No fuel pressureHel

[bimmer7410]

Hello all!
I have recently acquired a black 540i with 105k miles, and am beginning to work on a few issues.

First up:
The car doesnt start. I checked the fuel pressure via the schrader valve on top of the engine. When cranking, the engine turns over easily, but there is no pressure read on the gauge.
Afterwards, i checked the voltage at the fuel pump. Got about 10 volts reading during starting.I was thinking of simply changing the fuel pump, but previous owner has stated that the pump was recently changed.
I checked the relay, but it clicks as normal (and of course as voltage is read at the pump terminals)
I then attempted to see if the fuel tanks are imbalanced, but since the console matrix is semi-legible at best, i am not able to fully read the numbers displayed in the secret menu (#6)
Now before I start throwing parts at this, how much of a chance is it that this is a simple tank imbalance?
Where should I start looking next? I was thinking of trying the starter fluid test..

[Mach540]

Starting fluid is a good start... hee hee
But simplistic things first,,,, does it have any fuel in the tank??

[Uturn540]

What year, so we know if the FPR is on the manifold or the filter. If it is a newer model, was the fuel filter/regulator replaced when the pump was done, and was it hooked up correctly.

[bimmer7410]

Starting fluid is a good start... hee hee
But simplistic things first,,,, does it have any fuel in the tank??

Yes it does. I've noticed that when I last saw it, it had about 1/4th of a tank..found that some cars have an issue where they are empty at that level. Once I get back to it, I'm going to put in some more gas

What year, so we know if the FPR is on the manifold or the filter. If it is a newer model, was the fuel filter/regulator replaced when the pump was done, and was it hooked up correctly.

It's a 2002. I do not believe the filter was replaced

[jclausen]

Maybe they instaled the pump wrong, check the electrical connector at the fuel pump for burnt pins

[edjack]

10 V is FAR too low. Determine why you're not getting 12+ V at the pump.

Jump the contacts at the relay socket.

[bimmer7410]

Found an issue.
Fuse box underneath main seat was SUPER corroded. Ive taken the box out and scrubbed I it down, now trying to figure out what is the best way to replace the corroded contact plates on the lower six cables

[bimmer7410]

Ok, to further illustrate my point, see below:
The red circles denote rusted posts on the two bottom connectors on the box. These 2 connectors are 80 amp connections, and feed the three wires with a red X denoted on the picture. This would explain why my fuel pump was not getting enough voltage. Hopefully it will also clear up my instrument cluster issue as well.
I began to scrub the rust away, but since the posts are gone, I need to source a new box. I would prefer to be able to purchase it online as I would rather avoid having to go thru junk cars pulling the seat up.
I tested all the fuses for continuity and they all still work.
One thing I know I should be able to easily source is the brackets(?) that connect the three wires to the fuse (piece circled in yellow). Any help with that would be greatly appreciated.

[bimmer7410]

One more thing: If a mod could help me edit change the title to my thread, that'd be great :-D

[bimmer7410]

Replacing this box fixed the car. Finally drove it for the first time...amazing steal for the price I paid! ($1500)

[Mach540]

Makes you wanna go out and find another one, doesn't it?

[gmak]

Replacing this box fixed the car. Finally drove it for the first time...amazing steal for the price I paid! ($1500)

WHere did you find the box? Junkyard? Ebay? Is there a part number? (Lazy minds want to know)

[bimmer7410]

Makes you wanna go out and find another one, doesn't it?

Maybe so. Definitely puts BMW on my radar of future cars..

WHere did you find the box? Junkyard? Ebay? Is there a part number? (Lazy minds want to know)

I got it from the junkyard, but the part number I found while browsing online is 61138367252