Whining coming from the fuel pump?

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BMW 320I
  • 2.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
Over the last few months, I have noticed an electrical whining noise coming from the fuel pump that is located in the fuel tank.

I don't remember this noise being so noisy as it now intrudes into the driving experience as it is now noticed when at a standstill at traffic lights.

Does this noise mean that it's on its way out?
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 AT 2:55 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hello,

Yes, it sounds like the pump is going out. I will attach the instructions to replace below with pictures. Take note that there are two "pumps", a left and right. The left side being for the fuel level and the right side being what is providing fuel to the engine. Please let us know how it turns out.

- Suck the fuel out of the fuel tank.
- Remove fuel level sensor (right).
- Remove fuel level sensor (left).

LEFT SIDE:
- Pull tank expansion line (1) on fuel baffle (2) out of locking fixture.

Installation Note:
- Ensure that tank expansion line is perfectly connected in fuel baffle.

RIGHT SIDE:
- Remove tank expansion line from fuel tank.

Installation Note:
- Tank expansion line must not be bent when it is being removed.

Installation Note:
- Ensure that non-return valve (1) is fitted in tank expansion line.
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Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
  • MEMBER
  • 255 POSTS
I fitted my new fuel pump today (23rd May 2025) and the difference in noise is outstanding! I can barely hear the new pump whereas the old one was really noisy. I have also noticed that the fuel consumption needle went from being around the 8-10 liter per 100km mark to around the 4 liters per 100km mark. I had no idea that changing the fuel pump was going to affect the fuel consumption so much.

The old pump had a black filter 'bag' right at the bottom whereas the new one is white (meaning the old one was filthy). The plastic on the old one had turned a taupe/yellow color too, that's how old it is.

The rubber gasket that the pump was seated in was completely fine, with no hardening at all so I reused it (it looked like it was new with very little to show that it had sat in that location for 30 years!).

The only thing that was a bit concerned about was the 4 screws that held the metal plate cover in place. The metal on the chassis had got rusty and there was corrosion around the screws so I will getting new ones and seeing if I can remove the rust with rust preventative and repaint this area.

Thanks for the help.
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Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hello, it is great news to hear of your success. Good job! Yes, a new pump will definitely provide a noticeable difference compared to an old worn out one. Feel free to use the website any time, and thank you!

William
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Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 5:17 PM

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