Posted on July 2, 2019 by twautohaus

BMWs represent the epitome of high-class motoring with intelligent innovations designed to make the driving experience a breeze. However, with time and use, even the best quality parts begin to fail with wear and tear. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to deal with the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump in your BMW.

What does the high-pressure fuel pump do?

The fuel pump is part of your BMW’s engine system and is responsible for pumping fuel from the gas taking to the fuel injectors for distribution into the engine. Without the pump, your vehicle wouldn’t be able to move gas from the tank to the engine, meaning no ignition or combustion, and certainly no forward motion.

Symptoms of High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

The best bit about a BMW’s intelligent engineering is that it is often immediately noticeable when parts fail. Depending on the issue, you’re likely to find a range of signs that let you know your car should undergo professional diagnostics. Listed below are the most common symptoms of fuel pump failure:

1. Poor Acceleration

When you increase the speed of your engine, a rush of gas is required to allow the engine to output the extra power needed for increased motion. We have already learned that the fuel pump is essential for providing the fuel injectors, and in turn, the engine with the gas needed. If you notice acceleration becomes a struggle, or that your BMW begins to sputter or stall when you put your foot on the pedal, then it is likely you have an issue with your fuel pump.

2. Engine Sputtering at High Speed

In a similar way as the previous symptom, you may notice your vehicle is struggling at high speeds. Like when accelerating, your vehicle requires an increased amount of air and gas to maintain accelerated motion, and without this the engine will struggle to cope.

3. Lack of Turn Over

When your fuel pump isn’t working, your engine will struggle to turn over. This is usually down to a lean misfire. Combustion of your engine requires a mix of air and fuel which is ignited by the sparkplugs. Take away the gas and your vehicle is left trying to ignite air alone.

How to Prevent High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Of course, the best way to prevent failure of any car part is with regularly-scheduled maintenance and servicing from a BMW specialist. However, there are some simple rules of thumb you can also follow to help care for your BMW’s fuel pump.

1. Quality Fuel

Ensure you always stick to name brands of quality fuel. While lower-quality fuel is cheaper, it is less expensive for a reason. Cheaper fuel often has a higher rate of contaminants and has been refined with less care than quality offerings. This can lead to blockages in your fuel system as well as causing your vehicle not to run as well as it could.

2. Full Tank

Try to never run your tank below half. A fuel pump is an electrical component that can become hot and can overheat. Because of this, it is usually situated within the gas tank and is kept cool by the fuel that surrounds it. When the fuel runs low, the pump can becoming exposed, putting it at risk of overheating.

3. Time your Refills

When heading to the pumps, ensure some time has elapsed since the station’s last fuel delivery. You can find out from the clerk when deliveries usually occur. When the pump is refilled, the dirt, debris, and contaminants that sunk to the bottom of the tank are stirred up, making the fuel a potential hazard for a vehicle’s fuel systems. Therefore, a freshly-refilled station is best avoided, instead wait a few hours for the contaminants to settle back to the bottom or find a different station.

What to Do if you Suspect Failure

If you expect your fuel pump may be failing, then it is essential you seek diagnostics and repairs as soon as possible. Any issue with fuel will put undue strain on your engine, increasing the risk of complete engine failure and a very expensive repair bill.

Luckily, if you live in or around Barrington, Barrington Hills, Iverness, Hoffman Estates, Schaumberg, or East Dundee, IL, Techworx Autohaus is on hand to help out. We are experts in German cars. Our knowledgeable team knows what it takes to get your car safely on the road.