Fuel Level Sensor Questions

[Ryan.]

So I recently purchased a '91 318i, Upon purchasing I filled up the tank and noticed the gauge didn't go above about half way.

After reading a little I found out that the tank is separated into two sections, each with their own fuel level sensor

I was looking online for replacements but $120 or whatever they cost is out of my budget right now

I was wondering if it was possible to pop them open and clean the out or repair possible loose connections, I have searched around the web quite a bit with no results

If someone could link me to a DIY or just give me a little advice It would be much appreciated


ALSO Ran out of gas on the highway last night. Now the car runs like crap, im guessing its just sediment clogging the fuel filter. if someone has any insight on cleaning that out I would also much appreciate that

Thanks guys, look forward to sticking around here for a while

[carguy101]

Fuel filter is under the driverside before the rear subframe, try that and plugs to see if it runs better. Welcome to the boards and M42club has useful info.

[Ryan.]

wait, try what and what plugs ?

sorry im new to the BMW scene

EDIT: sry thought you meant fuel pump

yeah Ill replace the filter asap

[carguy101]

Spark plugs, get the NGK's mine runs much better with those than the Bosch's

[Ryan.]

Im pretty sure the plugs are brand new, this is a fresh m50 swap I would hate to think they put old plugs in, I will pull em out and inspect them though

thanks for the quick responses

[carguy101]

Sure thing and I didnt realize you had a swap. Maybe putting that in the first post or title can give you some responses from some swap guys that know more about them. Good luck!

[Ryan.]

Didnt mention it cause I was mainly just asking about the fuel floater

Another question, Is there a way to tell which sides floater isnt working ?

[dogsbark26]

Sometimes, I think, fuel gauge showing only half when tank is full is a result of the instrument cluster being replaced with the wrong fuel gauge (or possibly the wrong coding plug). That is, with a cluster from a car that only had one fuel lever sender.

You might try removing the back seat bottom (snaps up and out quite easily) and unplugging the sending units, one at a time. You could even try shorting the plugs (not the senders, just the plugs) and turn the car on - not starting the car, just turning it on - and see if the gauge reads full that way. This is assuming the senders show short when they read full, which I really don't know.