Fuel Gauge Not Reading Full 2008 335xi

[JNW Indiana]

I have a 2008 335xi with 9,000 miles purchased in May, 2008. The fuel gauge was reading at 7/8 when the tank was topped off. Local dealer replaced the fuel sensor today. Now the guage still does not read full, and the miles to empty display shows over 400 miles when the tank is full. Dealer said this sensor replacement was their first for a late model 3-series.

I plan to call the dealer on Monday morning. It appears that the problem may be with the actual gauge.

Any expert opinions or others that have experienced this problem?

[mryakan]

Are you sure it is topped off? Sometimes the pump sensor gets triggered before your tank it is topped off. If you try various pumps and the same issue persists, it could be something with the gas tank itself. What I am saying is the sensor could be correct, and your tank is not full, so have them consider that possibility.

[JNW Indiana]

Thanks for the reply. I have ensured that the tank is topped off, and the gauge still does not read 1/1. Also, the gauge quickly drops to 1/2 full in about 90 miles then stays at that position for 100 miles before dropping again.

The dealership SA indicated that I should run a few tanks through the car and see if the problem self-corrects.

The problem may be with the actual gauge, as the computer miles-to-empty now seems to be working properly. I guess the entire instrument cluster would need to be replaced.