Anybody have experience on this problem when fuel gauge indicates full but the cars has been driven for about 80 miles, doesn't gauge have to move a little bit futher from full mark. Is there any bulletin on this for 2002 325i? Any advise is appreciated. TIA
MC
I always thought if you fill the gas tank completely full, the gas will be a little over the full mark. And it'll take some miles to move past the full mark.:dunno:
i had the same problem, and i had complained a few times about it to my dealer...
i even posted it on the boards, i even called bmwna about it. they said thye couldn't do much. the funny thing is tha last time i took the car in for serviceI they replaced the fuel sensor and some other parts... there is TSB. I don't have my service reciepts handy but i can chec kwhat is on my invoice later on today.
Fuel gauge sender problem
just ask them to be thorough in searching for it, it exists.
i even posted it on the boards, i even called bmwna about it. they said thye couldn't do much. the funny thing is tha last time i took the car in for serviceI they replaced the fuel sensor and some other parts... there is TSB. I don't have my service reciepts handy but i can chec kwhat is on my invoice later on today.
Fuel gauge sender problem
just ask them to be thorough in searching for it, it exists.
I have to drive it a few more miles and watch if the gauge moves from the full mark. My wife just notice it this morning after driving it for three days but she only commute 15 miles each way, highway driving. I usually average about 25mpg(steptronic) on freeway driving, maybe the mpg has improved.
Can you check that invoice and let me know. Fuel sensor might be the culprit if there is something wrong with it.
Can you check that invoice and let me know. Fuel sensor might be the culprit if there is something wrong with it.
:dunno: :dunno: :dunno:palooka666 said:
i'll let you know for sure tonight.
off the top of my head - my rep said that there were some errors in the computer and that caused them to take a look at the fuel sender and the system around it.
Their whole tone had changed really dramatically since the last time I asked about it - so I assume it's a known TSB.
Sanjay
fyi: mine occasionally would only rise to 3/4 full even though i filled the tank... it would either sit at 3/4 ful and then eventually drop from there. or after a few drives it would magically rise above the 3/4 marking and work normally.
off the top of my head - my rep said that there were some errors in the computer and that caused them to take a look at the fuel sender and the system around it.
Their whole tone had changed really dramatically since the last time I asked about it - so I assume it's a known TSB.
Sanjay
fyi: mine occasionally would only rise to 3/4 full even though i filled the tank... it would either sit at 3/4 ful and then eventually drop from there. or after a few drives it would magically rise above the 3/4 marking and work normally.
Sean,
sorry for the delay. I couldn't find it but I placed a quick a quick to my service adv. Unfortunately, there wasn't a TSB but it is a known problem. What my adv suggested (and this is what i did b/c i got the Cust Serv number on this board) is calling the BMWNA customer service and tell them about the problem and tell them who your dealership is.
The next time I went in... my dealership took care of it without me even asking.
What he told me they have on record:
- replaced both fuel level sending units.
- and the computer was registering faults on the sending units.
the customer service number is: 1-800-332-4269
It is a known problem so maybe your dealership hasn't really looked in to it yet (or been forced to) but this should get it fixed for you - they will find the information if they look.
good luck, i hope this helps
sanjay
sorry for the delay. I couldn't find it but I placed a quick a quick to my service adv. Unfortunately, there wasn't a TSB but it is a known problem. What my adv suggested (and this is what i did b/c i got the Cust Serv number on this board) is calling the BMWNA customer service and tell them about the problem and tell them who your dealership is.
The next time I went in... my dealership took care of it without me even asking.
What he told me they have on record:
- replaced both fuel level sending units.
- and the computer was registering faults on the sending units.
the customer service number is: 1-800-332-4269
It is a known problem so maybe your dealership hasn't really looked in to it yet (or been forced to) but this should get it fixed for you - they will find the information if they look.
good luck, i hope this helps
sanjay
Ive just started to develop this problem once again (mine reads full even after driving a lot...and sometimes the gas needle waves back and forther......I had a sensor replaced a year ago...
I noticed that everyone is saying there is no TSB but I do have a TSB related to this:
Its # 620401
Something to do with a software program problem...the last time i took it in and mentioned it..they said i already have the latest update.
Anyone else have a permanent fix for this?...not sure if they put gold plated sensors the last time they fixed this.
I noticed that everyone is saying there is no TSB but I do have a TSB related to this:
Its # 620401
Something to do with a software program problem...the last time i took it in and mentioned it..they said i already have the latest update.
