Fuel level sending unit

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87Shark
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:14 pm
Location: Peoria, AZ

Fuel level sending unit

Post by 87Shark »

Well, here's the new issue for my L. The fuel level sensor is not working. Ok, no biggie, just bite the bullet and replace it.........Well it seems that they are NOWHERE TO BE HAD! ](*,) According to the dealer and every parts house( and I hit all the usual suspects,I.E pelican, turner, ecs, fcp euro, etc) they are on indefinite back order. So I proceeded to tear down an old, non-working unit to see what makes it tick. It looks like the float sank. Does ANYONE make a kit or sell the float separately? Or ??????
'87 L6, Arctic White
633_Dream
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:29 pm
Location: EU

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 633_Dream »

You can try to check if the item from E23, E21 or E28 will not fit the shape. That would be the cheapest option.
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86_6series
Platinum Member
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Posts: 1069
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:08 pm
Location: West Nyack, NY

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 86_6series »

Reach out to Elias Gergy on Facebook. He parts out
many bimmers in California.

These cars use the same part # 16121153050

3' E30   (12/1981 — 07/1987)
5' E12   (01/1977 — 07/1981)
5' E28   (09/1980 — 08/1990)
6' E24   (10/1975 — 04/1989)
7' E23   (01/1977 — 11/1989)
86-635CSi
96-MB C220 SOLD
98-740i
71-Continental MK3
633_Dream
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:29 pm
Location: EU

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 633_Dream »

Might be (at least for E30) that it will depend on the tank size. There were few numbers and at least two capacities, where one was using single sender (55liters) or dual senders (65liters) where the resistance differs.

I suppose however they might be using the same mechanics - only sender resistance value is different.
emac
Posts: 178
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2020 2:57 am
Location: SC

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by emac »

Lots of various aftermarket floats available. I cant recall what the e24 level looks like but if all you need is a float, it shouldnt be too hard to find something you can adapt.

Found this video that may be helpful to repair:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXdkznEILw
87Shark
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:14 pm
Location: Peoria, AZ

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 87Shark »

Well, everyone still seems to be out of the fuel level sending unit number 16121153050 for the Shark.... but autohaus az says16141152266 is a replacement. Anyone know if this is correct, or what the difference is? Want to ask the board before I order one. Thanks
'87 L6, Arctic White
Griphish
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 3:56 am
Location: Charlotte NC

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by Griphish »

Hey Gents. There seems to be a stash of these at eEuroParts right now. Ordered one yesterday and they already shipped.

The website says they are part # 16121153050 so here is hoping. I'm supposed to get mine on Tuesday next week so I'll have a better idea after it arrives.

https://eeuroparts.com/shop/?category=a ... nding-unit
87Shark
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:14 pm
Location: Peoria, AZ

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 87Shark »

Griphish, Did you ever get the unit? Is it correct? [-o< I had ordered one from other sources that said they had it, but were mistaken. Let me/ the board know so I can place an order> Thanks!
'87 L6, Arctic White
Griphish
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 3:56 am
Location: Charlotte NC

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by Griphish »

I received it but haven't installed it yet. Size wise it looks about right. Part number on the new part is correct too.
87Shark
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:14 pm
Location: Peoria, AZ

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by 87Shark »

Thanks for the heads up! Ordered it and the sealing ring. Thanks again
'87 L6, Arctic White
Griphish
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 3:56 am
Location: Charlotte NC

Re: Fuel level sending unit

Post by Griphish »

Hey Everyone! I finally had a chance to install the unit and it appears to be working properly. I haven't gone through a whole tank yet to know if the low level is accurate but the 2 units looked to be the same length from the outside.

The new unit came with an O-ring so no need to order a new one separately.

Cheers!
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