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New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2023 6:06 pm
by PG325
I need to replace the in tank fuel pump on an 1989 325i.
I can't find a VDO OEM one anywhere, and I dread to think what my local dealer would ask for it.
I don't want to swap the motor itself, would prefer one already in the housing I can jump simply swap.
Any idea what brands are worth purchasing?
I seen so may and they range from £50.00, but I can't imagine that's going to be a long term solution, that was a Lucus unit.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2023 6:36 pm
by flybynite
People have used Walbro to fit in the existing cage.
https://www.glencoeltd.co.uk/walbro-mot ... 580453019/
Lots of fakes though
https://www.driven2automotive.com/blog/ ... i-7V-pigHo
Bosch do make good ones but there is a lot of crap with their name on out there. Finding a good one is the problem.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 7:36 am
by PG325
Ideally I want one in the cage preinstalled
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 8:43 am
by flybynite
PG325 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 7:36 am
Ideally I want one in the cage preinstalled
At the moment I think you will be out of luck unless you go OEM. That is currently around £515 + delivery.
£100 genuine Bosch pump put in your existing cage would be the best bet for sensible money and last longer than the £50 complete ones.
What is the problem with just changing the pump, Even if you paid someone to do it?
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:10 am
by PG325
flybynite wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 8:43 am
PG325 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 7:36 am
Ideally I want one in the cage preinstalled
At the moment I think you will be out of luck unless you go OEM. That is currently around £515 + delivery.
£100 genuine Bosch pump put in your existing cage would be the best bet for sensible money and last longer than the £50 complete ones.
What is the problem with just changing the pump, Even if you paid someone to do it?
I've already gone down the Bosch replacement, had to cut the lower part of the cage as the pump didn't fit properly, and it's the Bosch that's failed after less than 12 months.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:44 am
by flybynite
PG325 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:10 am
I've already gone down the Bosch replacement, had to cut the lower part of the cage as the pump didn't fit properly, and it's the Bosch that's failed after less than 12 months.
My only thoughts are that it was not a genuine Bosch. Because it did not fit makes me suspicious also. Debris from inside of the tank can cause problems too. Did you strip the pump to see why it failed? Check for blockages and also check wiring as some newer pumps draw more current than the E30 wiring can handle.
I fitted a genuine Bosch to a mates car and it did not need any modification and still running well going on 6 years now but it was fitted to a new tank.
I do use genuine VDO in mine but when I last bought one it was cheaper and easier to get.
Could just put a branded Chinese one in that claims to have a warranty and see how long it lasts, not too difficult to swap.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:16 am
by Satan
Think my mechanic got one from ECP a few years back and job jobbed.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:34 am
by PG325
flybynite wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:44 am
PG325 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:10 am
I've already gone down the Bosch replacement, had to cut the lower part of the cage as the pump didn't fit properly, and it's the Bosch that's failed after less than 12 months.
My only thoughts are that it was not a genuine Bosch. Because it did not fit makes me suspicious also. Debris from inside of the tank can cause problems too. Did you strip the pump to see why it failed? Check for blockages and also check wiring as some newer pumps draw more current than the E30 wiring can handle.
I fitted a genuine Bosch to a mates car and it did not need any modification and still running well going on 6 years now but it was fitted to a new tank.
I do use genuine VDO in mine but when I last bought one it was cheaper and easier to get.
Could just put a branded Chinese one in that claims to have a warranty and see how long it lasts, not too difficult to swap.
It was purchased from a reputable ~Ebay seller, so I would hope it was genuine, annoying if not, but they do appear to be looking at replacing or refunding, so we'll see.
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:04 pm
by flybynite
Satan wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:16 am
Think my mechanic got one from ECP a few years back and job jobbed.
Couple of years ago you could get lots of stuff at decent prices, unfortunately not the case anymore. Only thing on ECP now is a cheap copy for £165 that you can get on ebay for £50
Stuff is hard/expensive to get now and its not just a Brexit thing as you can't get the stuff in Germany either - I've tried.
Wish I had bought more when I did
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:37 am
by paultv
If you really want a VDO unit maybe the US is a place to look,
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-fu ... 22#fitment
God knows if the shipping and tax would make it worthwhile even if its the right part
Paul
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:41 am
by flybynite
Good spot but says " Discontinued - No Longer Available" seems to be the problem everywhere
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 10:22 am
by paultv
booger, didn't spot that -
There seems to be plently of VDO pump motors around, I've bought other cheap makes in the past, they've all been really noisy or fail - so replacing the motor looks like the best option.
Fit a VDO motor to a cheaper cage??
Paul
Re: New Fuel Pump Needed
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 6:36 pm
by tha881
Mine failed last year, purchased a Bosch item from carpartsinmotion on ebay. Fitted myself, straightforward with no modifications needed.