Anyone else have a permanent fix for this?...not sure if they put gold plated sensors the last time they fixed this.
I saw the new sensors before they were installed in my car. There is a very, very small amount. Nothing really much different from the factory installed sensors.Dan325ci said:
here's what the invoice from my last trip in to the dealership looked like. they replace the sending units without me complaining aobuti t. though they are acting up again every once in a long while. i'm going to ask for the gold-plated sending units next time i take my car in. hope this helps.
******************* (spelling errors as written on my invoice)***
CUSTOMER STATES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN FILLING UP VEHICLE WITH FUEL, **123;TOTALLY FULL}, GAGE READS 3/4 TANK
CAUSE: IRRATIC
000555 Interrogating fault memory in diagnosing system
78 WB 0.02 (N/C)
1612505 REPLACED BOTH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS,
78 WB 0.18 (N/C)
1 16-14-6-752-499 SUCTION UNIT (N/C)
1 16-14-6-755-879 FUEL SENSOR (N/C)
FC: 1614021800
PART#:
COUNT:
CLAIM TYPE:
AUTH CODE:
***********************************************
******************* (spelling errors as written on my invoice)***
CUSTOMER STATES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN FILLING UP VEHICLE WITH FUEL, **123;TOTALLY FULL}, GAGE READS 3/4 TANK
CAUSE: IRRATIC
000555 Interrogating fault memory in diagnosing system
78 WB 0.02 (N/C)
1612505 REPLACED BOTH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS,
78 WB 0.18 (N/C)
1 16-14-6-752-499 SUCTION UNIT (N/C)
1 16-14-6-755-879 FUEL SENSOR (N/C)
FC: 1614021800
PART#:
COUNT:
CLAIM TYPE:
AUTH CODE:
***********************************************
I have been reading this forum for a while now, but I've never posted here. After reading all your fuel gauge symptoms, I feel I have to jump in and share my 2 cents.
My car is a 1994 E36 325i. Back when it was under warranty, around 1997, my car had the exact same problem. I went through 5 fuel senders, 4 under warranty and 1 paid out of my pocket, in the span of 2 years. It seemed that the original lasted about 3 years, and all the replacement senders lasted about half a year each. The last pair of fuel level senders have been in my car since 1999, and have worked perfectly since.
My feeling is that BMW got a bad batch of fuel level senders around that time, and the last pair that was put into my car finally worked as they should. It worries me that after so many years, BMW still can't ensure that their suppliers provide quality parts.
Here are two things that I follow religiously when fueling up my car, in order to prevent my fuel sender from going crazy. I don't know if they actually help, but since my fuel senders have worked for such a long time, I am not going to change my habits. 1) Always take out your key, turn your headlights off, and close the door, when you refuel. (I seem to recall the computer gets confused and won't register the fuel level change properly if you leave your lights on or doors open) 2) stop fueling when the fuel nozzle clicks off. Never put an extra drop into it. Give these two suggestions a try and see if your fuel gauge behaves.
Finally, if your dealer touches your fuel sender, make sure they put the O-Ring on properly. If they didn't, the top 4 gallons of your fuel will be streaming out of your fuel tank as you leave the gas station. It was not a pleasant experience.
Sorry for the long post; I hope my suggestions are helpful to you guys.
My car is a 1994 E36 325i. Back when it was under warranty, around 1997, my car had the exact same problem. I went through 5 fuel senders, 4 under warranty and 1 paid out of my pocket, in the span of 2 years. It seemed that the original lasted about 3 years, and all the replacement senders lasted about half a year each. The last pair of fuel level senders have been in my car since 1999, and have worked perfectly since.
My feeling is that BMW got a bad batch of fuel level senders around that time, and the last pair that was put into my car finally worked as they should. It worries me that after so many years, BMW still can't ensure that their suppliers provide quality parts.
Here are two things that I follow religiously when fueling up my car, in order to prevent my fuel sender from going crazy. I don't know if they actually help, but since my fuel senders have worked for such a long time, I am not going to change my habits. 1) Always take out your key, turn your headlights off, and close the door, when you refuel. (I seem to recall the computer gets confused and won't register the fuel level change properly if you leave your lights on or doors open) 2) stop fueling when the fuel nozzle clicks off. Never put an extra drop into it. Give these two suggestions a try and see if your fuel gauge behaves.
Finally, if your dealer touches your fuel sender, make sure they put the O-Ring on properly. If they didn't, the top 4 gallons of your fuel will be streaming out of your fuel tank as you leave the gas station. It was not a pleasant experience.
