AC line BMW 540i 2001 E39 Workshop Manual

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Warnings and cautions
Observe the following warnings and cautions when servicing
the fuel system.
WARNING-
* The fuel system is designed to retain pressure even when
the ignition is off. When working with the fuelsystem, loos-
en the fuel lines slowly to allow residual
fuel pressure to
dissipate. Avoid spraying fuel. Use shop rags to capture
leaking fuel.
Before beginning any work on the fuel system, place a
fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the work area.
Fuel is highly flammable. When working around fuel, do
not disconnect any wires that could cause electrical
sparks. Do not smoke or worknearheaters or other fire
hazards.
* Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the
tanlc before working on the tank or lines.
When disconnecting a fuel hose, wrap shop rag around
end of hose to prevent spray of fuel under pressure.
Do not use a work light with an incandescent bulb near
any fuel. Fuel may spray on the hot bulb causing a fire.
0 Make sure the worlc area is properly ventilated.
CAUTION-
- Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions an4
Warnings.
Before
making any electrical tests with the ignition
turned on, disable the ignition system as described in
120 Ignition System. Be sure the battery is discon-
nected when replacing components.
To prevent damage to the ignition system or other DME
components, including the engine control module
(ECM), always connect and disconnect wires and test
equipment with the ignition off.
Cleanliness is essential when
worl~ing with the fuel sys-
tem. Thoroughly clean the fuel line unions before dis-
connecting any of the lines.
Use only clean tools. Keep removed parts clean and
sealed or covered with a clean, lint-free cloth, especial-
ly if completion of the repair is delayed.
Do not move the car while the fuel system is open.
Avoid using high pressure compressed air to blow out
lines and components. High pressure can rupture inter-
nal seals and gaskets.
Always replace seals, O-rings and hose clamps.

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- Fuel Tank and Fuel pump]
Remove fuel pump
relay (arrow).
4 Connect relay socitet terminal 6 (redlviolet wire) to relay
socket terminal
2 (whitelblue wire) with a fused jumper wire.
After completing tests, remove jumper harness.
CA
UTIOG
Relay locations may vary Use care when identifying relays
and making electrical checks at
the fuse/relay panel. See
610 Electrical Component Locations for additional re-
lay information.
The fuel pump relay has a 1.5
md red/violet wire at
terminal
6 in the relay socket. Terminal2 has a 2.5md
white/blue wire. See ELE Electrical Wiring Diagrams
for additional wiring information.
NOTE-
* The fuel pump will run as soon as the jumper wire Is at-
tached.
The jumper wire should be 1.5
md (14 ga.) and include
an in-line fuse holder with a 15A fuse. To avoid
fuse/relay
panel damage from repeated connecting and disconnect-
ing, also include a toggle switch in the jumper harness.
- If pump does not run with jumper installed, fault could be in
fuel pump, fuses
F31 or F22 1 F54, or wiring to pump. Check
pump, fuses and its wiring as described below.
Fuel pump electrical circuit, testing
- The test given below assumes that the fuel pump relay circuit
is functioning correctly as described earlier. Access to the
pump is from below the rear seat bottom cushion.
- Remove rear seat lower cushion by lifting front edge off left
and right catches.

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.- -
Fuel Tank and Fuel purnpl
Fuel pump power consumption, testing
To achieve accurate test results, the battery voltage at the
fuel pump connector should be
12.6 volts. Charge the battery
as necessary.
A higher than normal power consumption may indicate a
worn fuel pump, which may cause intermittent fuel starvation
due to pump overheating and seizure. The only remedy is
pump replacement.
A lower than normal power consumption
may indicate a blockage. Be sure to check that the return line
and the pump pickup are not obstructed before replacing the
pump.
- Expose right side access cover:
Peel forward lip of carpet.
Release rubber grommet from center of access cover insu-
lation.
Peel back insulation at perforations to expose fuel tank ac-
cess cover.
Remove right side cover to expose electrical harness con-
nector.
Disconnect harness connector from tank sending unit by slid-
ing lock back. Lift off connector.
Test fuel pump for current draw by attaching digital ammeter
between pump and harness (terminal
2, whitelblue wire) and
connect a jumper wire between pump and harness (terminal
1, brown wire) as shown.
CAUTION-
Do not allow the test leads to short to ground.
NOTE-
See 600 Electrical Systern-General for information on elec-
trical tests
using a digital multirneter.
Run pump as described in Operating fuel pump for tests.
- Compare ammeter reading with specification listed in ac-
companying table.
Fuel
pump current
Current consumption (average) 9.5 amps

