Erratic fuel gauge, 2006 GSA

The pump arrived as a kit that I assume is for a number of bikes as there are more parts than I needed. The next picture shows the kit parts and indicates which ones I used, basically just the pump, a hose clamp and the screen for the intake.

01parts.jpg


First thing to do is remove the pump unit from the left side of the tank. You will need a tool to undo the clamp ring, I made one (see the last picture below). Carefully remove the whole pump unit from the tank, if you have a mechanical float style fuel gauge like my '05 GS be careful you don't bend it on the way out (or in).

With the whole unit on the bench, unplug the power connector and then unclip the three rubber mounts as shown in this (unfocused) picture.

02pumpremove.jpg


Next remove the hose clamp on the pump, I used a (cheap copy) of a dremel to do this.

03clipoff.jpg


Heat the hose and remove it (it was very cold the day I did it).

04removehose.jpg


To remove the pump from the housing you will need to remove one of those push on star washer things that holds the pickup filter screen. Prising it off would likely break something so I used the dremel again to grind off the top of the post on the end of the pump. You also need to remove some of the plastic of the pickup filter to get to the post.

05grind.jpg


After removal of the pickup filter screen.

06filteroff.jpg


The pump should now just push out the top of the holder if you pull back the two plastic clips.

Here are pictures of the old and new pumps.

07pumps1.jpg


07pumps2.jpg


07pumps3.jpg


As you can see the replacement pump is a good copy of the original VDO pump.

Next push the new pump into the holder and align it before fitting the pickup filter screen. This just pushes on and then you press on the new star washer clip thing. I found a very small socket and used that and a small hammer to tap it onto the post on the end of the pump.

08attachfilter.jpg


Put the hose back on and secure with a hose clip, clip the pump unit back on to the holder with the three rubber mounts and plug in the power again.

09assembled.jpg


Now you are ready to install the pump unit back into the tank. As I have found out this can be a bit tricky if you don't get the seal done right. It is quite easy to crimp it and end up with a leaking tank. Very embarrassing at the service station when you fill up, trust me :-(

I grease the inside of the filter seal with vaseline to make it easier to get the pump in without dislodging the seal.

10seal.jpg


The next photo is of the seal in place ready to install the pump. Note the fuel return hose visible at the top of the hole. This is the hose from the sucking pump on the RHS of the tank. (yes, the tank was rather full when I did this repair).

10seal2.jpg


Then after inserting the pump unit I check very carefully around the edge to make sure it hasn't pushed the filter into the tank. You need a mirror to see all the way around.

10seal3.jpg


Now fit the ring and torque down to 35nm. This picture shows the "special tool" I made for this purpose.

11install.jpg


Reconnect the fuel hose and cables and refit all the body panels.

Finally I lay the bike down on the LHS cylinder just to make sure that I don't have any leaks.

Hope this helps someone...
 
My 2010 GSA has been doing this since the start of this year. I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow, thanks chaps. :thumb
 
Summary

Gents pleas help me out here, i have read the thread and got lost
What do you think are the best solutions for,
1: erratic gauge reading
2: bike not using the reserve 6 liters or so
3 : combination of he above

My bike is a 2009 GSA with 8000 km on it, the gauge was stuck at full when the tank was empty, changed gauge sensor (500 $) but still sensor goes down to 3/4 from full then jumps to 1/3. Unfortunately I do not ride the bike a lot so can establish a definit pattern but this is not how it was. And yes got stuck south of France when it said 80 miles on the gauge and ran out of fuel at the bottom of Circuit de navares.
 
Thanks

IanC
Thanks let me dig more.
I am surprised BMW did not issue recalls or alerts about this common fuel pump, gauge issues. I am really disappointed with how BMW treat the bike owners.

Does any body know where we can lodge a compliant to BMW about warranty issues? I moved out of uk last year to Perth Australia and the warranty ran out here.
There bound to be a proud BMW , German office willing to handle such issues and communicate with local dealers accordingly.
 
Good luck using Perth BMW, the only agent in a million square miles of sand. Its like dealing with the mafia, their prices and monopoly are shocking, plus you have to "wait awhile". Welcome to WA mate. DAMHIK.
 
Does any body know where we can lodge a compliant to BMW about warranty issues?
...........
There bound to be a proud BMW , German office willing to handle such issues and communicate with local dealers accordingly.

If you find it, please do let us know!! :D
 
Thanks for the thread guys,

Having the same problem myself. Thanks to ye I now know how to fix it.

Any more info on a BMW complaints department. I've had a few issues myself.
 
Replaced pump

I replaced the fuel pump following the pics and my bike is now sucking the tank dry. Thanks for the help Guys.
 


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