:) Good question! The top of the fuel tank is accessable from the outside of the vehicle as BMW uses a sadle style gas gap. This means mice can climb on top of the gas tank and make a nest. I have seen full nests, or only chewing. Sometimes it is only wiring so you end up running out of gas due to the sending unit wiring damage or a check engine light due to the fuel vapor test system setting a fault due to an evap leak. I have seen people use moth balls in a sock on top of the fuel tank :)
Thanks for the video. My 2003 X5 fuel gauge quit working and I was dreading an expensive repair. My problem was a mouse nest on the left side sending unit, They had completely chewed the wires in half. It was an easy repair just like your video shows.
I have heards also that BMW has used a vegatable oil in making of the wiring sheathing. Not sure how much truth is there but mice do like to eat it :) The best way to prevent mice is to remove them from the location as I have seen repeat visits where it only takes a week or two before mice return to a BMW. Thanks for the question! If you have any questions with your BMW please let me know:)
On an X5 there is no lock down it is just pressed straight down under tension into a small notch in the tank for lining it up. Then hold it down under pressure while you tighten the ring. Hope this helps :)
Hello, Thank you for your video and instructions. my fuel pump is OK but the connector is melted. I don't know how and why. how do i replace the connector. I have not started the job yet. BMW diagnosed it and called me and they want an arm and a leg. where does the other end of the connector attaches to ? I ll appreciate any advice you can help me with . thank you.
Hello CarExperts, I hope this thread is still alive. I'm driving a 2008 BMW X5 E70 3.0sd. But it runs out of gas while the fuel indicator shows it is still full 1/4 (range between 180 and 220km). The engine stops running without any warning and the display shows motor management failure. Refill with diesel and the problem is solved. Of course this is very tricky driving on the highway. What could possible be the problem? The fuel pump? I'm not the most experienced handyman, but I was hoping you can help me on my way...
Great vid, I have an 01 X5 3.0 e53 Service engine light came on today and the fuel gauge is stuck at 1/4 even though I put 15 gal in. What would you start with as far as cause. Filter, sender or pump?? Im dreading having to replace everything without knowing what actually triggered it. My car does have 205k miles and I've never replaced the filter or either sender or pump just fyi...appreciate any advice you can share.
Hello Kyle, The best place to start would be to inspect the wiring on the top of the fuel pump. If good the wiring from the sensor to the instrument cluster should be checked. If good then it most likely is a bad fuel level sensor.
:) Good question! The top of the fuel tank is accessable from the outside of the vehicle as BMW uses a sadle style gas gap. This means mice can climb on top of the gas tank and make a nest. I have seen full nests, or only chewing. Sometimes it is only wiring so you end up running out of gas due to the sending unit wiring damage or a check engine light due to the fuel vapor test system setting a fault due to an evap leak. I have seen people use moth balls in a sock on top of the fuel tank :)
Thank you for the great comment :) I am glad the video helped!
Thanks for the video. My 2003 X5 fuel gauge quit working and I was dreading an expensive repair. My problem was a mouse nest on the left side sending unit, They had completely chewed the wires in half. It was an easy repair just like your video shows.
+David Esker Hello David, Great find! I am glad my video helped. Thank you for the great comment!
I have heards also that BMW has used a vegatable oil in making of the wiring sheathing. Not sure how much truth is there but mice do like to eat it :)
The best way to prevent mice is to remove them from the location as I have seen repeat visits where it only takes a week or two before mice return to a BMW.
Thanks for the question! If you have any questions with your BMW please let me know:)
On an X5 there is no lock down it is just pressed straight down under tension into a small notch in the tank for lining it up. Then hold it down under pressure while you tighten the ring. Hope this helps :)
Hello, Thank you for your video and instructions. my fuel pump is OK but the connector is melted. I don't know how and why. how do i replace the connector. I have not started the job yet. BMW diagnosed it and called me and they want an arm and a leg. where does the other end of the connector attaches to ? I ll appreciate any advice you can help me with . thank you.
I would try to unplug the I drive controller when the problem is occuring or swap a new one in if you can :)
Hello CarExperts, I hope this thread is still alive. I'm driving a 2008 BMW X5 E70 3.0sd. But it runs out of gas while the fuel indicator shows it is still full 1/4 (range between 180 and 220km). The engine stops running without any warning and the display shows motor management failure. Refill with diesel and the problem is solved. Of course this is very tricky driving on the highway. What could possible be the problem? The fuel pump? I'm not the most experienced handyman, but I was hoping you can help me on my way...
What year is this BMW? I have an 2009 X5... was wondering if this is the same way you change the fuel filter on that
Great vid, I have an 01 X5 3.0 e53 Service engine light came on today and the fuel gauge is stuck at 1/4 even though I put 15 gal in. What would you start with as far as cause. Filter, sender or pump?? Im dreading having to replace everything without knowing what actually triggered it. My car does have 205k miles and I've never replaced the filter or either sender or pump just fyi...appreciate any advice you can share.
great DIY vid!!!!!
hi,I am having problem lucking the new pump in place any advice??
Can you post a video for me to view? I am thinking possibly a bad I drive controller knob by the description.
i have a p0460 code the fuel sensor a circuit how do i fix this?
Hello Kyle, The best place to start would be to inspect the wiring on the top of the fuel pump. If good the wiring from the sensor to the instrument cluster should be checked. If good then it most likely is a bad fuel level sensor.