BMW E34 TD Fuel Pump

[murdock]

Hello all,

It seems my fuel pump on the my E34 TD has decided to die, leaking enough fuel under the bonnet when running to make your wallet weep.... At first I hoped it would be the return pipes, although I know that the pumps on these are considered a weakness, I wasn't prepared for the cost of a replacement to be the GDP of an average African country!!!

Does anyone know of a suitable substitute for these? I am aware that they can be rebuilt, with varying degrees of success, I have heard of the Facet solid state fuel pump's being used, but seem to only be able to find the ones that are used for the fuel tank.

Any advice or help would be much appreciated please!

Thanks,

Ian

[welshpug]

where is it leaking? mine leaked on the top seals, so I could change them without removing the pump, seal kit cost £15.

I don't think the pump is a weakness, they're just old and neglected, bio will kill the seals off too, its a VP37 as used on lots of VAG stuff, just in 6 cylinder variant.

[murdock]

So a 6 cylinder version of the VP37 will fit? It appears to be leaking from the top and sides, though maybe further investigation is needed and try just changing the seals first....?

[Dez]

they're by no means an unreliable pump. in fact, ive never seen one totally fail, only leak a lot.

what they are is simple and easy to rebuild, a full upgraded seal kit that will take bio etc. is only about £15 iirc.

[stonyray]

I rebuilt mine in situ, both daimond gaskets and the full top half. Be careful what you do with the top plate as it needs to go back in the same place as it controls fuelling.

[murdock]

Rebuilding is the best way to go then....? Simple case of remove and replace gaskets in situ? I've not done a fuel pump before but how hard can it be?

[welshpug]

not that hard on these as its semi electronic, just mark the top half as the bolt holes are slotted.

[murdock]

:-) Thank you!Are there any special tools required?

[welshpug]

nope, just normal torx and allen keys and spanners.

[murdock]

Looks like a cup of tea and some chin stroking is required while I have another look under the bonnet then :-)

[Smiler]

I wish I'd known this a few years ago when my 525TDS Tourer did exactly the same thing. That was an awesome car! It did have rotten sills mind. (check yours)

[murdock]

My sills will need attention, but hoping to nip it in the bud.... I'm going to tackle this, any reccomendations on what upgraded seal kit to get please?

Also, any guides/hints/tips out there?

Thanks,

Ian

[welshpug]

just get a bosch kit

[murdock]

Been mad busy with work, but sized this up one evening and the (stupid) question I have, is the how do I change the seals in situ with the manifold in the way, or do I need to remove that?

[welshpug]

remove it indeed.