Fuel Gauge Problem or Crazy MPG?

[surfevo]

Alright here is the deal. I bought my 91 318 a few weeks ago and everything works, gauges, windows, sunroof, etc. Last week I filled the tank and I have driven over 170 miles and the fuel gauge still reads full. So either the float in the tank is stuck or I am getting crazy MPG out of my M42.

Anyone experience this? Anyone know how I can reset the float? The gauge will reset itself to the resting position with the key off, so I do not believe it is the cluster. I am tempted to get under the car and shake the tank a little bit. Any ideas?

Thanks guys

[Uber E30]

Mine does the exact same thing. I replaced the cluster and the whole fuel sender/pump unit and still not fixed. Im kinda frustrated.

[BraveUlysses]

My gauge isn't remotely linear. I particularly enjoy it when it gains or loses a quarter tank due to taking an offramp or turn.

I don't think there's a real fix.

[SamE30e]

My gauge isn't remotely linear. I particularly enjoy it when it gains or loses a quarter tank due to taking an offramp or turn.

I don't think there's a real fix.

The last half of my tank lasts like 100km lol

[surfevo]

Does anyone know how to access the float in the tank or a way to maybe get it to reset itself?

[NC325iC]

mine works beautifully, goes down in a steady predictable manner...

oh is that not helpful for this thread. sorry

[matias88e30]

hi, i had the same problem with my 88 325is, i bought a used floater and replace it. now its working perfect. good luck!

[Uber E30]

Does anyone know how to access the float in the tank or a way to maybe get it to reset itself?

Its a long cylindrical unit thats in the same area as the fuel pump.

[HarryPotter]

mine works beautifully, goes down in a steady predictable manner...

oh is that not helpful for this thread. sorry

Bastard... Mine's alright, granted I do get the 1/4 tank drop/increase occasionally. One minute I'm excited the next...disappoint.

[Jean]

Two senders, work in series. Both have to be in working condition.

[ck_taft325is]

Bastard... Mine's alright, granted I do get the 1/4 tank drop/increase occasionally. One minute I'm excited the next...disappoint.

My wife drives the car and is always like.. "one minute, I'm thinking "oh neat, I'm getting like 400m on this tank!" and the next I'm all like, "oh no... I need gas..." "

[surfevo]

Well I fixed it at least for now.

I removed the rear seat. Then moved the sound insulation on the passenger side. Them removed the plated held in by 4 phillips head screws. This exposed the fuel pump and float assembly. There are two plugs, the narrow one is the fuel pump and the fatter one is the float/fuel gauge plug. The float is held in by 4 8mm nuts. I removed the nuts and pulled out the tube like float. The emptied all the fuel from it and tapped it. Then I placed it back into the tank and put the 4 nuts back on. I then plugged the connector back into the float. Checked the gauge and success! I should have tkaen pics but you get the idea. Hopefully the gauge will work in my next fill up.

I will keep you posted.

[Skyhawk]

To access the the float in the tank, you have to remove the fuel pump in the tank, remove the screws that hold the pump in place and pull the fuel pump out gently...!!

[Jean]

To access the the float in the tank, you have to remove the fuel pump in the tank, remove the screws that hold the pump in place and pull the fuel pump out gently...!!

There are two senders. You don't have to remove the fuel pump to remove the sender at all. The sender unlike the pump does not catch on anything.

The driver side sender sometimes does not want to come out as it's bottom is plastic, and if the fuel tank is dented under it it damages the sender and makes it difficult to remove.