Fuel guage acting-up... pics to prove!!

[Truvalu]

So this is how it works...

Start off at empty, with fuel warning-light on, OBD showing 30km left on tank.
Drives to Stellenbosch and back and shows MANY km's left and guage between 1/4 and 1/2...

I understand the working of it, but would like to know if anyone out there have the same experience??

Look at the Tripmeter and the km's left as well as the guage itself.

 

[calypso]

Your petrol is jumping inside the tank.

Tell your petrol to calm down.

 

[Gerhardm32]

Your petrol is jumping inside the tank.

Tell your petrol to calm down.

LOL!

 

[rick540]

I think we need to remove your fuel sender for a clean

 

[Truvalu]

Your petrol is jumping inside the tank.

Tell your petrol to calm down.

LOL!

More like standing up!! and multiplying!!

 

[rick540]

Where was the guage when you parked it the night before?

 

[Truvalu]

Where was the guage when you parked it the night before?

That's what is important (was between 15 and 30L, and that is the only reason I could actualy take the trip to Stellenbosch and back... but you still doubt when you start of empty..

 

[Jobmeyers]

- I have the same problem.

 

[Budleigh]

Fuel level sensors? Aren't there two on the e39?

 

[Ricky318i]

Thanks for taking the liberty of taking photo's of this problem, but there are quite a few of BMW owners that know exactly what you are talking about.

Happened to me in 2008 on my E46 and 3 of my friends (E46's and one X5) experienced it too with similar outcomes:

Fuel sensor malfuntion = Replacement procedure +/- R7500 at BMW (anyone else will need to use the same parts anyways). BMW blames it on the Fuel additives.

Yes, there are two level sensors in the E39 and E46, but you will end up replacing both because both were exposed to the same 'element' damaging it. Include in that a activated carbon filter replacement, new fuel filter, calibration, testing and labour.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DT41&mospid=47541&btnr=16_0325&hg=16&fg=05

 

[applehero]

Have a look in the OBC hidden menus. There's a sub menu for fuel. Tells you exactly how much fuel is in your tank, as well as the amount registered on the left and right side of your tank. There is also an indication of the signal (resistance) picked up on each side of the tank. Maybe you'll see something interesting. Perhaps a sensor on one side of the tank is working intermitently? :dunno:

 

[moranor@axis]

maybe your car has some strange bacteria growing in your tank that turns air into petrol?

 

[Snoop328i]

Your petrol is jumping inside the tank.

Tell your petrol to calm down.

LOL!

More like standing up!! and multiplying!!

Where did you get that petrol...i want it

 

[Muney]

Your petrol is jumping inside the tank.

Tell your petrol to calm down.

LOL!

More like standing up!! and multiplying!!

Where did you get that petrol...i want it

Yeah...it seems the petrol in there is reproducing and multiplying like china (no racist)!

 

[Truvalu]

Thanks for taking the liberty of taking photo's of this problem, but there are quite a few of BMW owners that know exactly what you are talking about.

Happened to me in 2008 on my E46 and 3 of my friends (E46's and one X5) experienced it too with similar outcomes:

Fuel sensor malfuntion = Replacement procedure +/- R7500 at BMW (anyone else will need to use the same parts anyways). BMW blames it on the Fuel additives.

Yes, there are two level sensors in the E39 and E46, but you will end up replacing both because both were exposed to the same 'element' damaging it. Include in that a activated carbon filter replacement, new fuel filter, calibration, testing and labour.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DT41&mospid=47541&btnr=16_0325&hg=16&fg=05

What that actually means is that it is better and cheaper to just keep it full all the time!!!

 

[moranor@axis]

what about just getting another tank from a scrap yard?

 

[ZlinG]

Mmm... this happened to me on my e36. I will be driving and then the next moment my faul gauge will drop and the "Range" will drop to zero. Took out the faul switch in the back and saw that the cable's were loose. Just resoldered the cables and it is working for a year now without any problems.

 

[Truvalu]

I think we need to remove your fuel sender for a clean

That sounds like a good idea!

If this is the only one single thing I have learnt from Rick so far. it is that you just don't throw money at the "fault", there are many, many things that could be done before it becomes as we said in the old army days "US".

Does one go through the boot or removal of the rear seat?
Major job or DIY?

---

Mmm... this happened to me on my e36. I will be driving and then the next moment my faul gauge will drop and the "Range" will drop to zero. Took out the faul switch in the back and saw that the cable's were loose. Just resoldered the cables and it is working for a year now without any problems.

Well done!!

That is good news, now I cannot wait to find the fault on my tank!!

Will post a full DIY if possible...

Thanks guys