Dying fuel pump?

[JohnH]

When the fuel level is below half full on the iS it seems like the engine is being starved of fuel, it runs quite rough and feels like it's on the verge of cutting out. When the tank - 1/2 full it runs sweet as a nut.
I reckon this is probably the early signs of the fuel pump about to pack in but I'm not 100%.
Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks in advance
John

[dobbie82]

I would say it could be sediment in your tank if it did it under quater of a tank, i.e the rubbish going through the system pi**es it off, but I would guess the fuel pump too.

I had this problem on my 318i and had a trip home from Wales on the big truck with the flashing lights because I didnt trust the car to make it, but since I've kept it above half a tank i've had no problems. Hubby took it back down to wales (nearly 200 miles) and as it got below half a tank down to quarter of a tank the same thing happened again???

Will watch this thread with interest!!

[kevin316i]

When the fuel pump started to die in the 316i, the car used to hesitate on acceleration, and got progressively worse until it kept loosing power, like you were taking your foot off the accelerator suddenly, kangarooing along the road. Can't remember what the fuel level was in the tank.

[JohnH]

Thanks Dobbie & Kevin -
I think I'll start by changing the fuel filter and then keep an eye on the pump.

@ Dobbie: I'll let you know if I find a solution
John

[JohnH]

@Dobbie - I got the fuel filter chnaged in the car and it has made a huge difference. I think the original one had been there for the last 16 years. Give that a go and it might help.

[dobbie82]

ok cheers for that, got one here, just not got round to changing it (its hidden somewhere daft I hear?) Best stick it on hubby's list of priorities!!

[JohnH]

Good stuff, I watched it being done on Friday night. It did seem a little fiddly alright but Al (the mechanic) had it sorted in less than 10 mins so it seemed easy enough.