Fuel Pump Sticky/Dead

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:02 am

I must have done something really bad in a past life!!!

After 3 weeks of owning my 325i I have been targeted by the engine fairies again and forced back into using the 4x4. After the escapades of getting back from Brum buying the car and the thermostat packing up I now have as new problem.

Drove 10 miles on Saturday morning to pick my daughter up. Pulled into a petrol station, filled her up and she wouldn't start. Checked the plugs, fuses etc couldn't see anything so rang the AA. After waiting an hour and a half, the patrolman turned up, looked at it for 15 seconds, then as I turned the ignition over he banged the fuel tank and it started!!! Wow, those boys are the dogs danglies! He said it is a sticky fuel pump. It started a couple of times yesterday with the same bang around the drain plug but now it won't stat at all.

So time to order a new fuel pump from ECP. Can anyone tell me what I need to order, part name/number so I don't order the wrong thing. Also is it a diy job? I took my rear seats out yesterday and found 2 inspection plates and someone said I need to pull the pump out via one of those holes? Is this an easy DIY job or am I better of taking it to a garage?

Cheers

Oh its a 325i H reg 2 dr if that makes any difference.

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:51 am

Hi

I'm in the market for a new fuel pump soon myself so i'd be glad to know what they cost -I hear OE BMW ones are pricey.

Before you replace the pump its worth checking wether the fuel filter and in-tank filter are clogged up, this will prevent the pump from priming properly.

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:54 am

Hi Daryll,

I would check the fuel pump relay first, it could be a dry joint on the circuit board, it would explain why it started after being left for a while aswell.

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:05 am

OK Dave cheers....where is the relay? Pardon my stoopidity.

How would that explain banging the fuel tank to get it started though?

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:07 am

Daryll, it'll be you pardoning my stupidity, because I don't know where it is

Sorry!! This was a common problem on my old CRX and the symptoms are exactly the same.

The banging on the fuel tank could be purely coincidental.

Although it could be the pump obviously, this is just another possibilty before you spend Ãƒ”šÃ‚£100+ on a new pump.

Anyone know the location of the fuel pump relay? Is there one?!

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:33 am

I had the same problem once. The relay is next the AFM under the black plastic cover.

if that fails to stop the problem go to ECP and get the fuel pump. Dont buy the fuel pump alone, but the one with the complete pick-up assembly.

You mightg have to block one of the pipes off though as they can be a bit different. Anyway its an easy job to replace and make sure you use the new washer they supply.

Good luck and let us now how you get on.

Post Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:07 am

Nice one cheers, will give that a go as soon as I get in. Thanks for your help.

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:00 am

Morning guys,

I had a look at the relay and it seems fine so my guess is I need a new water pump. Can anyone advise me as to the part number on Euro Car Parts I need to order please> Hopfully I will be able to pick it up after work and get the job done this evening! (Hopefully)

Appreciate your help. Cheers

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:09 am

DontÃƒ”šÃ‚´order a water pump as that will not resolve anything

get a fuel pump ;)

you could get it of a car beeing broken

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:20 am

Ah Gunni I'm so stressed not being able to drive her on a day like to day I don't know my fuel pump from my water pump to my swedish pen1s enlarger pump!

Fuel pump is what I meant. :lol:

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:56 am

i bought one from ecp 2 months ago it cost 105 pounds as for the right one ecp are linked by computer system to somewhere, give them your registration number or chassis number and they can tell you which one you need mine was the complete pump and it takes 10 minutes to fit

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:59 am

This is the one you need :

ECP- 441110040 E30 9/87> electric fuel pump in tank Ãƒ”šÃ‚£104.95

German & Swedish- B18122 FUEL PUMP+PICK UP ASSEMB. E30 87> In tank 118.00

Cheers,

Iain T

Post Tue Apr 12, 2005 12:25 pm

Nice one fella's thanks very much!

Post Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:02 am

Temple, M5pilot, gazza Thanks so much.

Part number was spot on, got the new one in within 5 minutes of starting the job and now I'm well chuffed. She's sitting downstairs in the car park. Thanks again!