bmw 318is petrol gauge

[MissChatty]

My petrol gauge is reading below empty, with the petrol light on so I dont know how much petrol I have got! Any ideas?

[MissChatty]

My partner has posted this question and i have re-read it... It makes it sounds just like the car is empty from petrol LOL! What he forgot to say is that he put �10 in and the gauge didnt move... He then put another �20 in the next day... and the gauge didnt move again!?
Hope that makes it a bit clearer! :)
Thanks x

[SlackAlice]

Glad you clarified that, my first answer was going to be -
'Not a lot!'
I do not know much about BMW's but it sounds like your fuel tank sender unit has either failed or jammed in the down position.
Occasionally you can release a jammed unit by 'rocking' the car side to side. This would have to be quite vigorous because the fuel tank will have baffles in it to try and stop the fuel sloshing about.
Other than that its a mechanics job.
You need to keep a close eye on your Mileometer readings to assist in not running out of fuel :)

[Seafarer1966]

Expensive and dangerous job replacing the sender unit. Fuel tank has to come out. Get it done by a pro but it'll cost.

[oldhamfan]

Check fuse 46. I used to have a 3 series that did this and that's what it was.