When to change fuel pump, fuel filter?

[johnrando]

Hey. As I am getting into the low 70K miles on my car, is it recommended that I change the fuel pump and the filter now as PM? Also, do we a DIY on that (I looked briefly, but was unsuccessful).

Dane, remember that DIY search hint you posted? Could you sticky that in our Maint/DIY section? Thanks.

[alexandre]

Is your low mileage a result of lots of stop and go or just little driving ? The pump fails after a lot of hours on it. 70k that includes lots of idling and low speed driving would be as harsh on the pump as 140k of pure highway.

Either way, the filter would be due at 70k I believe. So I'd do that at least.

[ELCID86]

Pump is an easy DIY and gives peace of mind. Lot's of info here: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=929501

[Avetiso]

You could do both fairly easily. I'd do it.

[prowlerflyer]

Filters vary with gas quality, and how often you run the tank low (sediment pick up).

I change mine every 20-30k miles, because it's easy. I do notice difference in performance with a new filter. I am sure the TS2 demands good fuel flow.

[kayger12]

60K for the filter and 100K for the pump is a safe bet.

[Vas]

LIFETIME MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE v03.13

BY MIKE MILLER

Fuel Filter: Variable every 30,000 to 60,000 miles

Replace every 30,000 miles on models produced up to 1992 (small fuel filter, including

the 1992 E30 convertible) and every 60,000 miles on models produced from 1992-on,

(large fuel filter), also replace the fuel filter any time the fuel pump is replaced. Use

original BMW filters or Knecht, MANN, or Mahle.

[SoCalZman]

Hey. As I am getting into the low 70K miles on my car, is it recommended that I change the fuel pump and the filter now as PM? Also, do we a DIY on that (I looked briefly, but was unsuccessful).

Dane, remember that DIY search hint you posted? Could you sticky that in our Maint/DIY section? Thanks.

I am at 95k. Original filter and pump. No problems so far *knock on wood*. However, I was planning on changing it sometime after I got to Irvine mid month, if the opportunity presented itself at a group wrench day or something. I will be in an apartment complex so working on my own car will be a no no.

[johnrando]

Great input all. Looks like I'll be doing some work before the year is out.

[johnrando]

I am at 95k. Original filter and pump. No problems so far *knock on wood*. However, I was planning on changing it sometime after I got to Irvine mid month, if the opportunity presented itself at a group wrench day or something. I will be in an apartment complex so working on my own car will be a no no.

I've got a garage and a big driveway so if you want to schedule a maint day, I'm all for it.

[SoCalZman]

I've got a garage and a big driveway so if you want to schedule a maint day, I'm all for it.

Yay, Fuel pump and fuel filter day. Sounds good to me. Would be much appreaciated, thanks. Let me know some days you are thinking of doing yours and I can order my filter/pump.

[johnrando]

FCPeuro and europarts are having a sale. I'm going to buy mine shortly. Not sure when to do the install, pretty much anytime. We can just pick a Saturday, likely after TG. I'm not in a hurry but I'd like it done before year end for sure.

[derbo]

I replace my fuel filter every 30-40k. The fuel pump I replaced at 107K because my fuel sender gauge was reading the fuel levels incorrectly. It would move around during startup. I ran ISTA/D and it showed the sender 1 display an intermittent fault which meant the fuel pump.

IMO, I would not change it unless you are having fuel-related issues. It's a pretty expensive piece to just replace preventatively. If you are installing the fuel pump though, I suggest you should install the M3 Fuel pump baffle since it involves removing the fuel pump anyways.

https://skitch-img.s3.amazonaws.com/20111208-thdb2xfd1tgwsti756umu96imd.png

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/16112229656/ES36021/

[johnrando]

Good input Derek. Why the M3 baffle when I don't have an M3?

[wsmeyer]

I've got a garage and a big driveway so if you want to schedule a maint day, I'm all for it.

Count me in. I'm only at 55k but I'd replace mine as well.

[cakM3]

John, what Keith posted is a good measure of when to do fuel system maintenance. I would say no more than 120k before changing out the fuel pump. I learned this the hard way a few years ago.....

[johnrando]

Count me in. I'm only at 55k but I'd replace mine as well.

Of course! Wouldn't think of not inviting you. We should order ours together and therefore only pay for shipping once.

[wsmeyer]

Amazon. $60.21

http://www.amazon.com/filter-pressure-regulator-325Ci-KAYSER/dp/B006Q7HDII/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415140583&sr=8-2&keywords=13327512019

[johnrando]

FCP Euro on sale $54.95 w/free shipping

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-fuel-filter-13327512019

Is Kayser a good brand? What about Mahle?

