Remove intank sending unit - 528

[bizz]

Hi All,
My car konked out last night with ~ 10L still in the tank.
From what i've read, the intank sending unit may be blocked or the tank may have some contaminants in it, blocking the flow of fuel.

Is there any trick to removing this unit? There seems to be a lip at the bottom that stops it from coming out of the tank..



Cheers,
Ben.

[Blaise]

I think you just pull up and then angle it out. They got it in there, so it has to come out:)

[T.Hanson]

The design varies by year. Early models (yours) fasten in the tank with tabs and a twist. They are simple one piece units. Not seeing it, it's usually a matter of lifting, angling, aligning the filter foot with the notches for fastening it in, and gently removing it.

Later models have the fuel level sender tube as a separate piece, four extra bolts, that has to come out first.

DON'T forget to disconnect the battery, and if I were me, do it outside where a big gas tank explosion won't take out your home and garage. The odds are astronomical, but one in a billion is still possible.

It's a good idea to tie wrap the fuel lines, give yourself a handle for grabbing if they accidentally wiggle away from the hole in the trunk. When I've done mine it's obvious other ace mechanics didn't think they'd drop a hose clamp or nut, bolt in the tank hole, for me to see them in the tank.

Finally, if the fuel lines are cracked or mushy, yes they can split and dump fuel in large gallonage. Replace them with OEM BMW high pressure.

[Mike W.]

...Finally, if the fuel lines are cracked or mushy, yes they can split and dump fuel in large gallonage. Replace them with OEM BMW high pressure.

Occasionally they'll leak on the suction side, which leak by sucking air, not by leaking fuel. But the fuel pump can't pump air.