BMW Fuel Tank Breather Valve - Genuine BMW 13907643106

Fuel systems are sealed on all modern cars and because they are sealed a fuel tank breather valve, sometimes referred to as a purge valve, is needed. A breather valve is needed for controlling pressure and vacuum in the fuel tank.

Pressure release: When the pressure inside the tank is higher than a preset value, the breather valve opens to let excess pressure escape. Pressure increases happen during refueling or temperature changes.

Vacuum relief: When the pressure inside the tank is lower than atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to let air in and prevent a vacuum from forming. A vacuum inside the fuel tank occurs when the fuel tank is emptying as the fuel pump is running and the fuel level is low.

Please note: Under SIB 01 03 24, BMW has identified that this specific valve may suffer from material and operational issues with age. This can cause hard starts and a rough running engine (particularly at idle). A failed breather valve may cause an audible metallic clicking noise that can be heard emanating directly from the valve. Sometimes this valve when it fails or is in the process of failing can set the following fault codes:

118001 - Mixture control, mixture too lean
118401 - Mixture control, mixture too lean, large deviation
190F08 - Fuel tank ventilation system malfunction
191C02 - Fuel tank ventilation system, 2nd largest discharge point malfunction
195014 - Differential pressure sensor, tank vent valve signal, stationery