16 00 005 Draining and filling fuel tank

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

16 1 080

IMPORTANT: Observe country-specific safety regulations.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the place of work!
Connect the exhaust and extraction systems to the exhaust tailpipe.
The electric fuel pump must not operate without fuel! After completing repairs but before starting the engine for the first time, fill the fuel tank with min. 5 l fuel through the fuel filler pipe.
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.

The electric fuel pump runs.

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

NOTE: Fuel can be drawn out of left and right sides of tank through filler neck, leaving only a small residue. The residual quantity is drawn off through the service opening (on 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, through special tool 16 1 080 into the fuel filler pipe, turning in the process if necessary.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tool (16 1 080) Into Filler Neck

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insertion length approx. 170 cm.

Draw off fuel with suction unit, as far as possible.

Follow drawing off of fuel on fuel gauge in instrument cluster.

Drawing off residual fuel quantity:

Drawing off residual fuel amount is not included in the time value of this operation.

IMPORTANT: Ensure car interior is adequately ventilated.
Catch dripping fuel in a suitable container.

Remove left sensor unit . See 16 12 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (DIESEL, LEFT WITH DELIVERY UNIT) or 16 12 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (PETROL/GASOLINE, LEFT, WITH DELIVERY UNIT) .

Remove right sensor unit . See 16 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (DIESEL, RIGHT) or 16 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (PETROL/GASOLINE, RIGHT) .

Draw off residual fuel quantity through service openings.

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, approx. 40 cm into fuel filler pipe.

Fill fuel from suction extractor unit.

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tool (16 1 080) Into Filler Neck

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Extracting fuel after a defect in the suction jet pump or fuel pump:

Draw off right half of tank completely through fuel filler pipe.

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