325i wont start, bad fuel pump - MFG date 10/94 - BMW Forum

sfrench · 10-09-2012, 08:46 PM

The car in question is a BMW 325i with a manufacture date of 10/94 read from the inside of the drivers side door. Well, I shot myself in the foot. I wasn't paying attention and ran out of gas, now my fuel pump seems to be shot. I hear BMW's get air in the fuel pump when it runs dry and the pump goes out...I know, I'm an idiot. That being said...I planned to replace the fuel pump on my own. I removed the rear seat to find not one, but what looks like 2 fuel pumps. Is this the case?! I am a college student and I just can't afford to pay someone to do it. I have attached photos of each pump. The one that's "cleaner" (ie. you can see some yellow) is on the drivers side. The one that wins the "filthy" contest is on the passenger side. I have looked in the forum threads and read that maybe one is not the actual pump...but I wanted to see if I could get some solid clarification. Do I need to purchase two fuel pumps and replace them both?? Please help! Thank you. -Sarah

sfrench · 10-10-2012, 01:50 PM

I've figured out behind the driver seat is the fuel sender, and behind the passenger seat is the fuel pump....now, how do I know if the fuel sender needs replacing? I'd rather not buy both if I don't need to.

PicksBimmers · 10-10-2012, 02:31 PM

sfrench, I have a 94 318i and had to replace fuel pump. Not that hard to do. The unit on drivers side for is only a fuel level sensor and doubt it could be damaged by running out of fuel (probably same thing on your 325). I did not have to change it. Also while doing this job you should change fuel filter just in case. FYI, when installing new pump BMW tech gave me a tip to put lube on rubber seal to make it easier to slide new unit into the tank.

sfrench · 10-13-2012, 01:14 PM

I got the new pump in and she lives once again! My question is, how far do you have to push the pump in? There are three lips on the pump seal, does it have to go all the way past the third seal??

PicksBimmers · 10-15-2012, 11:19 PM

The plastic ring that screws the pump into the top of the tank. If it gets full threads and you can turn it around full a couple of times to tight, it should be good. If it is not sealed you will smell gas inside the car.