Sorry for the long post; I hope my suggestions are helpful to you guys.
Well i got my car back from the dealership.....they replaced both sending units.
Here are the part numbers:
16-14-6-752-499 SUCTION UNIT RIGHT
(2) 16-12-1-180-40 Hose Clamp 12.8.15
16-14-6-755-879 Sensor
Seems to be working now but I expect it to fail within 6 months or so. Maybe there should be a redesign on this part and a possible recall as this is a safety related problem....i'd hate to run out of fuel on the highway.
Also, i got my clutch replaced again...i complained about a stickiness feeling in the mornings when the clutch is released....they found a defective part (diaphram) and replaced to whole clutch.
This is my second clutch within 24000 km's...which is like less than 15k miles. :yikes: (first one with the TSB)
Here are the part numbers:
16-14-6-752-499 SUCTION UNIT RIGHT
(2) 16-12-1-180-40 Hose Clamp 12.8.15
16-14-6-755-879 Sensor
Seems to be working now but I expect it to fail within 6 months or so. Maybe there should be a redesign on this part and a possible recall as this is a safety related problem....i'd hate to run out of fuel on the highway.
Also, i got my clutch replaced again...i complained about a stickiness feeling in the mornings when the clutch is released....they found a defective part (diaphram) and replaced to whole clutch.
This is my second clutch within 24000 km's...which is like less than 15k miles. :yikes: (first one with the TSB)
email reply from BMWNA on fuel gauge and more.
I submitted an email through the BMWNA Owners Circle regarding Pricing,
faulty fuel gauge, and a/c odor. I have a 2002 330cic, July 2002 production. My email is directly below, and their reply is below that..
1. Why is there such a deviance in the price of service, parts, and
accessories between dealers. The dealer that is most convenient to me
charges $150 for an oil change at 8K miles, and the dealer 8 miles away
wants $95 for the same service? The same dealer that has the high price,
was almost three times as much when it came to key programming!
2. I have an issue with my fuel gauge that I've noticed a number of
other owners have had. The gauge will not read correctly once in a while
(every two weeks or so). I'll drive 120 miles or so, and it still reads
full as opposed to the normal reading of less than 3/4 of a tank. Then
while the car is running and stopped, the fuel guage needle will bounce
up and down for a minute or two (maybe 10-30 a minute). I know that this
is a known issue, and that there is a TSB on this. I called the dealer
to make an appointment to have this fixed, and the dealer replied: we
cannot fix it until we visually see it malfunctioning. OK, so a couple
of weeks go by and it starts acting up, so I turn around and head for
the dealer. I'm almost to the dealer, and it starts acting fine. I feel
that this is craziness. I can't make an appointment to have the senders
(the TSB states that the senders are at fault) replaced without having
the intermittent problem visually seen by the dealer! Maybe, I'll wait
till I have had a couple of tow truck rides billed to BMW, and then try
to have it fixed!
3. Last, and of least importance at this point. When I turn the air
conditioner on, the smell is really offensive. I've had many cars with
a/c, and I've had issues with the mold that forms.......no problem....I
understand and accept it. My BMW smells sort of like I stepped in some
dog p**h, it's pretty foul. I also know that there is a TSB (640891) on
this as well. I've also heard that some dealers have cleaned the system
and replaced the filter for free. My local dealer's service advisor
says, be sure to drive the last 5 minutes with the fan on and the a/c
compressor off before shutting the car off. This will help stop this
odor. OK, so when summer comes, and it's 105 degrees, I turn the a/c
off for the last 5 minutes of my drive......I would imagine that the
vehicle is gonna get pretty warm.....doesn't sound like a good solution
to me.
Any suggestions leading to a solution would be greatly appreciated.
It just seems to me, when you spend around 50k for a car, that service
for these kinds of issues would not be expected, especially when they
are known issues!
HERE'S THE REPLY FROM BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS
I am with BMW of North America, LLC and your Owners' Circle inquiry has
been forwarded to me for a response.
1. BMW dealerships are independently owned and operated. All pricing at
the dealership including vehicles, parts, and service are set by the
management at that dealership. Automobile manufacturers establish the
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The dealer determines the
transaction price.
2. Intermittent problems are the most difficult issues for service
centers to handle. The reason for this is because the dealership cannot
repair/replace an item based on customer say so alone, they must have
documented evidence of the part failure. I understand and apologize for
your frustration with this issue, unfortunately, the dealership would
need to duplicate the issue before they can act on it.