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I Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump --
Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(6-cylinder models)
4 Remove fuel rail cover by prying off trim covers (arrows) and
removing nuts.
4 If equipped, remove schraeder valve cap (arrow). Blow fuel
back through feed line using a brief burst of compressed air
(maximum
3 bar or 43.5 psi).
WARNING -
Fuel in fuel line is underpressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or 45 -
75psi) andmay be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or work near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any leaking fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before working on the tank or lines.
4 Attach fuel pressure gauge to BMW special tool 13 5 220
(T-fittlng) or equivalent and attach to schraeder valve.
WARNING -
The fuel pressure gauge must be securely connected to pre-
vent it from
coming loose underpressure.
CAUTION-
When using the BMWspecial tool, use care when turning the
T-handle in to open the schraeder valve. Screw the handle in
just until the schraeder valve opens. Turning the handle in too
far will damage the schraeder valve.
NOTE-
* The schraeder valve must be opened to the fuel pressure
gauge connection. Either remove the valve using a stan-
dard tire valve removal tool or use the BMW special tool
15 5 220.
* The fuel pressure gauge should have a minimum range of
0 to 5 bar (0 to 75 psi).
- For vehicles without the schraeder valve on the fuel rail, at-
tach the fuel pressure gauge in line with the fuel supply line
to the fuel rail.

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(V-8 models)
Remove engine cover by pressing down on pins (arrows) to
release cover locks.
4 Disconnect and remove fuel supply line from lefl side of fuel
rail by sliding
loclting collar in (arrows) and pulling lines
apart.
NOTE-
* ME2 TU and MS43 vehicles (1999 and later models) use a
non-return fuel line with only one line to the fuel
rafl.
BMW uses three styles of fuellfne connections; a one-use
clamp, a locking fitting that uses
BMWspeclal tool 16 1 050
to release, and a quick release sleeve (above) that discon-
nects the line when depressed.
WARNING -
* Fuel In fuel line is under pressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or 45 -
75psi) and may be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or work near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy. Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any
lealiing fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before workina on the tank or lines.
< Install inline fuel pressure gauge.
WARNING -
The fuel pressure gauge must be securely connected to pre-
vent it from coming loose underpressure.
NOTE-
The fuel pressure gauge should have a minimum range of 0
to 5 bar (0 to 75 psi).

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Fuel delivery,
testing
Checitino fuel delive~ is a fundamental oart of troubleshoot- .. ing and diagnosing thk DME system. ~ukl pressure directly
influences
fuel delivery. An accurate fuel pressure gauge will
be needed to make the tests.
There are two significant fuel deliveryvalues to be measured:
* System pressure - created by fuel pump and maintained
by pressure regulator
Residual pressure
- pressure maintained in closed sys-
tem after engine and fuel pump are shut off
if proper system pressure and residual pressure are present,
also check for problems in fuel delivery volume, which can be
affected by restrictions such as clogged fuel filter or fuel pick-
up port in the fuel tank.
System pressure, testing
1. Fuel pressure regulator outer seal
4 System pressure is created by the fuel pump and maintained
2. Vacuum line connection.
3. Fuel pressure regulator Inner seal.
4. Fuel flow back to fuel tank.
5. Fuel flow from fuel pump.
Fuel pressure
regulator
Fuel pressure regulator locations
M52 In fuel injector rail, in engine
compartment
M52 TU In 312 way valve, below vehicle under
driver seat
by the pressure
regulator. System pressure is not adjustable.
M54 In fuel filter
M62 to 9/97 In fuel injector rail, in engine
compartment
M62 from 9/97 to 9/98 In 312 way valve, below vehicle under
driver seat
M62 TU from 9/98 In fuel filter, below vehicle under driver
seat

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
4 Relieve system pressure and attach a fuel pressure gauge as
described in Fuel pressure gauge, installing (6-cylinder
models) or Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(V-8 models).
WARNING-
Fuel in fuel line is under pressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or 45 -
75psi) and may be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or
worlc near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any
leaking fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before
working on the tank or lines.
- Operate fuel pump as described in Operating fuel pump for
tests. Compare fuel pressure to specifications in accompa-
nying table.
Fuel pressure specification
All E39 vehicles 3.5 +0.2 bar (50.76 i2.9 psi)
- If pressure is low, repeat test while gradually pinching off re-
turn hose to fuel tank. Pressure should rise rapidly. If not, fuel
pump is most likely faulty. If pressure rises, the fuel pressure
regulator is most
likely faulty.
- If pressure is too high, checlc return line from pressure regu-
lator to tank. Check for
ltinks in hose. If no faults can be
found, pressure regulator is most likely faulty.
CAUTION-
The fuel pump is capable of developing a higher pressure
than that regulated by the pressure regulator. In the event the
fuel pump checlc valve is faulty (stuck closed), male sure the
I fuel pressure does not rise above 6.0 bar (87psi). Damage
to the fuel lines or fuel system components could result.
- Reassemble engine, noting the following:
Remove fuel pressure gauge and fittings.
Replace schraeder valve, if removed
Replace fuel pump relay.
Replace fuel filler cap.
Residual pressure, testing
For quick restarts and to avoid vapor lock when the engine is
hot, the fuel injection system retains fuel pressure after the
engine is shut off. This residual pressure is primarily
rnain-
tained by the fuel pressure regulator and a checlc valve at the
fuel pump
outlet.

