A common problem BMW owners are likely to experience is the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. The high pressure fuel pump is the piece of machinery responsible for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of your engine, which allows your car to run more efficiently. Due to the way the engine is built, failure of the fuel pump means no fuel in the engine. Let’s look at some causes and ways to prevent this from happening in your BMW.
Signs of High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Losing power
A good indicator that your fuel pump is beginning to fail is that you lose power or have difficulty accelerating when going uphill or carrying heavy loads. This will also burn more fuel than necessary, which can quickly become more costly than simple repair or replacement of the culprit parts.
Engine start failure
If your engine cranks but won’t turn over, that’s a sign your high-pressure fuel pump has failed completely. This means that no fuel will be injected into the engine and it cannot run.
Sudden surges
If your car suddenly jerks forward without you touching the gas pedal, or lunges forward disproportionately compared to how much you press the gas pedal, this is called a surge. This is a product of the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. When this occurs, the fuel pump is incorrectly injecting fuel into the engine and starting combustions at the wrong time or at different rates. These surges have the potential to be extremely dangerous and should be examined by a trained mechanic immediately.
Jerking during acceleration
If your vehicle starts to stutter and jerk while accelerating, it is a sign of a failing fuel pump. The shudder itself is caused by a lack of fuel injected into the engine as a result of the irregular pump pressure. While this situation may only happen for short periods intermittently, it is important to get this checked out by a mechanic, as it can potentially lead to surging.
Preventing High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Using name-brand, high-quality fuel in your engine is the most important thing BMW owners can do daily to ensure their fuel pump stays in top shape. Low-quality fuels may be cheaper, but they are less refined and contain more contaminants, which can lead to blockages in the fuel system.
In addition to this, keeping your tank topped above halfway can be beneficial for BMW owners, as fuel pumps are electrical components of the engine that can overheat and are kept cool by the fuel surrounding it in the gas tank. A low tank means more exposure to heat which can lead to a higher risk of overheating.
Also, make sure you fill your tank several hours after a gas station’s last fuel delivery. This is something most vehicle owners don’t think about, but it can save your engine. During a fuel delivery, all of the debris and contaminants that are settled at the bottom of the main tank are stirred into the new fuel. This becomes a potential hazard for any vehicle’s fuel system. If you fill up at the same station, ask about fill days. Waiting until the contaminants settle back to the bottom of the tank is a good way to make sure your tank is safe.
Cerrone’s European will Help
If you suspect your BMW’s high-pressure fuel pump is failing, it is critical to seek diagnostics and repair ASAP, as continuing issues will put added strain on your vehicle and could lead to more extensive, costly repairs down the road. Luckily, for those fortunate enough to live in the Redwood City, California area, Cerrone’s European is here to help.
At Cerrone’s European, we are a family-owned and operated repair shop, specializing in high-end car brands including BMW. Since 1976, we have serviced every vehicle with care. We are specially trained to handle every concern with every high-end vehicle, from repairs to replacements to rotations and tune-ups. Cerrone’s is fully stocked and ready to provide and install main engine parts and accessories to upgrade performance and handling capabilities.