Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the composition of the gas content and the degree of filling of cylinders in an internal combustion engine having autoignition, including a fuel metering device to which a signal dependent at least on the position of the driving pedal can be delivered and having an exhaust gas feedback control element in the air intake line as well as an apparatus for controlling the exhaust feedback rate. The apparatus includes measurement value transducers for the at least indirectly detectable total cylinder filling and the ratio of fresh air to exhaust gas or the air ratio pertaining to the aspirated fresh air and/or the fuel metering is influenced among others in accordance with this measurement value. The detection of the total cylinder filling can be accomplished indirectly by using measurement techniques for detecting pressure and temperature in the intake manifold.