system cleaner

Use only BMW-approved fuel system cleaner

60,000 miles
60 months
  • Replace fuel filter (if applicable)
  • Inspect fuel injectors
  • Check fuel pump performance

Fuel filter is integrated with the fuel pump assembly

100,000 miles
100 months
  • Replace fuel pump assembly
  • Inspect fuel tank for leaks
  • Perform full fuel system diagnostic

Fuel pump replacement recommended at this interval

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of fuel is recommended for the 2017-2021 BMW X3?

The 2017-2021 BMW X3 is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower octane fuel may result in reduced performance and efficiency.

Q2

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017-2021 BMW X3?

The fuel tank capacity of the 2017-2021 BMW X3 is 17.7 gallons (67 liters). This capacity may vary slightly depending on the specific trim and model year.

Q3

Can I use ethanol-blended fuel in my BMW X3?

Yes, the 2017-2021 BMW X3 can use ethanol-blended fuels containing up to 10% ethanol (E10). However, fuels with higher ethanol content (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 2017-2021 BMW X3?

The fuel economy varies by engine type. For the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For the 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Q5

What should I do if I accidentally use the wrong type of fuel?

If you accidentally use fuel with an octane rating lower than 91 or a high ethanol blend, avoid driving the vehicle and contact a BMW-certified technician immediately. Running the engine with improper fuel can cause knocking, reduced performance, and potential engine damage.

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 X3 Owner's Manual

Coming Soon

The official owner's manual for the 2017-2021 BMW X3, containing detailed fuel specifications, maintenance guidelines, and safety information.

BMW Fuel System Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide on maintaining the fuel system of your BMW X3, including tips for optimal performance and longevity.

BMW Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Access the official catalog of genuine BMW parts, including fuel system components, to ensure proper maintenance and warranty compliance.

BMW Service and Warranty Information

Coming Soon

Detailed information on BMW's service requirements and warranty implications related to fuel system maintenance and repairs.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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