16 12 250 Removing and installing/replacing left fuel level sensor (diesel)

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)!
Ensure absolute cleanliness when working on the open fuel tank.
Contaminants in the fuel tank can impair driving operation or may even result in vehicle breakdown!
Before starting the engine for the first time:

Fill fuel tank with at least 5 liters of fuel

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only for vehicles with 2 rows of seats:

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Remove cover (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Identifying Sensor Opening Cover And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Completely undo the rest of the torque sheer head (1) using a screwdriver.

Remove hose clamp from clamping ring (2).

NOTE: To release the hose clamp, a flexible extension can be used.

Press clamping ring (2) apart at open end in direction of arrow and remove.

Fig 5: Pressing Clamping Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 with torque sheer head (4) always needs to be replaced.

Tighten hose clamp until torque sheer head (4) breaks off.

Fig 6: Identifying Service Cover Pin And Torque Sheer Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Seal (1) must always be replaced.

Carefully pull delivery unit upwards.

Fig 7: Identifying Fuel Pump Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide plug connection (1) in direction of arrow from delivery unit (2) and disconnect.

Fig 8: Sliding Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: For purposes of clarity, graphic does not show tank outer skin.

Unclip fuel level sensor (1) in direction of arrow from housing and then slide out of guides in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Fuel level sensor (1) must be felt and heard to snap into place.

Fig 9: Removing Fuel Level Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.