Fuel Tank Sender Units - NitroBurner
At one time, a float, arm & potentiometer was used, but I believe it's different these days.

Anybody tell me how?

If I fill up with the ignition on, the gauge doesn't register any increase in tank contents until I turn off & then back on again. Interesting...
Fuel Tank Sender Units - Aprilia
The sensing technology is still the same on most cars. What is new is the introduction of microprocessors into the instrument pack. The instrument pack digitises the signal from the sender unit and drives the gauge unit (typically this is a 'cross-coil' type gauge unit as opposed to the old 'moving iron' type).
Once in a digital format the uprocessor can use the fuel level signal in other applications (eg with on-board computer). Other features such as time delay etc. and the sort of feature you described can also be incorporated via software.
Fuel Tank Sender Units - outkast
hi NitroBurner,
how ru,I have a prob with the gsi again (see new thread)hope you can help
have you still got the beemer?
all the best
outkast