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. .
I Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump I
4 Relieve system pressure and attach afuel pressure gauge as
described in Fuel pressure gauge, installing (6-cylinder
models) or Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(V-8 models).
WARNING -
Fuel in fuel line is underpressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or45 -
75psi) and may be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or work near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy. Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any leaking fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
. Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before working on the tank or lines
- Start engine allow it to run for approximately one minute.
Note fuel pressure reading.
- Observe fuel pressure reading after approximately 20 mln-
utes. The pressure should not drop more than 0.5 bar from
system pressure listed in fuel pressure specifications in ac-
companying table.
Fuel pressure specification
Ail
E39 vehicles 3.5 i-0.2 bar (50.76 i2.9 psi)
- When finished, disconnect pressure gauge and fitting, and
replace schraeder valve, if removed.
- If fuel system does not maintain pressure:
Visually check for leaks in fuel lines and unions,
Check for leaking
injector(s).
Check for faulty fuel pump check valve.
- To test fuel pump check valve:
Repeat residual pressure test.
Immediately aftershutting off engine, pinch off fuel delivery
line using a fuel hose pinch clamp (BMW
13 3 010 or
equivalent).
If pressure is now maintained, fault is most likely at fuel
pump check valve.
If pressure again drops below specifications, fault is most
likely in fuel pressure regulator.

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.- .
Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
- To reinstall:
Use new sealing ring at tank collar.
* Align tab of sending unit with matching recess in opening
of tank.
Be sure that fuel line connections point in same direction
as they came out.
Reconnect harness connector and hose.
Fill tank and check for leaks by running engine.
Install access cover and its mounting fasteners.
CAUTIOI\C
After finishing repairs but before starting engine, be sure
there is at least
5 liters (1.5 gallons) of fuel in the tank. The
NOTE-
It is common practice to replace the fuel filter when the fuel
pump
unit is replaced. See 020 Maintenance.
Tightening torque
Tank collar locking ring to tank 35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Fuel level sender (left side),
removing and installing
The procedure for removing and replacing the left side fuel
level sender is
simllar to that used for the r~ght side. There is
no fuel pump on the left side.
- Remove rear seat lower cushion by lifting off catches at front.
- Expose left side access cover:
- Peel forward lip of carpet.
Release rubber grommet from center of access cover
insulation.
Peel back insulation at
perforations to expose fuel tank
access cover.
Remove cover to expose electrical harness connector.
WARNING-
Fuel may be spilled. Do not smoke or work near heaters or
other fire hazards.
When disconnecting fuel hose, wrap shop rag around
end of hose to prevent spray of fuel under pressure.

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--
I Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
The plastic fuel tank is mounted underneath the center of the
car (underneath the rear seat). Mounted in the fuel tank are
the fuel pump and fuel level sending units. Connecting lines
for the evaporative emission control system and expansion
tank are also attached to the tank.
Fuel
tank capacity for E39 models
Tank capacity
70 liters (18.5 gal)
Reserve capacity
8 liters (2.1 gal)
Fuel tank, draining
Drain fuel tank into a safe storage unit using an approved fuel
pumping device.
WARNING-
# Before removing tank, be sure that all hot components,
such as the exhaust system, are completely cooled down.
Fuel may be spilled. Do not smoke or
work near heat-
ers or other fire hazards.
- Start engine and allow to run 10 - 15 seconds to fill fuel com-
pensating siphon assembly. This will allow both lobes of fuel
tank to he drawn off through fuel filler pipe,
- Disconnect negative cable from battery.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the batteg read the battery discon-
nection cautions given
in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.
- Remove fuel tank filler cap
- Slide suction hose into filler neck about 130 cm (51 in.), twist-
ing as necessary. Withdraw fuel into storage unit.
- Monitor fuel level reduction in both lobes:
- Remove rear seat cushion and access both fuel tank send-
er harness connectors.
Use multimeter to measure resistance at both senders,
Resistance should drop as fuel level drops.
- If siphoning mechanism is faulty, drain left tank lobe sepa-
rately by removing sender cover and pumping fuel directly
out of left lobe.