BMW X5 fuel guage doesn't register

There is a trick to reset all of the gauges in your PT Cruiser. There are three simple steps to reset them.
Step 1. Hold down the "Trip" button
Step 2. While holding onto the Trip button, turn the key and start the car. (This should make all the gauges and numbers reset and run a test)
Step 3. Release the trip button and the fuel gauge should work properly.
If not, there might be a problem with your fuel pump.

Very expensive. Try all of the above. If they all fail then last resort is a complete system reset. Disconnect battery for 8 hrs. Reconnect and start car. Do not lock doors or else leave a window open when you do this. Car will not unlock or allow you to open any hood liftgate etc without battery.

You will most likely need to pull the fuel tank out and replace the fuel module.

Hey Chuck, run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in a full tank of gas and see if that takes care of the problem.

You have a check light on--you have codes

Fuel gauge is not accurate

Need a different shop that has a data base,
so they can use reference material for your
vehicle & resolve

Did you go for a road test with the mechanic &
did they have a scanner hooked to the DLC
under the dash,if not you wasted your time with
them

Normal. There is a resister in the fuel level circuit that slows down fuel level readings. A gauge that responded instantly to a sloshing fuel level every time you went over a bump or around a turn would drive you crazy.

the problem is the fuel gauge sending unit is an open circuit, this is caused by the sender and it will need to be replaced, use caution when removing the gas tank, also try to have the tank at less than 1/4 full, above all be careful, there is a signifigant fire/explosion hazard when doing this job.

chances are the float is stuck.
it works pretty much like a toilet tank
try to bounce the rear of the vehicle up and down when tank is middle full
this may free the floatting device and start the real reading

The most likely culprit is the sending unit in the tank. They are relatively easy to change, as long as you don't have much fuel in the tank. It's a mechanical unit that has a float that raises and lowers with the fuel level, however with age, the floats can develop leaks and no longer float, of the electronic portion of the unit can go bad and not register the proper level. They are replaced and an entire unit, so it doesn't matter which happened, you will need to change the fuel tank sending unit.