Left fuel level sensor bad?

Not sure this is needed but I have a 2016 X5 50i M Sport.

The other day a CEL came on and when I went to read the codes I got the following;

193001 - Fuel Level Sensor, Left, electrical: Short circuit to B+

804951 - Left Fuel Level Sensor: Short Circuit to B+ or line disconnection

E12C01 - Left Fuel Level Sensor: Short Circuit to B+


I went into the tank menu option and saw that my LFLS was reading at around 6500 Ohms while my right one was reading around 240 ohms.

So far, my fuel gauge still works as it should but I haven’t dropped below half a tank yet. No noticeable issues besides the codes as far as I can tell. I cleared them with ISTA and they immediately came back so I think there may be a real problem.

I plan on maybe taking a look to see if anything has physically worked its way out as far as connectors go but if I’m not mistaken I believe this sensor is inside the tank and a part of it somehow? I wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue and fixed it.

I’d rather not shell out money for a new gas tank if I could help it, so if someone could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

Found this...

Link:
Fuel level issues

Not a common issue. There are 2 tanks (left and right) connected with each other making it essentially 1 big tank. Fuel is transferred (pumped) from 1 tank to another based on special bmw algorithm. Each side has it's own fuel level sensor submerged into fuel. If one sensor is bad - it's possible you might experience those symptoms. If both sensors are bad - car will calculate fuel using either fuel injectors signal or consumption signals - it's complicated system. However, if there are some errors - they will be stored in unit memory. So short answer, since you are on warranty - just go to dealer and let them pull codes. Fuel level sensor is easy to swap - there's access under the rear seat cushion, so dealer will replace it in no time.

I didn't search but there might be a YT video of how to replace the sensors.

Yeah I might just have to check out the plan ISTA lays out I can’t find anything for my specific vehicle it’s all 5 series and older X5 like the E70. Although maybe they didn’t change the fuel tank system from that gen to this one for the X5 I have to figure out more

Kja706 wrote

Not sure this is needed but I have a 2016 X5 50i M Sport.

The other day a CEL came on and when I went to read the codes I got the following;

193001 - Fuel Level Sensor, Left, electrical: Short circuit to B+

804951 - Left Fuel Level Sensor: Short Circuit to B+ or line disconnection

E12C01 - Left Fuel Level Sensor: Short Circuit to B+


I went into the tank menu option and saw that my LFLS was reading at around 6500 Ohms while my right one was reading around 240 ohms.

So far, my fuel gauge still works as it should but I haven’t dropped below half a tank yet. No noticeable issues besides the codes as far as I can tell. I cleared them with ISTA and they immediately came back so I think there may be a real problem.

I plan on maybe taking a look to see if anything has physically worked its way out as far as connectors go but if I’m not mistaken I believe this sensor is inside the tank and a part of it somehow? I wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue and fixed it.

I’d rather not shell out money for a new gas tank if I could help it, so if someone could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

6500 Ω compared to 240 Ω definitely doesn't look normal. If the fault comes back immediately after clearing it, I'd treat it as a genuine electrical fault rather than a software glitch.

Before replacing any parts, I'd check in this order:

Inspect the connector and wiring at the left fuel pump/sender access under the rear seat for corrosion, damaged pins or a partially disconnected plug.
Measure continuity from the connector back to the module to rule out a broken wire.
Compare the resistance of the left sender directly at the sender itself. If it's still around 6500 Ω while the right side is ~240 Ω, I'd suspect the sender has gone open circuit or has a worn resistor track.
Check live data in ISTA while manually moving the float (if accessible) to see if the resistance changes smoothly.

From the symptoms, I'd suspect the left fuel level sender before assuming the tank or fuel pump assembly needs replacing.

Has anyone confirmed whether the sender on the F15 X5 can be replaced separately, or is it integrated into the pump module on this model?

I haven’t been able to find any definitive answer about that I just got done working so I’m going to go home and see if I can pull up the plan ISTA gives me to see what they say. I am definitely not an electrician so I have 0 clue how to measure continuity of stuff but I for sure can take a look at the connector and such.

I’m guessing the level sender is it’s own thing inside the tank maybe that just runs up the fuel pump and if that’s the case I may take it to a shop I trust and just have them do it; or replace the fuel pump if need be but I don’t think that’s the issue. I just got done fixing my drivers seat control panel cause the plastic broke around the rivets and I had plans to replace the climate control module because of burnt out lights. Seems like the car may be starting to fall apart a little bit 😭I’ll take these type of issues over engine ones any day though

Just realized this is in the cosmetic care sub forum I apologize idk how I got here from the home page oops