Fuel Gauge Inacurrate?? - Page 2

r_pil · #1 11-24-2008, 03:56 PM

Are the 2 sensors easy to access? How hard are they to "pull" out?

Every time I fill my tank it stops either at 1/2 or 3/4 and never goes to full.

Thanks in advance.

X5Flyboy · #2 11-24-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_pil

Are the 2 sensors easy to access? How hard are they to "pull" out?

Every time I fill my tank it stops either at 1/2 or 3/4 and never goes to full.

Thanks in advance.

my used 2001 X5 came with this problem - it "disappeared" for over 3yrs after switching to Shell Premium - it finally came back this past summer - in my case it was one of the two sending units - I believe they are under the rear seat?

- I had the dealer do mine

nikpottala · #3 11-24-2008, 10:13 PM

Fuel sensors are located under the rear seat. Three nuts to loosen on each sensor and a hose clamp and the units pull right out. You might have an extra hose clamp available before you start because the factory installed on can't be re-used if you have to remove it.

The units come out real easy. Best if you do this with your fuel level under 1/4.

My dealer wanted to charge me what amounted to $400 labor to change one unit. What a rip-off. I was able to pull both sensors, clean the contact area and re-install in less than one hour.

Good luck.

r_pil · #4 11-27-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikpottala

Fuel sensors are located under the rear seat. Three nuts to loosen on each sensor and a hose clamp and the units pull right out. You might have an extra hose clamp available before you start because the factory installed on can't be re-used if you have to remove it.

The units come out real easy. Best if you do this with your fuel level under 1/4.

My dealer wanted to charge me what amounted to $400 labor to change one unit. What a rip-off. I was able to pull both sensors, clean the contact area and re-install in less than one hour.

Good luck.

Ok, thanks for the advice. Seems non-complicated. I'll try cleaning the sensors first.

jbmwx5 · #5 12-05-2008, 10:33 AM

Ummm not to sound too naive - but is there a barrier between the gas in the tank and the sensor you are pulling out of the tank? Hate to pull out the sensor and fill up the interior of the x5!

Yep, mine decided to stop registering last nite. Says I am out of gas - just put over 22 gallons in my 2006 3.0 and topped it up this morning just to prove to myself I really did actually put fuel in last night.

nikpottala · #6 12-05-2008, 01:50 PM

I'd run down the tank level a bit before pulling the sensors but you shouldn't have any issues. The sensors are on top of the tank so as long as you've run the level down a bit and are on level ground the only issue is the smell of gasoline in the interior while doing the work. Open doors and windows and it isn't a problem.

Good luck.

mrkbbd · #7 12-05-2008, 02:03 PM

mine did something similar yesterday, I was at 1/1 when I pulled into a parking lot, it dropped to 3/4 when I got back in and then while I was driving it went back up to 1/1; 3/4 seems more appropriate though I filled up and drove about 40 miles and I'm only averaging 12.9 MPG

X5Kiwi · #8 12-07-2008, 05:20 AM

The day after I bought my 2000 X5 it died while showing 1/4 tank and 160km range. After getting it towed to the nearest BMW dealer, they quickly found that it had simply run out of gas, and that both fuel level senders in the tank were faulty. The repair was free, but apparently it would have cost around $1100 NZ ($600US) for the job normally (dealer I bought it from paid for it).

For the record, when a 2000 X5 4.4i runs out of gas, you dont get ANY warning. No coughing, no surging, nothing, just complete loss of power. It will idle, but very rough (sounds like it is running on 6 cylinders).

jbmwx5 · #9 12-20-2008, 12:13 PM

Update -
A day later and 50 miles into the tank - the sensors woke up and my guage said I had just about a full tank.
Scheduled an appt with the dealer took it in with a little less than 1/4 tanks
They looked it over - found 'no problem', cleared the fault logged in the computer - and sent me on my way.

Well I filled it up last night - guess what - same problem!!
Back to square 1. Since I'm still under warrenty and service - back to the dealer I guess.

ihab102000 · #10 12-20-2008, 05:02 PM

i have 2000 4.4... i have this problem with faulty sensor over 3 months.. i took it to dealer 3 times. and he changed the left sensor, located under the back seat... 3 times.. every time and after 1 week or so the problem is back.. the sensor.. which is a plastic with level used to be found broken from the middle... i paid twice for the sensor and third time on warranty.. but still its broken.. i am still reluctant to go to the same dealer.. but i also cant go to another one.. since i will pay full price.. i really dont know wht to do.. the installation is so easy so i dont think the mechanic is doing something wrong in assembly.. ... guys.. any idea..