Gas guage reads low near empty

[srmmmm]

My fuel gage would drop at twice the rate of consumption. After a restart, the fuel level would display correctly, but as I drove it would start to drop twice as fast again. The computer information in the dash display was always correct though as far as consumption was concerned, but the range was way off. It required a new right side sending unit to correct it.

2002 X5 3.0 259,650 miles
2004 325i 115,000 miles

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Honestly...I'm not quite sure how to read what happened because there's so many unknown variables.

Due to the odd shape of the e53's gas tank (the left side is approx twice the size of the right side)...and when the tank gets low (exceptionally low in your case from how you described the scenario)...we have no way of knowing how you were driving, if you were stopped on an incline/decline. The fuel level sensors change a lot when the tank is low on fuel as the contents splosh around inside the tank. It can move from the small side to the large side...plus you have the suction jet/pump thingy that bridges the two sides.

Also, if your speed (avg MPH) & the way you were driving changed...then that and other factors can explain why the RANGE went from _ _ _ (empty) to adding a few miles.

When the gas tank reaches the AVG of you having 2.5 gallons of fuel left (it's different depending on which engine is in the vehicle)...that is when the warning light comes on...as this is your "reserve" amount. Again, if your AVG MPH/AVG MPG went up after the red light...then extra miles will be given for RANGE based on the current change in driving habit.

Since the D7 (215) code is illuminated for the right sensor...does your software go into any detail as to what that fault code stands for?

If your cluster is unlocked, I'd run TEST 6 (I think that's the fuel level sensor test)...and keep an eye on if the right sensor is acting odd. It may not show up right away since the tank is full...but as the fuel in the tank starts to drop and the contents get sloshed around...it may affect that sensor to where its data may seem out of whack.

Good luck...hope it works out as just a fluke.

[e30cabrio]

Thanks guys, just ordered from MyBimmerparts, 281.25 shipped, I found it from BMW of Minnetonka on eBay for 279.13 but have not dealt with them & figured for under 2 bucks it was better to use a dealer I know.

Any tips on the R&R?

[e30cabrio]

I have been driving in test 6 for a week (almost) and at full it goes from 87l to 77l total with the fluctuation in teh right sensor accounting for all of it.

I'm guessing the diagnosis was correct.

The part will be here today. It has been either 111 or 95 7 80% humidity. Both too unpleasant for a non emergency repair.

[e30cabrio]

Pump came.

[jsoto]

It's pretty straightforward.

Remove the bottom rear bench.
Need the flats of a screwdriver to remove it.....not sure how much the ~special tool~ is to remove it.

Remove and replace.
Obviously less messy with a empty tank.

[e30cabrio]

Thanks

[e30cabrio]

Pump is in. It was easy & I would have been pissed if I spent 80 bucks on the retaining ring removal "tool".

Immediately the gauge that had been at just over 1/8, with the light on & the display showing 38 miles remaining went to just under 1/4 with 53 miles remaining, no light.

[e30cabrio]

Issue is back, on steroids. Error is still right sensor, now the tank reads empty with 50 miles on a 20 gallon fill up from 1/4. WTF???

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by e30cabrio

I rarely let the tank go below 1/4 but it has been odd when it is.

Today it was just below 1/4, showing 63 miles range & then the light came on, the gauge was at E & magically in no time (sitting at a red light) it showed 4 miles range. As I drove the needle did not move but the range went up to 10. I filled up (23.2 gallons and the range went to 310 (normally after a fill up I get 360-390)

I scanned and got this:



What needs to be replaced?

Well according to your scan the fault is no longer present. Could be you were just low on gas.