Something to check ........

[piperguy]

Just an FYI, got the 540i back together after Valve Covers, water pump and t/stat (and a few other things that I decided to get into). Wen to fire it up..... it started fine and then I looked past windshield and under the open hood to see a fine mist of something coming up from the engine area. Thought it was probably one of the quick connect hoses that I didn't get all the way on......WRONG ! The high pressure fuel hose that hooks into the injection rail had a pinhole in it and was happily spraying finely misted gas all over the engine. This hose looked fine when I moved it out of the way to get the VC off. Felt firm, no soft spots, etc. My car is a 2001, I'm beginning to think this might be worth changing evry 5-6 years or so. Oh, and btw, it's a dealer only and no one within 200 miles had one (I live between Phil and Balt). Finally found one at a dealer outside DC.

Just something you all might want to look at. The hose isn't that expensive, if ordered on line it's about $28.00

Vaughan

[bilbmw]

...I wonder if using good, quality steel braided hoses (like Earl's) would be worth the expense when changing hoses like fuel and coolant lines? I'm glad you caught that in time.

'00 M5
-Carbon Black
-Blk/Blu Sport interior
-Mk III Nav. upgrade (16:9 wide screen)
-Rogue Engineering short shift kit
-Dice iPod integration kit

'97 528i
-'99 Double VANOS motor and ECU
-Jet Black
-Sand Beige interior
-Black Dashboard (upper/lower, and center console)
-Black, all leather shift handle
-Debadged
-Mr. MPL mesh lower grille
-Shadowline (diy) ext. trim
-Frenched high beams
-Clear front turn signal and side marker lenses
-Red/clear taillights
-E38 Interior map light w/ wood trim
-Amber fr. fog lamps
-Rear fog lamps
-In-dash CD player (CD53 Business)
-Dice iPod integration kit
-CMT5000VR cell phone (old tech.)
-Bav. Autosport mats w/ B/A icon (blue)
-Burlwood e-brake handle
-///M dead pedal
-Rear view mirror w/ compass
-Chrome instr. rings
-...and a rebuilt GM 4L30E transmission!!

'86 528e

'87 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/5spd.

'89 Merc. Grand Marquis

BMWCCA member since 1998

[JimLev]

Russell, or other, is the end fittings are unique. They make nice hoses but I've never seen one with the end fittings that we have. I guess we could cut off the ends and use a hose clamp, maybe flare the ends and use AN fittings??
I been carrying a spare in the trunk for the last 6 years...just in case.

[Craig in Canada]

[that trunk?! Eurodavid]

[piperguy]

Here's the link for the part. It's number 4. Hose is actually about a foot long with quick connects on each end. Runs from the driver side fender well to the fuel injection rail on the engine.

[Craig in Canada]

[bilbmw]

...wondering about the fittings as well. You answered that question (thank you again, sir). If you can get clean cuts through the steel braids, I guess using the oem clamps or AN fittings would look ok and be secure. Not to mention the added protection (especially with the fuel line) and sporty look under the hood.

'00 M5
-Carbon Black
-Blk/Blu Sport interior
-Mk III Nav. upgrade (16:9 wide screen)
-Rogue Engineering short shift kit
-Dice iPod integration kit

'97 528i
-'99 Double VANOS motor and ECU
-Jet Black
-Sand Beige interior
-Black Dashboard (upper/lower, and center console)
-Black, all leather shift handle
-Debadged
-Mr. MPL mesh lower grille
-Shadowline (diy) ext. trim
-Frenched high beams
-Clear front turn signal and side marker lenses
-Red/clear taillights
-E38 Interior map light w/ wood trim
-Amber fr. fog lamps
-Rear fog lamps
-In-dash CD player (CD53 Business)
-Dice iPod integration kit
-CMT5000VR cell phone (old tech.)
-Bav. Autosport mats w/ B/A icon (blue)
-Burlwood e-brake handle
-///M dead pedal
-Rear view mirror w/ compass
-Chrome instr. rings
-...and a rebuilt GM 4L30E transmission!!

'86 528e

'87 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/5spd.

'89 Merc. Grand Marquis

BMWCCA member since 1998

[Panos]

needs replacing. Is it possible you damaged it while working in there? Good thing you caught it quickly!

[JimLev]

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"
The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous Oxide
Dare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!
No guts, no glory! Tire smoke, not traction control!
Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

NOS Progressive 2 Stage Controller with port injection
Snow's Performance Methanol/Water Injection
Dinan downloads, VAC Under Drive Pulleys
Dinan Carbon Fiber CAI
Dinan Front Strut Bar
Electric Cooling Fan w/PWM controller
NGK Iridium Plugs
DDE Enhanced Angel Eyes, Smoked Lenses
Koni FSD's/H&R Springs, BAV Brass Caliper Bushings
Eisenmann Race Exhaust (from H8-Rain's car)
///M5 3.15 LSD
///M5 Sway Bars, Front & Rear
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings
///M5 Gauge Cluster Rings ///M5 Lip Spoiler
///M5 Mirrors and Switches
Leather Z weighted shift knob (thanks H8-Rain)
Rogue “Octane” Short Shift kit w/WSR
Rogue Tranny Mounts
StopTech Brake Lines Front & Rear
Axxis Deluxe Plus pads Front & Rear
Staggered M Parallel 66, Xenons
Modified CDV, UGDO
Euro Storage Tray (thanks Zombywolf)
Redline in Diff and Tranny
Passport 8500 X50, Escort ZR3 Laser Jammer
G-Tech/Competition Pro Data Logger
Auto Enginuity OBD-II Scan Tool
25% Tint, X-Pel, LoJack
PIAA Driving Lights
BMW CCA Member Boston Chapter

[piperguy]

I thought of that but don't see how I could have. I actually removed the hose totally and set it aside for better clearance. If it had leaked at the quick connects I would've felt better. What the scary part is, is that even after I replaced it today and looked at it closely I couldn't see where the pinhole was. I'm beginning to wonder if that is what let go in the 5 series that burned .....

[Nelsonbimmer]

When you removed this fuel line did you have to relieve pressure first or was it void of fuel?

I'm doing my VCG's now and will remove it to free up some space too. I'll also replace it at the same time since I'm at 90k.

Thanks,

David'06 BMW X5 4.8is Sapphire Black/Black mfg 10/2005 58k
'01 BMW 540i Sport Jet Black/Black mfg 11/2000 90k
'00 Jeep Wrangler Sport White/Tan cloth 82k
'06 BMW Z3 Rider Green/Tan Seat (daughters push car)

[piperguy]

Sorry I didn't get back to you, was away for the weekend. I'm guessing by now you've already done job, but in any case.... yes there is some fuel pressure but not much. Wrap a rag around the fittings and pull one side at a time then just leave rag around fuel line to keep closed.