16 12 000 Removing and installing or replacing fuel gauge sensor (gasoline, right)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328xi, 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, and 2011 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

16 1 020

Recycling

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

Catch and dispose of escaping fuel.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

IMPORTANT: Ensure adequate ventilation in the place of work!

Avoid skin contact (wear gloves)!

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 Rear Seat Bench

Release screws (1) and remove cover (2) from right side of fuel tank.

Fig 1: Screws And Cover

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Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unlock and detach vent line (2).

If necessary, remove fuel line for independent heating.

USA national version:

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unlock and detach vent lines (2).

If necessary, remove fuel line for auxiliary heater.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Vent Lines

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ECE national-market version:

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unlock and detach vent line (2).

If necessary, remove fuel line for auxiliary heater.

Fig 3: Plug Connection And Vent Line

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Release screw cap with special tool 16 1 020 and remove service cap.

Installation:

Procedure for tightening screw cap, see next work step.

Fig 4: Special Tool (16 1 020)

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IMPORTANT: Fit screw cap without using a tool and tighten hand-tight.

Then tighten screw cap with special tool 16 1 020 until notch (1) points to marking (2).

NOTE: Illustration shows the tank removed.

Fig 5: Notch And Mark

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Carefully raise service cap (1).

Unlock and detach vent line (2).

Installation:

Clean sealing faces and install new seal (3).

Make sure that the lever sensor moves freely before fitting the service cap.

Locating rods (4) must fit correctly in the hole of the delivery unit.

Fig 6: Service Cap, Vent Line, New Seal And Rods

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Installation:

Service cap can only be installed in one position.

When installing, make sure lug (1) of service cap engages in corresponding opening (2) on fuel tank.

Fig 7: Lug And Corresponding Opening

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Unclip black return lines (1) from bracket.

Unlock and disconnect quick-release fastener (2) of fuel line.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to release the fuel feed line.

Draw off remaining fuel from surge chamber.

Carefully lift fuel pump with fuel level sensor (3) out of fuel tank. If necessary, turn fuel pump 90° counterclockwise and tilt towards lever sensor.

Fig 8: Black Return Lines, Quick-Release Fastener And Fuel Level Sensor

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Removing fuel level sensor:

Carefully unlock tabs (1) and pull off fuel level sensor upwards in direction of arrow.

Disengage line (2) from holders.

Unlock plug connection (3) and detach from service cap.

Installation:

Fuel level sensor and cable connector must audibly snap into place!

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage:

Carefully feed cable out of cable guide.

Do not kink cable.

Fig 9: Fuel Level Sensor Locking Tabs, Line, Plug Connectors And Removal Direction

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