[derbo]

Good input Derek. Why the M3 baffle when I don't have an M3?

It's only necessary if you take hard rights at high speeds with 1/2 tank or less. :)

Non-M have been known to get fuel starvation during fast sweepers under 1/2 tank at the racetrack. I just realized I'm recommended you a solution to something I don't think you will have a problem with...LOL :facepalm


Sometimes I forget we all don't drive race cars.

[johnrando]

It's only necessary if you take hard rights at high speeds with 1/2 tank or less. :)

Non-M have been known to get fuel starvation during fast sweepers under 1/2 tank at the racetrack. I just realized I'm recommended you a solution to something I don't think you will have a problem with...LOL :facepalm


Sometimes I forget we all don't drive race cars.

Dood, that's my everyday driving style! :biggrin

[WOLFN8TR]

Hey John I need to bring/send the fender roller back to Heiu so I could just do a road trip. I've done my fuel filter (need to do my fuel pump) before and can easily knock this out for ya. We could also do your cooling system. Not exactly sure when I could come down as of yet.

[johnrando]

Would love that Gary. Trust me it crossed my mind. Definitely we have another mini-maintenance-mafia-meet getting going here. Just let us know some dates that might work for you and we'll get it set up.

[WOLFN8TR]

Ok sounds good. :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Hey. As I am getting into the low 70K miles on my car, is it recommended that I change the fuel pump and the filter now as PM? Also, do we a DIY on that (I looked briefly, but was unsuccessful).

Dane, remember that DIY search hint you posted? Could you sticky that in our Maint/DIY section? Thanks.

You mean the one that is stickied in the DIY subforum?

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1830

Oh....you mean the doityourself search hint. Yep....I'll do that.

"No flamesuit required"

[danewilson77]

#36 is what you're looking for JR.

"No flamesuit required"

[johnrando]

Yup, the DIY search, THANKS. :biggrin

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[SoCalZman]

I will order my fuel pump and filter just before Thanksgiving so it arrives at my new pad in Irvine. I have been trying to justify ordering these two piece ramps and this meet sounds like a good justification (I hate jacking up cars).

[Whammy]

Considering your mileage is low, I would wait until the pump dies, then do both. It does not make sense to change it now. Or at the very least wait until 100k. However it is up to you.

[danewilson77]

Why in the world would you wait for it to die?

"No flamesuit required"

[spatchel]

I picked up my car with 90,000 miles on it and I changed all the filters including the fuel filter. It was definitely the original one still in there. I could swear that it ran better after the change or maybe it just made me feel better. I believe all the DIY videos mention it, but make sure you have new hose clamps and some fuel and vacuum line because the old stuff will very likely not be good. It's not a hard job just a little messy with gas.

[ELCID86]

+1. F/P failure would most likely come at the most inconvenient time.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Whammy]

Why in the world would you wait for it to die?

"No flamesuit required"

In both e46s (325i and ZHP), my pump lasted over 120k mi easily. It seems to me a bit premature to do it.

[WOLFN8TR]

I picked up my car with 90,000 miles on it and I changed all the filters including the fuel filter. It was definitely the original one still in there. I could swear that it ran better after the change or maybe it just made me feel better.

X2...I bought my car with 98K on it and changed all the filters at 100K. It definitely ran better afterwards. I'm sitting at 133K on the with stock fuel pump as far as I know.

John- I'm trying to figure out when I can make it down there. I will reply to you're email.

[az3579]

Why in the world would you wait for it to die?

"No flamesuit required"

I did. I had bought the pump beforehand and carried it in my trunk until I had an issue. The job is so easy it's pointless for me to replace it ahead of time. It lasted just over 190k miles. Replaced that sucker in a gas station alongside the highway. I got the replacement 20k miles before that, so that's 20k longer I went on a pump than I would have if I had done it sooner.


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[danewilson77]

I did. I had bought the pump beforehand and carried it in my trunk until I had an issue. The job is so easy it's pointless for me to replace it ahead of time. It lasted just over 190k miles. Replaced that sucker in a gas station alongside the highway. I got the replacement 20k miles before that, so that's 20k longer I went on a pump than I would have if I had done it sooner.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm glad that worked our for you.

"No flamesuit required"

[SoCalZman]

John, just FYI, i know December is a busy time of year for everyone, myself included. Thought I would throw out the days that I am free and see if they mesh up with any of the days you might have been thinking of having everyone over for their fuel pump party.

December 5th: Both Saturday and Sunday free.
December 12th: none free
December 20th: Saturday (during the day) and Sunday free
December 26th: Saturday and Sunday free.

[johnrando]

PM me your home email, as I sent one out that I'll forward to you picking dates.