Do you know one of the powerhouses of your BMW that does not get much recognition? You might have heard of fuel pumps but in performance cars, like BMW you’ll find what is called a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that helps your car maintain a high performance.
The HPFP in your BMW is a very important component of the car’s direct fuel injection system. In contrast with the earlier systems, direct fuel injection calls for fuel to be supplied at high pressure directly to the combustion chamber. This leads to improved fuel economy, higher output, and lower emissions – all of which are characteristics synonymous with BMW’s exceptional performance. The HPFP is tasked with putting as much pressure on and sustaining it as the engine is in operation. Without it, your BMW just won’t do what it is supposed to do as a car; it will be like a jet without its turbine.
Symptoms of a Failing High-Pressure Fuel Pump
- Loss of Power: If you find your BMW hard to accelerate or slow during normal road use or when you want to overtake it means the fuel pump may not be supplying the needed fuel to the engine.
- Engine Misfires: Lack of fuel, or an inadequate supply, can lead to the failure of the engine to run as it should and this is by causing a misfire. It may cause some form of rattle or vibrations that feel like a jerk, lead to rough running, and in general, affect the driveability.
- Check Engine Light: A faulty HPFP usually causes the check light to turn on. Usually, this warning light may point to numerous issues, but a scan will determine if it has to do with low fuel pressure or the HPFP.
- Hard Starts or No Start: If the pump is not delivering the correct fuel pressure, you might find that your car will not start at all or will take several tries to start. This often becomes more severe with time.
What to Do If Your HPFP Fails?
- Stop Driving the Car: Prolonged driving with a bad fuel pump places pressure on the engine, and this may cause other problems such as clogged fuel injectors or even overheated parts.
- Seek Professional Assistance: Bring your car to an authorized BMW dealer so that the mechanics who are familiar with the model of your car and the problem will fix it. They will do the needful to restore performance because they have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to remove the HPFP and replace it with a high-quality one for your vehicle.
- Keep Documentation: If your vehicle is no longer under warranty but BMW eventually adds some more warranty coverage for HPFP damages, receipts, and records will come in handy when trying to get your money back.
Preventing HPFP Failures
- Use High-Quality Fuel: BMW should always be fueled with premium gasoline from well-established service stations. It reduces the chances of wearing the pump through contamination by impurities and high ethanol content in the fuel.
- Replace Fuel Filters When Needed: Fuel filters are important in that they clean the fuel so that it does not damage the pump and the engine. These filters can become blocked over time, which means the HPFP has to work harder than it should. Changing them in accordance with the owner’s manual minimizes or eliminates the pressures exerted on the pump.
- Avoid Running on Low Fuel: It is also dangerous to drive with a fuel pump with little fuel inside because this can lead to overheating of the pump or even end up pulling in debris from the bottom of the fuel tank.
Why Drivers From San Diego Trust Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service Center
Here at Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service, we know that owning a BMW means getting the best performance, comfort, and design. When problems such as a failing HPFP come up, you would want to go to a service center that understands your car. Our team has expertise in working with BMW and Porsche cars to provide correct diagnostic and repair solutions. We utilize the latest equipment and genuine components for every work that we do and we only offer genuine recommendations to the customers.
If you are having issues with your car or just wish to avoid such breakdowns in the future, you can rely on Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service. Our garage can be found in San Diego, CA but we do the honor of servicing vehicles for drivers from Mission Valley, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Point Loma. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment and let us get you back on the road to experiencing the best that your car has to offer!