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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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. 5L fuel.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Draw off fuel from fuel tank
Remove guide tube for handbrake cables . See 34 41 140 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING GUIDE TUBE FOR HANDBRAKE CABLES .
Remove left and right ram-air lips
Remove rear seat bench . See SEATS - REPAIR (CONVERTIBLE) or SEATS - REPAIR (COUPE) .
Remove left and right underbody cover . See 51 47... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING (CONVERTIBLE) or 51 47... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING (COUPE) .
Partially detach underbody panelling

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

Fig 1: Identifying Screws And Cover

G04725754

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Vent Line

G05758866

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:

Tightening torque 16 12 3AZ, see 16 12 FUEL DELIVERY

Fig 3: Identifying Hexagon Head And Union Nut

G05758867

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.

Tightening torque 16 11 3AZ, see 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS

Fig 4: Identifying Hose Clip And Pin

G05758868

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Seal (1) must be replaced.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Seal

G05758869

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.

Tightening torque, 16 11 1AZ, see 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Fig 7: Locating 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:

Tightening torque, 16 11 2AZ see 16 11 FUEL TANK AND MOUNTING PARTS .

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

Fig 8: Locating Strap 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: Locating Rubber Mount With Spacer Bush

G04725762

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.