URO Fuel Level Sending Unit?

[thrty8street]

Does anyone have experience with a URO Fuel Level Sending Unit? The OEM unit is over $400.



https://eeuroparts.com/product/uro/16121153050

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-fu ... 21153050-1

[thrty8street]

Should I be the guinea pig and test this thing out?

I am planning on putting in a new in-tank fuel pump and this is one of those "while I'm in there" type of scenarios. My fuel level gauge has always been wonky so I figure this will fix it. Although, I have read that cleaning the stock fuel level unit with some alcohol will clean off some debris that may cause it to get stuck. I just want to avoid having to go back and forth chasing an issue if I can fix it on the first try.

Any suggestions?

[turbodan]

It might be alright. If the price is worth a gamble, might be worth a shot. I'm sure it won't match the original in terms of quality and longevity, I've never had one fail. A good used one should be easy to come by, that's probably the best way to go unless people are trying to wring a bunch of money out of them.

[LarryM]

OP: Just wondering if you tried out the URO unit, and what your experience was.

Pretty sure my fuel level sending unit has failed too, and am trying to decide which way to go: used or new replacement. As you noted, new OE ones are pricey.

[austin8753]

i'd go with a used unit before i bought a URO unit.

[LarryM]

Yes, URO doesn't have a great rep. My inclination is always to go new OEM, but if I were to find a known-good used one I'd consider it.

[gwb72tii]

Yes, URO doesn't have a great rep. My inclination is always to go new OEM, but if I were to find a known-good used one I'd consider it.

I have heard of the bad rep for URO for years, way before buying an e28. When my tii was rear ended, forcing repairs and an eventual complete resto, I had to use various URO parts as a lot of OEM parts aren’t available. I have to say I’m pretty happy with the parts, mostly things like door weatherstripping and various rubber bits. I recently bought and installed a trunk seal from URO for my e28, and it fits perfectly. Hard to imagine the factory piece would be better.

I have no reason to defend URO, other than I haven’t had issues with their parts so far.

[thrty8street]

OP: Just wondering if you tried out the URO unit, and what your experience was.

Pretty sure my fuel level sending unit has failed too, and am trying to decide which way to go: used or new replacement. As you noted, new OE ones are pricey.

I did not try the URO unit. The URO unit it currently priced at 135 - I almost feel like I should take one for the team just to try it out. I will update this thread if I go this route.

Are you having issues with your fuel gauge?

[LarryM]

OP: Just wondering if you tried out the URO unit, and what your experience was.

Pretty sure my fuel level sending unit has failed too, and am trying to decide which way to go: used or new replacement. As you noted, new OE ones are pricey.

I did not try the URO unit. The URO unit it currently priced at 135 - I almost feel like I should take one for the team just to try it out. I will update this thread if I go this route.

Are you having issues with your fuel gauge?

Since I purchased my car over 10 years ago my fuel gauge has never registered over 3/4 full, even just after a fill up. It’s a minor annoyance but something I’ve always wanted to take care of; other work on the car took priority.

There are some used sending units on eBay with asking prices of ~$150 but in the end I’ll probably just go with new. Hopefully they aren’t being outsourced to China like some other parts are now.

[austin8753]

they are 100% made in China, but then again, the Continental/Siemens/VDO stuff is also all made in China today. i've ran a few of their fuel pumps over the years with no success. they work for about a year; i would imagine a fuel level sender having about the same length of longevity.

[LarryM]

^^^ Thanks for pointing that out. After my experience with multiple Chinese-made heater valves and other parts over the years, no more.
I'll shop for used.

[K-jetFTW]

Confirmed, I installed the URO sender with a new in tank pump. Both proudly assembled in China, both work fine so far 6 months on.  

The main concern for me was whether these 2 units together were going to form a good seal.  No issues so far with a full tank.

Any questions lmk.

[LarryM]

Did you notice any apparent differences in quality between the  OE and URO components? 

[K-jetFTW]

IIRC the unit itself seemed a bit lighter weight wise. Mostly I was suspicious of the new gasket, seemed less pliable. Other than that, nothing stood out.

It all went together as 2 factory units would, no seepage at the seals. It came with all needed nuts, washers, gasket. I'm expecting the el-cheapo pump itself to quit first, but for now that's ok too.

[Mike W.]

Oddly no final resolution, but there was a thread on First Fives a while ago about just replacing the wire inside the sending unit. And apparently the right wire was sourced.

https://www.firstfives.org/phpBB-3.2.1/ ... hp?p=29996

[LarryM]

^^^ Too bad there were no updates on that thread. I found that wire on Amazon and I'd be willing to try repairing my existing sending unit if it actually resolves the issue.