Quote:
Originally Posted by cn90
Agree on siphon pump being the culprit.
Common issue in E39 and E53 etc.
If you don't want to fix it (the siphon pump), then keep gas ABOVE 1/4 at all time.
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CN90, that would be great advise but it won't work in our case. This just started literally on one trip near town. The gauge right now will not register more than 3/4 after a fill up to the gills. From there it fluctuates from 2/3 to 1/4 just by turning the ignition off and starting it again. It does not go below 1/4 so it could run out at any time which it did. The only thing we can do now is to fill by accumulated miles. Normally the car averages 18 mpg both around town and highway.
With this average, 1/4 tank of 23.7 gallons (full tank) is about 5.9 gallons. 23.7 - 5.9 = 17.7 gallons X 18 mpg gives a 320 mile range. We could probably get along by filling up once it hits 320 miles but on road trip we can get as much as 24 mpg which is about a 550 range give or take a gallon. Conversely in stop and go snow and mountain driving with 10% ethanol in the fuel which is what we mostly are in during winter months it can get less than 16 mpg.
The bright side is when my wife broke down, I was seeing $$ signs to fix. But now it is just an inconvenience that we will have to deal with until I can figure out what is going on. Any input is always welcome and Thanks to all of you who have volunteered info.