E30 Zone

Hi,

I'm considering an M5x swap for my 1988 316 (carbed) and I'm unsure about what to do in terms of fuel delivery.

Currently the car has the standard mechanical fuel pump fitted to the side of the engine head, and no return line.

Obviously, an M5x would require an electronic pump.

Does this mean I would need to get a whole new tank from a 325i or just the in tank pump assembly?

Also, what is the recommended course of action with installing a fuel return line?

Many thanks,

Ollie

Have a word with Phil Bilton, he might be able to help.

There weren't many carb. E30s still being produced by 1988, so you may be lucky. Remove the fuel pick up from the fuel tank (under panel RH side of rear seat pan, and see if there is a cup welded to the bottom of the tank. If there is, an electric pump will fit straight in. You will need a pump with two pipes to it - the second pipe is for the fuel return pipe. If the cup is missing, an electric pump will still fit, but you'll be plagued by fuel surge.
Wiring for a fuel pump should all be there, right from the engine socket beside the fusebox, right back to the plug on the rear seat pan. You'll just need the loom that goes under the car at the back, to the pump from the seat pan, or just add the wires to the existing one.
Fuel return line fixing clips should all be there, and the pipe itself can be bought from BMW or fabricated from an appropriate diameter cunifer pipe (same as used for brake pipe replacement, only larger).

Nice one Brian

Thanks guys, sorry for the late reply.

I will definitely have a look and consider my next move.

In terms of pumps, which would be the go to? I was looking at a Bosch 044, but I am assuming that would complicate things due to its in-line nature when compared to an in tank pump.