2005 325i fuel pump and fuel tank questions

[tigrmiller]

I saw pelican parts lists a fuel pump VDO brand as OEM Supplier for about 155.00, and genuine bmw about 330.00. Anyone had any experience with the VDO, or is the "genuine bmw" worth the extra $.

Does anyone know if there is any sensor (such as fuel pressure or anything temperature related) or electrical input to fuel pump
that would cause a fuel pump to cycle and pulsate on and off?

Filter and fuel was dirty orangeish looking, is there any kind of liner
or insulation in the plastic tanks that can deteriorate and cause such
discoloration that would require tank replacement.

Changing filter, and fuel first then see what happens. Can a clogged
filter cause pump to cycle on and off through some electrical circuit opening to help protect the pump?

TIA

[c.d.iesel]

....."Filter and fuel was dirty orangeish
looking, is there any kind of liner
or insulation in the plastic tanks
that can deteriorate and cause such
discoloration that would
require tank replacement.....?" = the tank is plastic only-
nothing goes wrong with it (inside or out - IT'S PLASTIC)
THE DIRTY ORANGE FUEL will cause oxidation, ruin the bearings,
'burn' the electrical contacts in the submerged pump/sender unit,
replace with new parts


....."Changing filter, and fuel first
then see what happens. Can a clogged
filter cause pump to cycle on and off
through some electrical circuit opening
to help protect the pump....?" = yes - see above

[HBWT]

it sounds like a tank full of trashy fuel. I filled my 3.0Cs up with mud once at a BS fueling station(in order to save a few cents) and it cost me big $$$ to get it all sorted out. Never again will I buy fuel at a BS station.

[tigrmiller]

Any thoughts? Suspect I'll have to change pump, and Left sender also.
in addition to filter. After fresh fuel, car seems to run fine for about 20 miles, then seems transfer from left to right tank stops,
can hear pump running (never stops) but sounds like pump sucking air,
car rpms drop, then can feel pulse of fuel from outlet hose on pump,
rpm picks us. Car sits cools off, runs fine again for 15-20 miles, then
same thing happens repeatedly. Besides clogged filter, bad FPR, weak pump, Is there anything tank vent purge valve related, vacuum related,
expansion tank, or charcoal canister filter related that would effect
transfer and limit fuel intake to fuel pump? If screen on bottom of pump
is dirty, which it probably is, would not expect it to run fine with good acceleration, power, etc for 15-20 miles, then all of the sudden
prevent sufficient fuel pick up, only to run fine again after sitting and cooling off. Thanks again for your input.

[tigrmiller]

Any thoughts about using VDO (OEM supplier) according to Pelican Parts, or genuine BMW ($155.00 vs >$330.00). Suspect I'll have to change pump, and Left sender also, in addition to filter. After fresh fuel, car seems to run fine for about 20 miles, then seems transfer from left to right tank stops, can hear pump running (never stops) but sounds like pump sucking air, car rpms drop, then can feel pulse of fuel from outlet hose on pump, rpm picks us. Car sits cools off, runs fine again for 15-20 miles, then same thing happens repeatedly. Besides clogged filter, bad FPR, weak pump, Is there anything tank vent purge valve related, vacuum related, expansion tank, or charcoal canister filter related that would effect transfer and limit fuel intake to fuel pump?

If screen on bottom of pump is dirty, which it probably is, would not expect it to run fine with good acceleration, power, etc for 15-20 miles, then all of the sudden prevent sufficient fuel pick up, only to run fine again after sitting and cooling off. Thanks again for your input.

[dembooks]

CLOGGED PUMP PICK-UP STRAINER

remove the back seat, unscrew the pump retaining
collar, lift the pump and look. Best to run
the tank down to near reserve so you don't have a gasy mess

[HBWT]

with my tank-o-mud. I had to remove the tank to get all the trash out. Twas a real mess.

[Stinger9]

I know you've had extensive experience with the e46, and have moved over to an e90 model a while ago. From someone with the ability to know both cars extensively, how would you compare the two? Your e90 is a lot faster, and most say the new suspension handles better. Also perhaps a better ride?
From day to day usage, does the new car make a difference, and would you urge one to move on, or if an e46 is in great shape, would you be just as happy driving one on a regular basis?
From any and every perspective that you might care to comment on, I'd greatly appreciate whatever you offer.

[HBWT]

looks. I'm not sure if any BMW will ever look as good as the E46. In the case of the E92...close was good enough for me. The E90 sedan I never have liked that much. After the first drive in a 335 I was hooked. The E46 330i I drove for 4 years was a great car. It was very reliable and performed impressively. The only reason I got the 335 was that I typically get a new car every 2 years(alternating between me and my wife) so we rarely keep a car much past the warranty period. I have no doubt that the 330 would still be serving my needs had I chosen to keep it for longer. With the home building business being so crappy nowadays, I may find myself keeping the 335 a lot longer than normal(for me). I hope it holds up. Since we recently bought an Audi Q5 it will be at least 2 more years before I get another ride. If I had to buy a car to replace the 335i today I'd look very had at either a 135i(not thrilled about the looks but WOW does it drive!) or an Audi S5. IMO, the S5 is the best looking coupe made by anyone.
Anyway...the E46 is a fine automobile that will still look awesome for many years to come.

[floydr]

As you may remember, I drove an '01 330xi, ended up trading it in with 145K on it. Had a lot of soul, was terrific in snow with snow tires on it.

My son has a '07 335i Coupe, and I got a 335d (new look). Have to say that after driving my son's car, and now having driven my 'd' since Nov, the E90 is indeed "better".

The only three things I don't really like are the weight,the somewhat harsh ride of the run-flats, and the cost. Nevertheless, those are not nearly sufficient negatives to counteract the wonderfulness of the car(s).

At first I thought that BMW had improved every single aspect of the car; but not quite, as I mentioned. Regardless, if they didn't change something (the sport seats, for instance) it was because they already were great (although the new ones have lumbar support, and width adjustments). The stereo is better, the integration is better, the dash is better, the HVAC is better, the engines are better. The ZF auto in the 335i with sport package and all 335d's is a *BIG* step up from the GM auto.

It's clear that they looked at every aspect or piece of the design and asked themselves: "can we make it better". It is. Even the mileage of the gas engines is better - Direct Injection enables the turbo gas motor to get the same mileage as an E46 330, even though it's way more powerful (and heavier).

Let me just say: the 335i & 335d are seriously *fast*. I used to drive an Acura NSX; the 335i might be able to take it in a drag, and give it a run on the track (and if the track were suitable, the extra torque might let it win.) The 335d, while not quite as fast, is a real kick to drive and is scarily quick - which means safety - when passing cars on a two lane road.