X5 3.0D

Vehicles are factory-filled with DEF (diesel engine additive), also known as AdBluereg;. 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.