E39 530D Dodgy Fuel Gauge Reading

[Transmitter Man]

I'm sure this subject has been covered in the past but I'd like recommendations for a BMW indie to sort this niggling problem.

Anywhere in Greater London.

Fill the tanks right up and gauge reads 3/4 or just over half full.

Occasionally it will read full when it is full so the problem seems therefore intermittent.

When the low level lamps comes on I never know just what's left in the tank

Link hose was changed a year or so back but still the problem persists.

Any help appreciated.

Phil

[TheEnd]

What kind of dash/OBC have you got?
I know some systems will be able to go into secret menus and show left and right float levels, and a total level.

[sparks_E39]

A faulty ignition barrel was giving me a dodgy readout with loads of other issues. Common problem...

[Transmitter Man]

Here's the dash I have: http://www.intravention.co.uk/files/public/BMW_Rad...

Went into test 19 yesterday and all gauges etc seem ok.

I filled the tank up to the brim this morning and the fuel gauge reads exactly half full.

What next to test?

Thanks.

Phil

[4rephill]

Check the fuel sender/senders in the fuel tank (you're not alone with this issue apparently: http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&... )

Chances are if it uses two sender units to display the total fuel level (one on each side of the tank), then one of them is not functioning (most likely a wire has broken off on the underside).

As mentioned in the link above, I'd check the drivers side first.

[TheEnd]

There are two senders, and it makes an average, so I guess one is dead.
On the hi dash, it will show left, right and total fuel.