Author Topic: 318ic runs out of gas at 1/3 tank (Read 2911 times)

tdoyle · « **on:** September 06, 2012, 09:07:31 AM »

recently, my car runs out of gas right around 1/3 tank. I know there is still fuel in the tank, and the gauge is accurate, cause when it runs out, it only takes 11 or 12 gallons to fill it. Once filled, runs perfect.
This has happened on 4 consecutive fillups.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2012, 03:51:01 PM »

Mine only takes about 11 gallons as the bottom of the tank is significantly dented. My gas gauge remains relatively accurate though. I'd pull the pump and see if you've lost the pickup assembly, or if it's straight.

tdoyle · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:17:56 PM »

thanks, the tank is not dented, and has worked perfect for 3 years. I will check the pickup assembly

ti_tony · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2012, 10:14:53 AM »

There's a transfer tube at the bottom of the tank to connect the left and right sides, it's open at the top but after it gets low it depends on that tube to empty the tank. Maybe that's dented or clogged ?

tdoyle · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2012, 05:38:03 PM »

Is the tube inside the tank, or underneath?

keflaman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2012, 05:52:07 PM »

Underneath. #4 http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/318is-M42/LHD/M/1990/july/browse/fuel_supply/fuel_tank_attaching_parts/