Speedy Auto > Auto FAQ > Cars > BMW

BMW: starting problem, fuel pump relay, bmw 325i


Question
I HAVE A 1993 BMW 325I, IT WAS VERY LOW ON GAS,I STOPPED WENT TO THE BANK CAME OUT AND IT STARTED AND THEN STOPPED, AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP.

I PUT GAS IN THE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER, AND STILL NO START.
THE CAMSHAFT AND THE CRANKSHAFT SENCER WAS CHANGED ABOUT 4 MTS AGO. I REMOVED THE GAS LINE FROM THE INJECTORS AND TRYED TO START THE CAR AND NO GAS CAME OUT. DOES THAT MEAN THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT WORKING?

I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT TO SEE IF I COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED TO ON, AND I DIDNT HEAR ANYTHING. COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM.

THE CAR WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START

Answer
Gregory,
 Although I have limited experience with the E36, lack of fuel is a common problem with any car.
 First off, in the future, try not to run the car that low on gas, unless it's a life or death situation.  When you pump gas into your car, it contains trash (small pieces of dirt) that will clog the filters or pump.  I try to keep my vehicle above 1/4 tank at all times for this reason.  It's possible that you ran the tank so low that you sucked up all this "trash" and it clogged the filter on the end of the pump.  It's also possible for you to have air lock in the fuel lines, however it's unlikely.  
 
 First I would check to see if the pump is getting power.  Have someone turn the key to the "start" position while you test voltage at the wires going to the pump.  If you have no voltage, check/replace the fuel pump relay and/or fuse.  

 If you are getting power to the pump, but the pump will not turn, I would take the pump out and put 12 volts to it and see if it works.  Make sure to let the pump sit or blow it off to evaporate any gasoline, as this could lead to a fire.  If the pump DOES work, dont let it run too long, these are cooled by the fuel that surrounds them in the tank, and in the open air they will overheat and it will be ruined.  If the pump DOES NOT run, try tapping it lightly on the side to dislodge any jammed pieces inside and check your connections to make sure they are good.  If it STILL does not run, then I would invest in another pump.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh