General fuel quality
Even fuels that conform to the specifications can be of low quality. This may cause engine problems, for instance poor engine startup behavior, poor handling and/or poor performance. Switch gas stations or use a brand name fuel with a higher octane rating.
Gasoline
For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline should be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.
Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as containing metal must not be used.
Refuel only with unleaded gasoline without metallic additives.
Do not refuel with any leaded gasoline or gasoline with metallic additives, e. g. manganese or iron, as this can cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter and other components.
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10 %, i. e., E10, may be used for refueling.
Ethanol should satisfy the following quality standards:
US: ASTM 4806-xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511-xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Do not use a fuel with a higher percentage of ethanol
Do not use a fuel with a higher ethanol percentage than recommended or one with other types of alcohol, e.g. M5 to M100; otherwise this could damage the engine and fuel supply system.
Recommended fuel grade BMW recommends AKI 91.
Minimum fuel grade BMW recommends AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not use any gasoline below the minimum fuel grade as this may impair engine performance.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rating, the engine may produce knocking sounds when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Fuel quality
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in harmful engine deposits or damage. Additionally, problems relating to drivability, starting and stalling, especially under certain environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude, may occur.
If drivability problems are encountered, we recommend switching to a high quality gasoline brand and a higher octane grade - AKI number - for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful engine deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase gasoline from Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in the need for unscheduled maintenance.
BMW X3 Owners Manual > Cockpit: All around the steering wheel
Rear window safety switch
Power windows
Exterior mirror operation
Opening and closing the
tailgate
Unlocking central locking
system
Locking central locking system
Lights
Front fog lights
Parking lights
Low beams
Automatic headlight
control
Daytime running ...