Gas guage reads low near empty
 

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:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps232e3184.png

What needs to be replaced?

23.2 gallons tells me you've got a pretty empty tank.

That was with topoff, I have gotten almost 25 topped off. The point is you don't go from just under 1/4 to E while sitting at a red light without something being wrong & that error refers to a sensor needing attention.

Thanks

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.

Might be sticky float, bad sender or something else...

Fwiw, I have run our tank down to fumes a few times, (not intentionally), on our frequent all day car runs to NJ. The miles to empty guesstimate has been quite linear and I have never run out, yet, though I have seen it dive like yours when rolling off the Interstate and catching a stop sign/light while hunting for gas...

In AZ, with your triple digit temps every day, that 'volume' of gas is exaggerated, as most oil companies/tank loaders test for 'volume'/accurate gallons at 60 degs F, IIRC, and adjust when they feel like it. The retail pumps don't though many have that 'accurate measure delivery' bs stickers on the pumps.

Try a blt of Techron, or it may need more than that, repair-wise.
GL, mD

I have been averaging just shy of 16mpg mixed cycle (5 miles to freeway, 20 mile freeway commute) daily. Going to work I am super early and can take it easy (55mph limit first 10 miles I go 62, 65 last 10 I go 69). On the way home, I am ready to be home & go flow of traffic which is anywhere from 65 -80)

The light I was sitting at the road is flat, I left home with just shy of 1/4 and drove to that light (less than a mile) at 35 with no jack rabbiting & when it turned green I did not jack rabbit. This has happened a few times before (tank reading lower than it is & a "reboot" has cured it.

I searched this code with no luck prior to posting.

I had similar problem last week after driving 200 km the tank was just a quarter full. It looked like I wasn't going to make it to the next gas station 150k km away. I "barely" made it bsed on the 'Range' on the cluster and when I filled up the tank I was able to put only 23L so the sensor was sending the wrong info to the cluster. After filling up it was ok but I get the same error as cabrio when scanning. No issues since.

I usually fill up at 1/2. I tried three times last week, I go to work at 5am and the station I use had it's system updating one morning (before it is manned) and just dead (the computer display at the pump) the next.

Of course the right one has the pump.

16116755043

FUEL PUMP X5

MSRP Core ? Save Online Price $365.93 $0.00 $100.63 $265.30

I used to have a Nissan 350z, and those things commonly developed inaccurate gas gauges (mine included). Usually the problem boiled down to dirty contacts on the fuel level sender. To fix it, you could just take the sender out, wipe off the contacts with a Q-tip, and stick it back in. I did that and it fixed the problem for me. Seems like it's worth a shot since it doesn't cost anything.

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

:iagree:

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?

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.

Pump came.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psc590fdec.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psb1ac422b.jpg

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.

Thanks

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.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psee7d9304.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps4b9631d0.jpg

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???

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

That was then, now it won't clear. I pulled teh connector & sprayed electrical cleaner (hate pulling the seat) No change. Gas light is on, gague shows e.

I put 20 gallons in on 1/4 tank & drove 50 miles yesterday. Before I reset the software using BMW Scan 1.40 it showed just over 3/4 tank. It was at 2 gauge needle widths under the full line after filling up to top off 2x pump shut off.

Weird thing is the display is still calculating mpg.

I ordered the left sensor after checking all connections & fuses.

Went for a ride, gauge is working. WTF???

float is sticking.

The error is again gone, it was right (new from BMW part). I doubt it is broken so fast.

Now it has been 24 hours issue free, test 6 reports properly screen 1 & shows Phase 1.

Don't understand.

Filled up, from just under 1/2, topped off 3 clicks, 1/16th under full, phase 2 now appears on gauge. The right pump/sensor was installed 8/15/14 WTF?

Anyone ever have one go bad that fast?

BMW Genuine parts or some cheap crap brought off eBay or Amazon?

If it's BMW Genuine parts bring it back to the part department, two year unlimited mileage on Genuine BMW parts.

Genuine BMW from mybimmerparts.com. I am calling them this morning.

I never buy non manufacturer for this kind of thing.

Went out to the X, guage shows full, & phase 1.

Spoke to MYBparts, return for replacement. I threw the old one out. gaaaaa

Second call garnered take to BMW for diagnosis with invoice & the dealer will honor the warranty for 2 years from date of purchase.