160104

Page 1 of 4
SI B16 01 04
Fuel Supply Systems
March 2014
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B16 01 04 dated February 2004.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
E46 SULEV (PZEV): Non-Claim Related Replacements - Fuel Tank Disposal Procedure
MODEL
E46 (3 Series with the M56 engine)
INFORMATION
E46 M56 engine vehicles, in addition to meeting the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission) tailpipe emission
standard, also conform to Zero Evaporative Emissions norms.
In order to meet these strict standards, these SULEV (PZEV) fuel tanks are completely sealed units and are
constructed with high-grade stainless steel.
SITUATION
As outlined in SI B01 03 14, starting in March 2014, the initial phase of the E46 SULEV (PZEV) fuel tank
remanufacturing process will begin.
When this fuel tank is replaced and a corresponding claim is submitted for reimbursement, BMW NA will request
that the fuel tank be returned to the Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC) after claim payment.
Please ensure that your workshop technicians and Parts department personnel handle the removed fuel
tank(s) properly to avoid unnecessary damage.
The fuel tank disposal procedure outlined in the bulletin applies only to non-claim related tank
replacements. BMW NA will not request that these tanks be returned to the WPRC.
PROCEDURE
In the case of a non-claim related fuel tank replacement on an E46 3 Series M56 SULEV (PZEV) engine vehicle,
the following disposal procedure must be performed prior to scrapping a non-returned requested fuel tank.
BEFORE STARTING AND WHILE CONDUCTING THE STEEL FUEL TANK DISPOSAL
PROCEDURE, FOLLOW ALL LOCAL AND STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO
HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.
DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICALLY POWERED TOOLS OR OPEN-FLAME DEVICES (E.G.,
ACETYLENE TORCHES) DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
1. As a safety precaution, when handling fuel tank
always wear safety goggles and plastic (not
latex) gloves, Nitrile preferred.
2. Remove defective fuel tank from the vehicle and
place it on a workbench in an area where good
ventilation is provided.
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16049.2.B160104... 4/24/2014
Page 2 of 4
3. To prevent fuel vapors from escaping from the
tank, use the plastic covers from the replacement
tank to plug the filler neck and the filler vent
line.
4. Also use the plastic covers from the replacement
tank to plug the fuel outlet line and tank vent
line.
5. Using a good quality pipe cutter (e.g. Exhaust
Pipe Cutter PN 90 88 6 002 210), cut the fuel fill
pipe at approximately 1” from the tank.
6. Dispose stainless steel fill pipe.
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16049.2.B160104... 4/24/2014
Page 3 of 4
7. Using an air or hand-operated , portable fuel
transfer system (e.g. Tempo 30-FM-3200-GA
listed in 2002 BMW Equipment Program
Catalog), evacuate all fuel from the right side of
the tank through the fill pipe inlet.
8. Carefully lift up the left side of the tank to allow
fuel transfer to the right half of the tank (the one
with filler inlet).
9. Again, remove all remaining fuel using the airoperated fuel transfer pump system.
10. Evacuate all fuel remaining in the fuel filter and
outlet line by connecting the air-operated
transfer pump to the tank output line.
11. After all the fuel has been evacuated, place the
tank in an upright position (filler inlet up) and
fill it with water until water starts overflowing
from the filler neck.
12. Maintaining tank’s upright position and full
water content, using an air-powered drill with a
2 1/2'” hole saw drill a hole at the bottom side of
the tank (on the filler inlet side).
DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICALLY
POWERED CUTTING DEVISES.
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16049.2.B160104... 4/24/2014
Page 4 of 4
Dispose water in accordance to the local and
state laws and regulations.
13. After cutting the filler pipe and drilling the
opening in the bottom, the fuel tank does not
pose any environmental threat and may be
safely scrapped.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
[ Copyright ©2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ]
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16049.2.B160104... 4/24/2014