Fuel pump dead?

[Balavay]

Thanks for all responses and info. It took me a few days to get to Harbor Freight for the pressure tester. I was going to rent one from AutoZone, but for $18 I figured it is a good diagnostics tool to have anyway.

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Sounds likely. I'd check for fuel pressure at the fuel rail(s) first though.

I've checked the pressure at the schrader valve on the fuel rail, got 0 (zero) with key in position 1 or 2, and while cranking the engine. I've repeated the test a few times, always 0. Pinching the line does not change it. Initially, as I was attaching the test hose to the test valve, I saw a bit of fuel coming out. But then at the end, when I removed the test hose, I pressed the pin on the valve and there was no fuel coming out at all. Does this confirm a bad pump? Or could it be the pressure regulator inside the filter? Or anything else?

Originally Posted by Deansbimmer

The pump primes for a second or two every start cycle. Sounds like you've found a dead pump, especially since there's voltage and no activity. You can get a new genuine BMW pump assembly for 270 if you look around.

There is definitely no sound (ever). I was just hoping that it could be the filter only... I already got the fuel filter about 6 months ago from TheBMWpartstore as I was planning some preventive maintenance. I believe that they have the best price for the fuel pump too (part# 16116768357 is $272.41). I get all my parts from there unless the local dealer matches the price. I've seen various auctions on eBay, but who knows how 'genuine' those are.

Originally Posted by RFaber

If there is no whiring sound in the first two seconds after switching the key on, (just before the start position) then i strongly suspect a fuel pump, especially after all the other tests you performed. a fuel pump is loud enough to be heard from inside the cabin, with the rear seat lifted up. at least its an easy fix!

I agree that it is an easy fix and have no problems replacing it (I will replace the filter too), as I do most of repairs on the car. I was just hoping to avoid the $300 part cost