TWO fuel pumps.. Really?

[JCL]

Couple of possibilities:

1) The shop replaced the combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator and thought they were replacing the fuel pump.
2) The shop thinks the left hand sender unit is a pump
3) The shop didn't replace the fuel filter (just the in-tank fuel delivery unit) and needs to replace the filter so that the venturi siphon (better name than a fuel suction pump) can work as designed.
4) The shop has no clue, and is just submitting estimates in the hope that one of them will fix the problem.

[Kristophe]

Guys you've helped me see the light on this perplexing problem. I've come across some detailed and informative threads on successfully replacing the fuel filter. If you think about it Xoutpost has helped me diagnose and replace my FSR, door carrier, spark plugs, and now fuel filter. I figure that saved me around $900 in shop labor combined.

[Kristophe]

BTW, what's "OP" mean?

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by Kristophe

BTW, what's "OP" mean?

Original Poster

[Kristophe]

Ah. Thanks TwinsPoppa

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by Kristophe

Ah. Thanks TwinsPoppa

You're welcome. Hopefully, its just the fuel filter. Good luck and keep us posted!

[ronzoni89]

I have the same issue.... 2001 3.0i runs out of gas when the fuel gauge still reads 1/4 tank.... I have replaced both the normal sending unit/ pump assembly from the right side of the tank, and the filter assembly underneath the left side... Still runs out at 1/4 tank. My tank filling indicates i'm only using 15 or 16 gallons of gas, so I know that the left side of the tak cannot be transferring the gas from the drivers' side of the hump over to the electric pump.

Do I need to remove and clean the unit that hangs in the left side of the tank to restore the venturi effect of the transfer "pump" ??

[racingbmwm3]

If the fuel filter has already been replaced, then #3 should be checked for clogs, and next I would look at #6 and inspect for a kinked or collapsed hose.

[ronzoni89]

racingbmwm3, are you referring to #3 and #6 on the schematic diagram in the thread above?

I pulled this assembly (drivers side) up out of the tank the other day, but did not remove it since it had a lot off stuff hanging off of it I did remove the fuel line from the top and blew some low-compressed air through it, and it seemed like it created a "current" in the fuel down in the tank, but no visible bubbles... I think I'll try running it down again and see if it runs out of gas before the needle gets near E.

I did fail to say that I replaced the passenger side pump/assembly last year in an effort fo fix this problem too, symptoms remained the same after relacement as before...

[racingbmwm3]

Yes, #3, the driver's side (left) sending unit, which has the intake hose for the suction jet pump on it. And #6, the suction jet pump which transfers the fuel from the driver's side to the passenger side.