Problem with fuel tank sender unit

Phil325i · 03-03-2013, 03:10 PM

For reasons I won't bore you with, I've recently had a new fuel tank strainer/sender unit fitted to my 325i. Since then the fuel gauge no longer works properly.

The needle descends really fast for the first half a tank (full to half full in about 50 miles!) then sticks for about 180 miles around half full, then descends more slowly to empty. Car's been back to the dealer to have the sender 'recalibrated' though I doubt anything was done as it's just the same.

Anyone know if the signal the sender transmits to the gauge can be reset or recalibrated in any way?

Thanks guys.

Phil325i · 03-05-2013, 12:31 PM

68 views and not a single suggestion! Come on guys...

Phil325i · 07-03-2013, 04:09 PM

Update. After five visits to the stealer (!) the replacement sender unit proved to be faulty from new. Second replacement works fine.

thecadman99 · 07-03-2013, 04:33 PM

Glad you got it sorted. It doesn't look like a common problem or someone would've chimed in.

AllydNYC · 07-07-2013, 12:53 AM

Didn't see this thread, would have helped you with the information I know. For future reference for anybody that comes across it.

At around 33,000 miles a gasket in my fuel system wasn't full sealed causing a check engine light to display when the car pressurizes the fuel system. I got that resolved, new gas tank and other stuff put in. But then experienced a similar problem as OP:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

The needle descends really fast for the first half a tank (full to half full in about 50 miles!) then sticks for about 180 miles around half full, then descends more slowly to empty. Car's been back to the dealer to have the sender 'recalibrated' though I doubt anything was done as it's just the same.

A good amount of times I would drive 20 miles home to find out I gained fuel in my tank, according to the gauge. Took it to BMW (has full warranty) and thought I was retarded. Showed them two pictures of my dash, one of the gas gas/time/mileage and then one the next day or week with same mileage and the gas gauge would be in a different spot. I didn't use the car much so I would only fill it to a half of tank. Said they needed to duplicate it in person.

Well one day since I was clueless about how much gas I have, I filled it up to full which the gauge showed to be two lines from full. After complaining and showing them (BMW) there was a full tank of gas they finally took it in. Turns out one of the 'senders' that goes to the gauge was only reading at half volts or whatever. Got that replaced and has been fine since.

03-03-2013, 03:10 PM	#1
Phil325i Brigadier General 645 Rep 3,228 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Problem with fuel tank sender unit For reasons I won't bore you with, I've recently had a new fuel tank strainer/sender unit fitted to my 325i. Since then the fuel gauge no longer works properly. The needle descends really fast for the first half a tank (full to half full in about 50 miles!) then sticks for about 180 miles around half full, then descends more slowly to empty. Car's been back to the dealer to have the sender 'recalibrated' though I doubt anything was done as it's just the same. Anyone know if the signal the sender transmits to the gauge can be reset or recalibrated in any way? Thanks guys. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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03-05-2013, 12:31 PM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 645 Rep 3,228 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	68 views and not a single suggestion! Come on guys... __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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07-03-2013, 04:09 PM	#3
Phil325i Brigadier General 645 Rep 3,228 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Update. After five visits to the stealer (!) the replacement sender unit proved to be faulty from new. Second replacement works fine. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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07-03-2013, 04:33 PM	#4
thecadman99 Lieutenant 57 Rep 450 Posts Drives: e90 330i 6mt spt bk/bk Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Glad you got it sorted. It doesn't look like a common problem or someone would've chimed in. __________________ 06 330i 6mt Spt- Eibach Springs, BMW Perf Susp, Supersprint Exhaust, BSW Audio RIP-94 325i 5mt 4d- M3 springs/susp, Z3 wheels, Chipped, Intake, Exhaust= FUN!
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