How to replace fuel pump?

[lukasbmw]

I just changed my two fuel level sending units last weekend and have decided I might as well change my fuel pump too.

I just talked to patrick at BMA and it looks like the fuel pump drops directly under the passenger side fuel sending unit. Is this true?

Mine is a 1988 325is with a 2/88 build date so I only have one pump. How does one go about changing this pump? I have a hard time beliving the pump will fit in the small area where the fuel sending unit drops into place.

I searched in the archives but did not find anything.

[nickmp0wer]

i think there is an outer area that unbolts also. look outside of where the sending unit bolts are and see if there are any more

[draculia]

its very simple.

since you already know how to take out the sending unit, take out the pass side one.
undo the hose connections around the sender, as well as the electrical ones.
using a pair of flatheat screwdrivers, or one and a hammer, you want to rotate the metal piece that the sender bolts to.
once that is free you can pull out the fuel pump. you will have to angle things to be able to get it out.

it literally takes 5 minutes to do. if you are just changing the pump and not the housing with it, you will need to desolder the old pump leads, and solder in the new pump.