16 11 030 Removing and installing/replacing fuel tank (US vehicles with N51 engines)

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IMPORTANT: After installation of fuel tank/prior to first engine start-up:

Fill fuel tank with min. 5 l fuel.
Check ground connection at fuel filler neck to body for continuity. If necessary, clean contact surface between body and fuel filler pipe screw connection.
Fill fuel tank with min. 5 l fuel.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Draw Off Fuel From Fuel Tank
Remove Guide Tube For Handbrake Cables
Remove left and right ram-air lips
Remove Rear Seat Bench
Remove left and right Underbody Cover
Partially detach underbody panelling

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

Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Tank Cover And Screws

G04725754

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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

Fig 2: Plug Connection And Vent Line

G00437625

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect lower fuel feed line at union nut (1).

IMPORTANT: Always grip hexagon head (2) when releasing and retightening union nut (1).

Ensure that sealing faces are clean.

Installation:

For tightening torque refer to 16 12 3AZ in 16 12 FUEL DELIVERY .

Fig 3: Union Nut And Hexagon Nut

G00437626

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hose clip (1) completely and remove clamping ring.

Installation:

Make sure that filler pipe with clamping ring is installed in correct position.

Indentation (2) on clamping ring must line up with raised section (3) of tank.

Pin (4) of filler pipe must line up with indentation on clamping ring.

Hose clip (1) must always be replaced.

For tightening torque refer to 16 11 3AZ in 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Fig 4: Fuel Tank Hose Clip, Indentation, Raised Section And Pin

G00437627

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Seal (1) must be replaced.

Attach new seal (1) during installation to filler pipe.

Fig 5: Filler Pipe Seal

G00437628

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Heavily support the fuel tank.

Fig 6: Supporting Fuel Tank

G04725759

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

For tightening torque refer to 16 11 1AZ in 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Fig 7: Fuel Tank Self-Locking Nut

G04725760

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws for tightening straps on left and right and remove tightening straps.

Installation:

For tightening torque refer to 16 11 2AZ in 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS .

IMPORTANT: Carefully feed the vent line through the body when lowering the fuel tank

Fig 8: Fuel Tank Straps Screws

G04725761

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Note rubber mount with spacer bush.

Wide collar on spacer bush points to screw head.

Fig 9: Rubber Mount And Spacer Bush

G04740464

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.