BMW Operating Fluids - Fuel Supply System (SI B16 07 10)

E90 335D

Vehicles are factory-filled with DEF (diesel engine additive), also known as AdBlue®. DEF is stored in two separate reservoirs within the vehicle. The "active" reservoir from which the DEF is injected into the exhaust system holds approx. 1.6 gallons. It is heated at low exterior temperatures to prevent the DEF from freezing. The second reservoir feeds the active tank via a transfer pump and is large enough to last between scheduled engine oil changes. It is referred to as the "passive" tank, with a capacity of approx 4.5 gallons, and is located in the "spare tire well" of the trunk. At every Engine Oil Service, all remaining DEF must be completely drained from both tanks, and then refilled with new DEF. It is not sufficient to "top up" the reservoir.

The filling location for both tanks is behind an access flap on the surface of the rear bumper's left side. Remove the plugs by inserting the front face of the screwdriver handle (from the vehicle's on-board tool kit) into the plug's recess. If the supply of DEF runs low, the instrument cluster warning lamp will indicate the estimated remaining distance which the vehicle may be driven, starting at approx. 1000 more miles. At approx. 200 miles, the warning lamp will illuminate again, with the miles counting down to 0. Once the distance reaches 0 miles (shown by "- - -" with the warning lamp symbol), the car will not start up again until DEF is refilled. This is done so that the vehicle meets federal emissions regulations. However, the DEF system does allow one single "emergency" engine start at "0" miles, provided that you start the engine within 3 minutes of last shutting it off.

DEF will soon be available at BMW centers (part number, container size and other details to be provided). One pack of DEF will be sent to each BMW center prior to the first vehicle arrival.

X5 3.0D

Vehicles are factory-filled with DEF (diesel engine additive), also known as AdBlue®. DEF is stored in two separate reservoirs within the vehicle. The "active" reservoir from which the DEF is injected into the exhaust system holds approx. 1.6 gallons. It is heated at low exterior temperatures to prevent the DEF from freezing. The second reservoir, known as the "passive tank", feeds the active tank via a transfer pump and is large enough to last between scheduled engine oil changes. The passive tank's capacity is approx 4.5 gallons, and is located underneath the driver's seat. At every Engine Oil Service, all remaining DEF must be completely drained from both tanks, and then refilled with new DEF. It is not sufficient to "top up" the reservoir.

The active tank can be filled from the passenger side engine compartment.

If the supply of DEF runs low, the instrument cluster warning lamp will indicate the estimated remaining distance which the vehicle may be driven, starting at approx. 1,000 more miles. At approx. 200 miles, the warning lamp will illuminate again, with the miles counting down to 0. Once the distance reaches 0 miles (shown by "- - -" with the warning lamp symbol), the engine will not start up again until DEF is refilled. This is done so that the vehicle meets federal emissions regulations. However, the DEF system does allow one single "emergency" engine start at "0" miles, provided that you start the engine within 3 minutes of the last time that it was shut off.

DEF will soon be available at BMW SAV centers. One pack of DEF will be sent to each BMW center prior to the first vehicle arrival.

Overview of DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Extractor

Always refer to the latest Repair Instructions: RA16 19 006 (E70 Active), RA16 19 060 (E70 passive), or RA16 19 070 (E90) for important safety considerations when working with DEF.

The DEF Extractor/Filler unit (refer to SI B04 14 09 ) removes DEF from the system, using compressed air to create a vacuum using the Venturi principle. The extractor can hold 11 liters of DEF fluid.

DEF Extractor (P/N 81 39 2 153 908)

1. Shop air connection
2. Venturi valve block
3. Exhaust hose for the valve block
4. Extraction line to service the port on the SCR system
5. DEF level indicator

Draining DEF E90

1. Remove the filler connection cap on the left rear bumper.
2. When draining the active tank, remove the filler cap (1); for the passive reservoir, remove the filler cap (2).
3. If necessary, use the screwdriver handle (3) from the onboard vehicle tool kit to open the filler caps.
4. Remove the cover under the left rear bumper to access the service ports for the active (1) and passive tanks (2).
5. Connect the extraction line (1) from the tool (P/N 81 39 2 153 908) to the active (2) or the passive (3) service ports.
   NOTE: Clean the caps for the service ports with water before reinstalling. Make sure the caps lock back onto the service ports
6. Connect the shop air to the vacuum block, and open the valve at the vacuum block on the canister for vacuum supply. Slowly open the valve of the suction line at the canister and draw off the DEF. Watch the level through the level tube. Make sure the exhaust hose off the vacuum block is situated so that it will drain into a suitable catch pan, in case the DEF extractor canister gets overfilled.

Draining DEF E70

1. Remove the filler cap of the active reservoir (1) or the passive reservoir (2).
2. Service ports for the active (1) or the passive reservoirs (2) are located under the right side of the vehicle.
3. Remove the cap from the service port being drained and attach the extractor hose (1) to the port.
   NOTE: Clean the caps for the service ports with water before reinstalling. Make sure the caps lock back onto the service ports.
4. Connect the shop air to the vacuum block, and open the valve at the vacuum block on the canister for vacuum supply. Slowly open the valve of the suction line at the canister and draw off the DEF. Watch the level through the level tube. Make sure the exhaust hose off the vacuum block is situated so that it will drain into a suitable catch pan, in case the DEF extractor canister gets overfilled.

Emptying the DEF Extractor

1. To empty the canister; open the drain valve (1) on the bottom of the canister.
   NOTE: The extractor will not function properly if the drain is opened while there is vacuum applied to the system.

   Consult with your local municipality on proper disposal of used DEF. Never reuse the DEF that is evacuated from a vehicle. Always refill the SCR system with new DEF (2.5 gallon service bottles, P/N 83 19 0 440 158).

Filling the SCR system

Refer to Repair Instruction RA16 19 006 (E70 Active), RA16 19 060 (E70 passive), or RA16 19 070 (E90) for proper installation and operation of the DEF Extractor/Filer Tool P/N 81 39 2 153 909 (refer to SI B04 14 09 ).

Warranty will only reimburse the use of 2.5 gallon service bottles (P/N 83 19 0 440 158) when draining and refilling the SCR system.

NOTE: The filling (1) and vent (2) lines at the filler adapter are switched, depending on the application.

Proper maintenance for DEF Extractor/Filler Tools (P/N 81 39 2 153 908/909)

Always rinse the tools, lines and fittings with water after each use.