Car won't start - gas reads empty

[edward240]

New to the forums, sorry if this is a common question. I tried a search but didn't find the exact problem.

Car: 1995 525i
Mileage: ~145k

I was at a gas station today and filled up the tank to full. I decided to do a quick car wash to get the winter road salt off my car. While in line waiting for the car wash my gas needle went to empty and the empty light lit up.

I turned the engine off and when I tried to start it wouldnt start. The battery is fine because all lights including headlights work fine.

Can someone please point me in the right direction to figure out whats wrong? The car is still at the gas station now.

Thanks in advance.

[Paul in NZ]

does it crank and not fire or does it not even crank???

[colo525i]

Assuming it cranks, I'd start checking at the gas tank. The fuel pump and gas gauge sender are on the same harness, i'd check to see if the fuel pump is getting power. They're located under a little metal hatch under the trunk carpet.

[BillionPa]

when the fuel hit 0, how long did you wait before turning it off?

[edward240]

It does not crank. When I turn to the key to ignintion it makes one light click. When I try again there is no noise. I took the key out and popped the hood. When I try to start it again I hear the same click and see a small movement near the top of the engine bay. It looks like something is pulling a steel line a little bit and then it lets go. Sorry I do not know anything about these cars.

I am not sure exactly how long I waited before turning the car off after the gas hit 0. However, it can't be too long because I was in line for the car was very briefly.

[edward240]

bump...any additional advice/pointers?

[billy]

is it an auto or manual? have you tried push starting it if its manual?

i would assume that ether your starter motor is dead or your battery is flat

[brosher]

Was there a puddle under your car? I would think a full tank of gas spewed onto the ground would not go unnoticed.

I'm not sure where the level sensor is on the E34. Even if your fuel pump died the level still should be accurate. Someone else confirm this?

[Axel Jóhann]

Mayb your fuel tank has a hole in it.

[billy]

i think you need to read the posts gentlemen, the poster states the car does not crank, fuel therefore has nothing to do with this

check your battery level and starter motor