Genuine BMW 328i Fuel Tank

BMW 328i Fuel Tank Parts Questions & Answers

• Plastic Fuel Tank
  16-11-7-162-162
  Q: How to remove and install a fuel tank in a BMW 328i?

  A: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Before removing the fuel tank, all fuel should be drained from the tank. Since a fuel tank drain plug is not provided, it is preferable to carry out the removal operation when the tank is nearly empty. Remove the rear seat cushion. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the right rear wheel. Remove the driveshaft. Detach the parking brake cables from the lever. Pull the parking brake cables from the guide tubes, then remove the guide tube mounting bolts and tubes. The right wheel well liner is retained by a combination of bolts, plastic nuts, and plastic pins. Remove these fasteners and maneuver the wheel well liner from under the fender. Working under the vehicle, pry up the center pins and remove the plastic expansion rivets. Release the clips, remove the trim panel mounting nuts and the panel from under the left-hand side of the tank. Repeat this procedure on the right-hand side of the tank. Working inside the vehicle, remove the fuel tank access cover mounting nuts from the left- and right-hand side of the floor panel beneath the rear seat cushion location. Disconnect the wiring plug from the left­-hand sender cover, then pull the locking collar away and disconnect the fuel feed pipe. Disconnect the wiring plugs accessible through the right-hand sender/pump access hole. Depress the release button and disconnect the vent pipe from the sensor/pump unit cover. Loosen the hose clip, then disconnect the fuel filler hose from the tank neck. Working in the wheel well area, release the connector, and unclip the vent hose from the filler pipe. Support the fuel tank using a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove the retaining nut in the center rear of the tank and the bolts securing the tank retaining straps. Lower the tank, and maneuver it out from under the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal. Note that once the tank is installed, a minimum of 1.2 gallons (5 liters) of fuel must be added to allow the fuel system to function correctly.