I have had a few issues with my fuel gauge - had both sending units and fuel pump replaced a few years ago. Ended up in an accident (got rear-ended) and then my fuel gauge would stop at a half-tank. One of the new sending units was repalced under warranty and everything seemed to be working fine until I took my first road trip. ONLY when I take a long trip to where the fuel level goes to a half tank it will stop there, even if I turn it off and back on. Seems to reset itself once a refuel. Day-to-day driving it works just fine.

old thread. as I have it my empty light came on and then filled it up full. still it showed empty with the light on.

I drive home, empty light on, and parked in the garage. I start searching and came upon a few threads that ended up replacing the sensors. after a couple of hours I come back to the car with the fuel level at FULL. problem solved. but should I start I to order the sensors?

For my case of breaking multiple fuel sensors, it was finally tracked down the fuel sensor being pressured / "squeezed" by the fuel tank. I suspect it was because I used to load VERY heavy stuff into the car (with the back seats folded), and that it pushed down the top of the fuel tank (located) underneath the rear seat), causing continues pressure to the fuel sensor till it breaks.

The last time I replaced the fuel tank, I screwed a long metal plate to plastic part of the sensor, in order to strengthen it. It's been about 2 years since the last change and so far so good.

I tried ignoring the problem and refuel base on the distance having traveled after each refuel. But it was unreliable and I really went out of the last drop of the fuel once, only across the street from the fuel station! So'd suggest to get it replaced and drive in peace. They are only about $100-200 each, if I remember correctly.

our e36 convertible had issues. replacing the senders did nothing. I finally tracked it down to the connection on the back of the cluster. I wrapped the pins in tin foil to see if that fixed it. it worked so well, I just left it like that. never had a problem since!