In-Tank Fuel Pump DIY for $80 - Install in Pictures

[LEANE30]

Fuel Pump DIY for $80 - Install in Pictures

Car: 1991 318i 4-door. M42. All later e30s with the single in-tank fuel pump would follow the same procedure. Don't cross wires or leave exposed wires within arching distances. I take no responsibility for your actions, this is mere documentation of the process that I performed on one of my own cars.

What is needed:
8mm wrench or socket
Set of screwdrivers
Wire cutters
Wire Strippers
Soldering iron/gun, Solder & basic skills
Dremel or mini grinder & basic skills
$80
2 hours, probably less.
















































































Any Questions?

[beybedba]

+1

[glucklich21]

This is a very good DIY, but for those of us who get stranded, this is a good local solution.

My pump was making death noises back in March and this is what I did when I replaced it then. I was going to go the above DIY route when I stumbled upon this.

O'reilly's sells a direct 255lph replacement for $89, no modifying required, well minus the wires. The only problem is you have to buy a strainer, so another $10. But it's a good solution for if you're stuck on the side of the road somewhere or you need it now for the out the door price of $99

Apparently my pump had been replaced before by this exact unit, so it was plug and play for me. The only thing required is to solder the wires to the pump for everyone else.

Here's what I had, old on the right, new on the left.



Everything you need comes in the box including a new o-ring for the tank




This is what you're basically going to start with,



Next is the wiring, mine already had it, so I just put the supplied connector on the pump





Install the rubber base





Slip in the rubber bushing for the top



Finesse the rubber sleeve on for the pump, mount the unit up on the return assembly, and install the strainer. (Make sure you installed the check unit, that thing the top of the pump slips into)



Zip tie everything back together and reinstall it with the o-ring.



Here's the differences in the o-ring shape. Top is OEM (PN 16111744369) and bottom is the one that comes with the pump. The supplied one works, but when I received my car, my tank was leaking from it when I filled up. So I don't think it's the best long term solution, but it will get you by till you can order or find the right o-ring.

[Dj Buttchug]

i have a question.

what does that check unit thing even do? is it necessary?because i removed mine when I installed my 255lph

[Julien]

keeps the fuel pressure when you switch the car off.