16 12 001 Removing and installing/replacing fuel gauge sensor (petrol/gasoline, left, with delivery unit)

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.

Recycling

Fuel escapes when fuel lines are detached. Have a suitable collecting vessel ready.

Catch and dispose of escaping fuel.

Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

IMPORTANT: Ensure adequate ventilation in the workbay!
Avoid skin contact (wear gloves)!
When performing repair work on the open fuel tank, work with a clean environment. Dirt contamination in the fuel tank can lead to driving impairments or to vehicle failure.
Before starting the engine for the first time:

Fill fuel tank with at least 5 liters of fuel

Check TRANSFER FUNCTION OF SUCTION JET PUMP .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

DRAW OFF FUEL FROM FUEL TANK
Remove seat bench . See 52 26 005 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR SEAT or 52 26 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SEAT (FOR 3RD SEAT ROW) on vehicles with a 3rd row of seats
Remove RIGHT SENSOR UNIT

For E70 without 3rd row of seats only:

Only unclip seat bench (1) as shown on the left and right and fold up in direction of arrow.

Secure seat bench on front seat (2).

Fig 1: Securing Seat Bench

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Disconnect plug connection (1).

Remove cover (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Cover

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Release nuts (1) and remove cover for sensor opening (2) from left side of fuel tank.

Fig 3: Identifying Sensor Opening Cover And Nut

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Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unlock quick-release fastener (2) and detach fuel feed line.

Unlock quick-release fastener (3) for vent line and detach.

Fig 4: Identifying Quick-Release Fastener And Plug Connection

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Measure gap dimension (A) at clamping ring (1).

Release hose clamp (2) and remove from clamping ring (1).

Press clamping ring (1) apart at open end and remove.

Fig 5: Identifying Clamping Ring Gap Dimension

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Installation note:

Make sure that service cover is installed in correct position.

Indentation (2) on clamping ring must line up with raised section (1) of tank.

Pin on service cover (3) must line up with indentation on clamping ring.

Hose clamp (4) must always be replaced (pay attention to correct position).

Tighten hose clamp until clamping ring gap dimension is obtained.

Fig 6: Identifying Clamp Ring Raised Section

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Installation note:

Seal (1) must always be replaced.

Fig 7: Identifying Fuel Pump Seal

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Attach an auxiliary lead (1) to hose pack (2) through sensor opening.

The auxiliary lead is pulled through with the hose pack towards the left and facilitates subsequent reinstallation.

Installation note:

Make sure when pulling through the hose pack that the tank ventilation system in the tank tunnel is not damaged.

Fig 8: Identifying Auxiliary Lead And Hose Pack

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Remove sensor unit (1) from fuel tank.

Feed sensor unit (1) with hose pack (2) out of fuel tank.

Installation note:

When replacing the sensor unit, modify the end of the auxiliary lead to the new hose pack and carefully pull in through the tank.

NOTE: Illustration shows the tank removed.

Fig 9: Removing Sensor Unit From Fuel Tank

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