16 12 001 Removing and installing or replacing fuel gauge sensor (gasoline, left)

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:

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

Fig 1: Screws And Cover

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Disconnect plug connection (1).

Press grey ring (2) towards sensor unit and pull out fuel feed line (3) straight.

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

After installing fuel feed line, carry out tensile test and leak test.

Fig 2: Plug Connection, Grey Ring, Fuel Feed Line And Removal Direction

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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 3: 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 4: Notch And Mark

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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.

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

Clean sealing faces and install new seal.

Fig 5: Service Cap Lug And Corresponding Opening

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

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

Installation:

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

Fig 6: Auxiliary Lead And Hose Pack

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Carefully lift sensor unit (1) out of tank.

In so doing, press tab (2) against spring force in order to make it easier to feed sensor unit out of tank.

NOTE: Illustration shows the tank removed.

Fig 7: Sensor Unit, Locking Tab And Removal Direction

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Remove sensor unit (1) and hose pack (2) with auxiliary cable to left.

Installation:

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 8: Sensor Unit, Hose Pack And Removal Direction

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