E39 Fuel Pump

[BMW520]

Dear all,I'd change fuel pump twice within 3 years due to my car can't start. It is a common cause? I can feel the symtom before it run dead. The symtom for first change is car can't pump fuel from tank when petrol level low. It dead 2 weeks later. 2nd change is the car start n dead & can't start again until my foreman knock on the fuel tank & it works for 3 more weeks. Dead again yesterday. Knocking doesn't help. 1st change was change the whole assembly that cause me 1k plus. & 2nd change is the motor itself only which cost me few hundred.

 

[moots]

last record that i have of my fuel pump change was in 2007 by the PO.still working fine.i'd suggest you check your tank for dirt or debris.may have been introduced during fuelling up.perhaps change to another petrol station?

 

[pussy]

petrol filter ? must change every 10 to 15k km's....

 

[JFT63]

petrol filter ? must change every 10 to 15k km's....

Yes, might be the cause as well..i did it on the 2nd day of ownership..

 

[BMW520]

Thanks to moots, pussy n JFT63. I use different petrol brand from 1st change & 2nd change. I think i'll try to change petrol filter. I never change for 100k already as i dunno there is a need...

 

[moots]

the fuel filter that we normally change is the "in line" filter located under the LH side of the car,externally!this filter is AFTER the fuel pump.the only filter that stops debris from entering the fuel pump is the simple gauze like filter located as part of the pump assy.and that one no need to change but just clean.

i still suspect fuel tank cantamination........

 

[pussy]

failure of the fuel pump can be attributed to:

1. clogged fuel filter, pump cannot pump, die off
2. dirty tank
3. fuel pump gauze filter drop off/tore..

 

[BMW520]

Thanks pussy n moots...i get my foreman check n he mention both filter n fuel tank no abnormal. Mayb will get other foreman to check again.