16 11 030 Removing and installing fuel tank

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CAUTION: After installation of fuel tank / prior to first engine start-up:
Check resistance between metal filler bowl and wheel hub.
Measured value approx. 0.6 Ω.
Fill fuel tank with at least 5 liters of fuel.

M47, M57

After introducing fuel, turn on ignition and wait approx. 1 minute. The fuel system is thus vented, making it easier to start the engine.

Draw off fuel from fuel tank. See 16 00 005 Draining and filling fuel tank

Detach handbrake cables from handbrake lever. Fig 5

Remove propeller shaft. See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY

Remove tension strut on left and right (E46 convertible only). See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Remove tank trim on left.

Fig 1: Removing Tank Trim On Left

G03123773

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove lip (2) on left, pay attention to guide (1) during installation.

Fig 2: Removing Lip On Left

G03123774

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove tank trim on right.

Fig 3: Removing Tank Trim On Right

G03123775

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove lip (2) on right, pay attention to guide (1) during installation.

Fig 4: Removing Lip On Right

G03123776

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull handbrake Bowden cables (1) out of guide tubes.

Fig 5: Pulling Handbrake Bowden Cables Out Of Guide Tubes

G03123777

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hose clips (1) and detach fuel lines.

2) Feed line
3) Return line

Installation:

Replace hose clips.

Fig 6: Releasing Hose Clips And Detach Fuel Lines

G03123778

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hose clamp (1) and detach fuel filler pipe-fuel tank connecting hose from fuel tank.

Installation:

Replace hose clips.

Fig 7: Releasing Hose Clamp

G03123779

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support fuel tank over a wide area with a lifter.

Release hexagon nut (1).

Fig 8: Releasing Hexagon Nut

G03123780

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Right

Release screw (1), remove tightening strap (2).

Fig 9: Removing Tightening Strap

G03123781

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left

Release screw (1), remove tightening strap (2).

Fig 10: Releasing Screw

G03123782

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower fuel tank and disconnect plug connections.

Release hose clamp (1), disconnect vent line.

Remove fuel tank towards bottom.

Fig 11: Disconnecting Vent Line

G03123783

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: M3 only!

Before installing a new fuel tank, it is absolutely essential to fit the swirl pot attachment on the swirl pot.