Fuel Pump Lifespan warning

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Also only had one failure over 15+ Bimmers. I agree with Andrew in that the replacement is so easy, unless planning an out of town trip, preemptive replacement is not necessary. Now, if over 150k and going out of town, might replace it to eliminate the worry.

Get a pump put in the trunk. You can change with very basic tools (I even have thumb screw hose clamps). The BMW tool kit with the spare will include a 10mm and in emergency a tire iron and a rock will remove the tank top ring. I would still not replace at an arbitrary age or miles though 150 k miles would be an ok choice for somebody wanting to do so.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Crowz

On the low fuel part your thinking of the oh its got an 1/8th left or so.


Im talking nothing showing on the gauge most of the time. Even with the sump its going to run dry at times. Ive had to push the thing to the pump for her before because she ran it OUT of gas at the GAS station.


I cannot fathom why she thinks it takes more effort to keep it full and never let it get under a 1/4 vs praying you get to the gas station and having to schedule what time she leaves for work so she can get gas.


As for the 323i, yep it will run out of brushes eventually but since its more or less a toy now and isnt used anymore Im more interested in seeing how far it will go now


Need to sell it but its more trouble than its worth to try to sell it around here. Paints fading but otherwise its mint.

I could likely help you with that. Simple math and a resistor will make the low fuel light come on wherever we want. My car has the opposite problem right now a little too much resistance so it reports an extra 7L about ONE liter left when the low fuel light comes on.

1/4 gal = 3.75 miles from low fuel light to empty. Uncool.


I have to swap out my sensor and could tweak to make it read low 7-10L so when low light comes on there is 20 vs. 8 liters and at zero DTE maybe 40 miles. Would be an easy mod.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Get a pump put in the trunk. You can change with very basic tools (I even have thumb screw hose clamps). The BMW tool kit with the spare will include a 10mm and in emergency a tire iron and a rock will remove the tank top ring. I would still not replace at an arbitrary age or miles though 150 k miles would be an ok choice for somebody wanting to do so.

I hear you. I carry a tool set with me in the cars above and beyond the BMW set. But with these pumps being so cheap and easy to replace. I'd rather do it at home on my schedule before a trip than take an extra pump and do it in an hour on the side of the road. Just my way of thinking, either way works obviously.

Your info regarding the fuel system on the X5 is nothing short of reverse engineering it. Hans and Frans would be proud.

[andrewwynn]

The problem with preemptive relplace is that you may just install a pump that has 3000 miles of life. My first replacement pump lasted 10 months (replaced under warranty still going). I bought a branded Bosch to replace the other car's much older one at about 185k miles, and when I went to install was DOA. Aaaaghhh. So I would recommend a spare that you plug in once before putting in the trunk :-).

[absolutezero273c]

Why not replace the suction jet pump preemptively? If all that fails in that is the O-ring?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The problem with preemptive relplace is that you may just install a pump that has 3000 miles of life. My first replacement pump lasted 10 months (replaced under warranty still going). I bought a branded Bosch to replace the other car's much older one at about 185k miles, and when I went to install was DOA. Aaaaghhh. So I would recommend a spare that you plug in once before putting in the trunk :-).

Did you ever test that spare pump that I sold you?

[Caryalon]

Another data point - my fuel pump failed today at 131k miles. Bought a Delphi replacement -only one in stock on a Sunday - started right up, so I'm relieved.

Easy job to install...

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Did you ever test that spare pump that I sold you?

No but soon! My left side sender is over zealous and reports an extra 7L so I'm going to be swapping the resistor element from that soon and while I have the back seat off and the convenience of the power plug for right side I'll plug it in and test it out.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Caryalon

Another data point - my fuel pump failed today at 131k miles. Bought a Delphi replacement -only one in stock on a Sunday - started right up, so I'm relieved.

Easy job to install...

What is your dashboard average speed? Will be very interesting to see a rough estimate of hours.

131/6=21.833 or 131/5=26.2. If the EPA tests of 5-6,000 hours address correct your average speed should be in that range.

My wife's feel pump died at right about 131k miles but was a soccer mom car for most of its life so 23-4 mph would be a very likely number.

[Caryalon]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

What is your dashboard average speed? Will be very interesting to see a rough estimate of hours.

131/6=21.833 or 131/5=26.2. If the EPA tests of 5-6,000 hours address correct your average speed should be in that range.

My wife's feel pump died at right about 131k miles but was a soccer mom car for most of its life so 23-4 mph would be a very likely number.

How do I check average speed? Is it one of the standard displays? Or a "hidden" one?