3. As you have mentioned in your letter, this issue with the A/C odor is
not exclusive to BMWs. The odor is an environmental issue, not a
manufacture defect, and therefore is not a warrantable item. The costs
associated with cleaning the A/C system and replacing the filter are set
by the management at the BMW dealership. Please contact the Service
Manager at your local dealership for the cost, if any, of this service.
If you need any further assistance on any of the issues above, please
feel free to contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117, Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9
.m. EST.
I submitted an email through the BMWNA Owners Circle regarding Pricing,
faulty fuel gauge, and a/c odor. I have a 2002 330cic, July 2002 production. My email is directly below, and their reply is below that..
1. Why is there such a deviance in the price of service, parts, and
accessories between dealers. The dealer that is most convenient to me
charges $150 for an oil change at 8K miles, and the dealer 8 miles away
wants $95 for the same service? The same dealer that has the high price,
was almost three times as much when it came to key programming!
2. I have an issue with my fuel gauge that I've noticed a number of
other owners have had. The gauge will not read correctly once in a while
(every two weeks or so). I'll drive 120 miles or so, and it still reads
full as opposed to the normal reading of less than 3/4 of a tank. Then
while the car is running and stopped, the fuel guage needle will bounce
up and down for a minute or two (maybe 10-30 a minute). I know that this
is a known issue, and that there is a TSB on this. I called the dealer
to make an appointment to have this fixed, and the dealer replied: we
cannot fix it until we visually see it malfunctioning. OK, so a couple
of weeks go by and it starts acting up, so I turn around and head for
the dealer. I'm almost to the dealer, and it starts acting fine. I feel
that this is craziness. I can't make an appointment to have the senders
(the TSB states that the senders are at fault) replaced without having
the intermittent problem visually seen by the dealer! Maybe, I'll wait
till I have had a couple of tow truck rides billed to BMW, and then try
to have it fixed!
3. Last, and of least importance at this point. When I turn the air
conditioner on, the smell is really offensive. I've had many cars with
a/c, and I've had issues with the mold that forms.......no problem....I
understand and accept it. My BMW smells sort of like I stepped in some
dog p**h, it's pretty foul. I also know that there is a TSB (640891) on
this as well. I've also heard that some dealers have cleaned the system
and replaced the filter for free. My local dealer's service advisor
says, be sure to drive the last 5 minutes with the fan on and the a/c
compressor off before shutting the car off. This will help stop this
odor. OK, so when summer comes, and it's 105 degrees, I turn the a/c
off for the last 5 minutes of my drive......I would imagine that the
vehicle is gonna get pretty warm.....doesn't sound like a good solution
to me.
Any suggestions leading to a solution would be greatly appreciated.
It just seems to me, when you spend around 50k for a car, that service
for these kinds of issues would not be expected, especially when they
are known issues!
HERE'S THE REPLY FROM BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS
I am with BMW of North America, LLC and your Owners' Circle inquiry has
been forwarded to me for a response.
1. BMW dealerships are independently owned and operated. All pricing at
the dealership including vehicles, parts, and service are set by the
management at that dealership. Automobile manufacturers establish the
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The dealer determines the
transaction price.
2. Intermittent problems are the most difficult issues for service
centers to handle. The reason for this is because the dealership cannot
repair/replace an item based on customer say so alone, they must have
documented evidence of the part failure. I understand and apologize for
your frustration with this issue, unfortunately, the dealership would
need to duplicate the issue before they can act on it.
3. As you have mentioned in your letter, this issue with the A/C odor is
not exclusive to BMWs. The odor is an environmental issue, not a
manufacture defect, and therefore is not a warrantable item. The costs
associated with cleaning the A/C system and replacing the filter are set
by the management at the BMW dealership. Please contact the Service
Manager at your local dealership for the cost, if any, of this service.
If you need any further assistance on any of the issues above, please
feel free to contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117, Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9
.m. EST.Re: email reply from BMWNA on fuel gauge and more.
The "further" in "further assisatance" imply that there has been some assistance already. I fail to see it.
It goes to show the importance of a reasonable service center within reach.
m.
This is an amazing answer. :bs: It took BMW about half a page to say absolutely nothing. Or better to say it's your problem!!!sj330ciclvr said:
If you need any further assistance on any of the issues above, please
feel free to contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117, Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9
The "further" in "further assisatance" imply that there has been some assistance already. I fail to see it.
It goes to show the importance of a reasonable service center within reach.
m.
