Hi, first time posting here....
We just bought this MC Hardtop (Aug 2010) and trying to verify a possible urban legend: It's not advisable to fuel gas tank when it's too low, say below 1/4 tank.
Is there any truth to this? Especially for the MINI this new? I've heard conflicting theories on the internet regarding lubrication of fuel pump, failing of fuel filter and moisture build-up in the gas tank. Thought I may have better luck checking with our fellow MINI owners.
Please advise.
Drew

 

So you aren't supposed to put fuel in when it is below 1/4 tank? How do you get more in it if you go below?

The manual states to get more fuel when it is 50 miles DTE and anything below 30 minles DTE could harm or effect the car. The wording almost reads as if they might not warranty something caused by low fuel if the fuel is indeed too low. I do beleive the pump is cooled off when there is more fuel in it and moving around. If you constantly keep the tank super low then you might in fact lessen the lifespan of the fuel pump.

I have a 60+ miles round trip drive so when I get <100 miles to empty I plan a fuel stop at my usual station. I have had 2-3 miles DTE before and it ran fin, but the 14.3 gal tank took 14.2 gal without even cramming it full.

 

Thanks for the reply. Didn't think about the warranty thing. Probably something to bring up to the mechanics at my next service stop. We'll just make sure it doesn't go below 50.

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much. The pump is cooled by fuel running through it (it is actually mounted in the top of the tank for easy access), past 3/4 a tank and the pump is out of the fuel level. Any sediment there could be in the tank is already at the bottom... where the pump draws from. Just a guess on this next one, but I bet that the pickup is an inch higher than the lowest point so that sediment would collect in this lower point to be left for the life of the car.

Plus modern gas tanks are designed to keep water vapor out. When I run my tank down to 45 miles past "- - -" on the range meter, the gas tank whistles when I take off the cap to fill up. So the thing is a vacuum or something, no water vapor.

Well, it has been fine after doing this for 8 years. I'm sure that the newer MINIs are no different, perhaps even improved in these regards.

 

just be careful! i have an 02 idk if its changed but on the first notch on the gauge i know theres about 2 gallons left. the tank is small and if that gas lights comes on you better pray there is a gas station real close

 

This is great! Thanks for all your responses. Just wanted to verify if this is legit or urban legend since we love our MINI so much, we just want to take good care of it.
Sounds like what we're going is just fine: filling up when it's about 1/4 left. We never really let go too low anyway, except for one time we're up in some rural area without a gas station in sight for miles.....that we close but we don't have any problem from that either.
Thanks all!

 

Maybe it's a different urban area where you live, but that a legend I've never heard in 59 years of driving.