16 00 005 Draining And Filling Fuel Tank

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

16 1 080

IMPORTANT: Observe relevant country safety legislation and regulations.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the place of work!
Connect exhaust extraction unit to exhaust tailpipe.
The electric fuel pump must not operate without fuel! After completing repairs and before starting engine for first time, fill fuel tank through fuel filler pipe with min. 5 ltr. fuel.
Do not damage non-return flap when pulling out extraction hose.

Diesel vehicles:

Before starting the engine for the first time, if the tank has been run dry or drawn off, fill with diesel fuel and turn on ignition for approx. 1 minute. The fuel circuit is thus filled and vented, which results in the engine firing more quickly.

Drawing off fuel:

Start engine and allow to run. Electric fuel supply pump runs.

In this way, the fuel is repumped through the suction jet pump and the tank expansion line from the left to the right side of the fuel tank.

NOTE: Fuel can be drawn off from the left and right tank halves through the fuel filler pipe down to a small residual amount. This residual amount is drawn off after removal of the sensors for the fuel gauge (right/left).

Insert special tool 16 1 080 into filler neck.

Special tool 16 1 080 has two different diameters for petrol/gasoline and diesel vehicles!

Slide extraction hose of extractor unit (refer to equipment manufacturer's instructions), through special tool 16 1 080 into the fuel filler pipe, turning in the process if necessary.

Insertion length:

130 cm All except E53 and E65 / E66

150 cm E53 and E65 / E66

Draw off fuel with extractor unit (refer to equipment manufacturer's instructions) as far as possible.

Follow the fuel drawing-off procedure at the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster.

Drawing off residual fuel quantity:

IMPORTANT: Ensure car interior is adequately ventilated.
Catch dripping fuel in a suitable container.
Remove sensor for fuel gauge (right) . See 16 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (RIGHT) .

Remove sensor for fuel gauge (left) . See 16 12 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (LEFT) .

Draw off residual fuel quantity through installation openings.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (16 1 080)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fuel filling:

Insert special tool 16 1 080 into filler neck.

Special tool 16 1 080 has two different diameters for petrol/gasoline and diesel vehicles!

Slide extraction hose of extractor unit (refer to equipment manufacturer's instructions), approx. 40 cm into fuel filler pipe.

Fill fuel from suction extractor unit.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (16 1 080)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drawing off after fault in suction jet pump:

Draw off right half of tank completely through filler pipe.

Remove sensor for fuel gauge (left) . See 16 12 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (LEFT) .

Insert extraction hose through sensor opening in tank, fuel (also residual quantity) can be drawn off.

Fig 3: Inserting Extraction Hose Through Sensor Opening In Tank

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.