Well sounds like you will need a new sensor too. Mine did the exact same thing....fuel gauge waving back and forth until its warmed up and driven for about 5 minutes. (also had the full tank after driving for a few days problem)
Its amazing how the 2003's are still having this problem.... :tsk:
Its amazing how the 2003's are still having this problem.... :tsk:
robj213 said:
Well I just got back from the dealer for the 6th time for this d@mn fuel gauge problem.
I got the "your car is ready for pickup" and everything is fixed deal again. After looking at the invoice, I noticed the same parts being replaced as last time (Suction unit and some hose clamp), I really had a bad feeling. I asked the service advisor to come out as I start the car because after the car sits for a bit, the problem seems to be most evident. (The gauge will read accurately after 20-30 minutes of driving)
Sure enough, once they started the car the needle read FULL even though i didnt have much more than HALF a tank of gas in there...then ithe needle started waving back and forth. I was so happy a service advisor was finally able to witness this. Even before I dropped off the car this morning I took pictures of the gas needle at different readings, ALL within 15 kms. The range readings veried by over an inch.
So, im stuck with a loaner and left the car overnight, which will be essentially my 7th time to the dealer for this problem.
They have changed sensors about 3 times. They have reprogrammed something with the DME a few times too. All to no avail.
Its time for BMW to step up and acknowledge that there IS clearly a problem with their fuel sensors/gauges. Its getting to the point where this is clearly a safety issue....sometimes I have no idea how much gas i actually have.....one day im going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere on a highway with no gas with a nice shiny BMW :eeps:
I got the "your car is ready for pickup" and everything is fixed deal again. After looking at the invoice, I noticed the same parts being replaced as last time (Suction unit and some hose clamp), I really had a bad feeling. I asked the service advisor to come out as I start the car because after the car sits for a bit, the problem seems to be most evident. (The gauge will read accurately after 20-30 minutes of driving)
Sure enough, once they started the car the needle read FULL even though i didnt have much more than HALF a tank of gas in there...then ithe needle started waving back and forth. I was so happy a service advisor was finally able to witness this. Even before I dropped off the car this morning I took pictures of the gas needle at different readings, ALL within 15 kms. The range readings veried by over an inch.
So, im stuck with a loaner and left the car overnight, which will be essentially my 7th time to the dealer for this problem.
They have changed sensors about 3 times. They have reprogrammed something with the DME a few times too. All to no avail.
Its time for BMW to step up and acknowledge that there IS clearly a problem with their fuel sensors/gauges. Its getting to the point where this is clearly a safety issue....sometimes I have no idea how much gas i actually have.....one day im going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere on a highway with no gas with a nice shiny BMW :eeps:
My car is going in at some point to have the reprogramming of fuel gauge (instrument cluster) done. TSB # 620401
Just to give you guys an update.
After changing the sensors, suction units, reprogramming the computer, they ended up changing the entire instrument cluster on the vehicle.
So far after two days...the needle has been pretty steady but we dont know if this is because the amount of fuel in the vehicle has reached a certain point where it stops the irractic behavior...only time will tell. Im switching gas brands too. The dealer basically said BMW NA is out of answers and they checked a couple brand new cars on the lot to find out they were doing the same thing....so they sort of implied it was normal. I basically said it is NOT normal for the needle to move back and forth upon start up around an inch and it is NOT normal for me to get an accurate gas gauge reading ONLY after driving for 20 minutes. I doubt BMW engineers designed it this way.
Now I have to just keep an eye on it and bring it back if it acts up again....dont know what else could be done. I wish the BMW engineers can design something to once and for all fix the problem. This problem has been going back to as far back as the old E36 vehicles....
After changing the sensors, suction units, reprogramming the computer, they ended up changing the entire instrument cluster on the vehicle.
So far after two days...the needle has been pretty steady but we dont know if this is because the amount of fuel in the vehicle has reached a certain point where it stops the irractic behavior...only time will tell. Im switching gas brands too. The dealer basically said BMW NA is out of answers and they checked a couple brand new cars on the lot to find out they were doing the same thing....so they sort of implied it was normal. I basically said it is NOT normal for the needle to move back and forth upon start up around an inch and it is NOT normal for me to get an accurate gas gauge reading ONLY after driving for 20 minutes. I doubt BMW engineers designed it this way.
Now I have to just keep an eye on it and bring it back if it acts up again....dont know what else could be done. I wish the BMW engineers can design something to once and for all fix the problem. This problem has been going back to as far back as the old E36 vehicles....
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
