B160317

10/5/2020
16 03 17_E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
SIB 16 03 17
E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
2020-09-15
This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B16 03 17 dated July 2018.
MODEL
E46 SULEV/PZEV with M56
engine
SITUATION
E46 M56 vehicles, in addition to meeting the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission) tailpipe emission standard,
also conform to the Zero Evaporative Emissions (PZEV) regulations.
In order to meet these strict standards, the SULEV’s fuel tank is a completely sealed unit manufactured from
a high-grade stainless steel.
BMW of North America is no longer collecting and remanufacturing the E46 SULEV/PZEV fuel tanks.
In the case where a fuel tank is replaced on an E46 M56 SULEV/PZEV vehicle, the following disposal
procedure must be performed prior to scrapping the defective tank.
PROCEDURE
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
TORCH) DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
1. As a safety precaution, when handling the fuel tank always wear
safety goggles and plastic (not latex) gloves. Nitrile gloves are
preferred.
2. Remove the defective fuel tank from the vehicle and place it on a
workbench in a well ventilated area.
3. To prevent the 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.
Copyright ©2020 BMW of North America, Inc.
1/4
10/5/2020
16 03 17_E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
4. Also use the plastic covers from the replacement tank to plug the
fuel outlet line and the 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 of the stainless steel fill pipe.
7. Using a fuel caddy, extract all the fuel from the tank.
Approved fuel caddys can be found at the following website:
www.bmwcentersolutions.com
Copyright ©2020 BMW of North America, Inc.
2/4
10/5/2020
16 03 17_E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
8. Carefully lift up the left side of the tank to allow the fuel to
transfer to the right half of the tank (the side with filler inlet).
9. Remove all remaining fuel using the fuel caddy.
10.
Evacuate all fuel remaining in the fuel filter and the outlet
line by connecting the fuel caddy to the fuel tank output line.
11. After all the fuel has been evacuated, place the tank in an
upright position (filler inlet up) and fill the tank with water. Turn off
the water when it begins to overflow from the filler neck.
12. With the tank full of water, use an air-powered drill with a 2½”
hole saw. Drill a hole at the bottom side of the tank (on the filler
inlet side).
DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICALLY POWERED CUTTING
DEVICES.
Dispose of the water in accordance to the local and state laws and
regulations.
Copyright ©2020 BMW of North America, Inc.
3/4
10/5/2020
16 03 17_E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Not applicable
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical inquires
Warranty inquires
Parts inquiries
Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin
Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department
Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department
Copyright ©2020 BMW of North America, Inc.
4/4