E90 335D

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 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.