16 00 100 Checking fuel tank and tank ventilation system for leaks (N20, N55, N63, N52, S63)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

13 3 010
16 1 070
16 1 171
16 1 174

NOTE: The following procedure is only applicable to vehicles without the tank leak diagnosis module.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear right WHEEL ARCH TRIM .

Comply with the following conditions in order to obtain plausible test results:

Content of fuel tank:
1. Maximum 90 %
2. Minimum 13 % (reserve telltale must not light up)
Park the car in the workshop at least 2 hours before the test so that the fuel temperature is approximately that of the workshop temperature (ideal fuel temperature approx. 10... 20 °C).
Never refuel the vehicle directly prior to the leak test due to the strong emission of gas by the fresh fuel

Using special tool 16 1 070, seal off opening (1) on carbon canister.

Fig 1: Opening Seal On Carbon Canister Using Special Tool (16 1 070)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove fuel filler cap and connect special tool 16 1 174 to fuel filler neck.

Using thumbwheel (1), clamp special tool 16 1 174 to fuel filler neck.

Fig 2: Clamping Special Tool (16 1 174) On Fuel Filler Neck Adjusting Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Turn pressure regulator on special tool 16 1 171 anticlockwise as far as the stop.

Using compressed air line (1), connect special tool 16 1 171 to workshop compressed air system (8... 10 bar).

Connect pressure sensor (2) from Diagnosis and Information System with a measuring range of 0...3.5 bar.

IMPORTANT: Do not connect quick-release coupling (3) of special tool 16 1 171 as yet.

Fig 3: Identifying Pressure Sensor, Air Line, Quick Release Coupling And Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Select "Measurement" function on Diagnosis and Information System (DIS).

Set measuring range according to pressure sensor to 0...3.5 bar.

Using pressure regulator on special tool 16 1 171, increase pressure by 0.050 bar.

Connect special tool 16 1 174 to quick-release coupling of special tool 16 1 171.

Using pressure regulator on special tool 16 1 171, reset pressure in fuel tank to 0.050 bar above atmospheric.

IMPORTANT: Do not under any circumstances increase pressure by more than 0.100 bar as this would result in damage to the fuel tank and the fuel tank venting system.

Using special tool 13 3 010 , disconnect delivery line (1) from special tool 16 1 171 to fuel filler neck.

Allow a rest period of approx. 20 sec.

Read off and note down starting pressure value.

Wait approx. 60 sec.

Read off final pressure value and compare with starting pressure value.

Measurement evaluation:

Fig 4: Identifying Delivery Line And Special Tools (16 1 171) / (13 3 010)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pressure drop between 0.008 and 0.010 bar.	Repeat measurement.
Pressure drop in 60 secs. greater than 0.010 bar.	System leaking beyond permitted levels. CARRY OUT LEAK TEST .