Do not use open flames near the workplace, do not smoke or hold any objects that are very hot. There is a danger of an accident! Keep a fire extinguisher ready.
Keep the workplace well ventilated. Fuel vapors are poisonous.
The fuel system is under pressure. When the system is opened, fuel can escape under pressure. Collect the fuel with a rag. Wear protective goggles.
Withdrawal
Before removing the fuel pump, empty the fuel tank by driving the vehicle. If possible, work should be carried out outdoors and with good ventilation. For ventilation of the workplace, a radial fan can also be used, the electric motor of which is located outside the air flow.
1. Disconnect the negative cable (-) battery with the ignition off. The battery is located in the luggage compartment behind the cover on the right side. For BMW 316i, 318i, the battery is located in the engine compartment.
Disconnecting the battery clears the fault memory of some controls. If necessary, read the fault memory before disconnecting the battery. Refer to Section Troubleshooting. It is desirable to carry out work in the conditions of a service station.
2. Remove the rear seat, refer to Section Removal and installation of a back seat.
3. Remove the rubber seal -1- on the left or right under the seat. Pull out the insulating mat.
4. Turn away screws of fastening and remove a cover -2-.
Right sensor with fuel pump:
5. Disconnect the connector -1-. At the same time, release the latch by squeezing it.
6. Mark the fuel hoses -2- and -3- with tape and disconnect them from the reserve sensor, for which open the clamps.
The fuel system is under pressure, so remove the hose slowly and wipe up the leaked fuel.
7. Carefully unscrew the union nut -4- by blows. The workshop uses the BMW tool 161020 for this. This can also be done with a block of wood.
8 Lift up the stock sensor, move it to the side and remove it. At the same time, put a rag and wipe the leaked fuel.
Left stock gauge:
9. Turn away screws of fastening and remove a cover -2-.
10. Disconnect the connector -1- of the reserve sensor. At the same time, squeeze the clamps.
11. Disconnect the fuel hose -2- from the reserve sensor, for which loosen the clamp -2-.
The fuel system is under pressure, so the hose must be removed slowly. Wipe up spilled fuel if necessary.
12. Carefully unscrew the union nut with blows. The workshop uses the BMW tool 161020 for this. This can also be done with a block of wood.
13. Lift the stock sensor, move it to the side and remove it. Press the latch -1- from the bottom side and remove the equalizing hose of the tank. Take out the sensor. At the same time, put a rag and wipe the leaked fuel.
Installation
Be sure to replace the stock sensor O-rings.
Left stock gauge:
14. Make sure that the non-return valve -1- is inserted into the equalizing hose of the tank.
15. Insert the sensor and hold it about 5 cm above the tank. Fix the sensor in the groove on the tank.
16 Align the sensor by turning it. In this case, the tab in the upper part of the sensor should enter the groove of the tank.
17. Fit and tighten the union nut. In this case, the lock should enter the corresponding groove on the tank with a foot, clearly fixing.
18. Attach fuel hoses according to markings and fix them with new collars.
19. Connect the plug connections and secure them.
20. Install the cover and secure it, making sure the seal is in the correct position.
21. Insert the rubber seal into the cover. Put the insulating mat back in place.
22. Reinstall the rear seat, refer to Section Removal and installation of a back seat.
23. Connect the negative cable (-) battery with the ignition off. Set the clock.
24. Check the operation of the fuel gauge on the instrument panel.
If the fuel tank cannot be emptied while driving, this indicates that the tank equalizer between the right and left chambers is not working properly. In this case, you must first remove the right sensor with the fuel pump. Then remove the left sensor and check whether the equalizing hose -1- is fixed in the sump -2-. After checking, reinstall both sensors.