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Thread: E46 SULEV gas tank fuel pump

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    New Castle, CO. USA
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    1
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    2005 Jeep Liberty,

    E46 SULEV gas tank fuel pump

    I'm looking at a 04 e46 SULEV 325i w/145k miles. Great price. (Under $2k) Is there a work around for the dreaded fuel pump failure sure to come, or should I walk away?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
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    712
    My Cars
    2002 325Ci Cabriolet

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Netherlands
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    164
    My Cars
    2000 E46 328i
    I'm from Europe so I had no idea what SULEV is, but after a quick round of Google to find out what it is I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy one. So many horror stories came up 😂

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
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    712
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    2002 325Ci Cabriolet
    Quote Originally Posted by Raddee View Post
    I'm from Europe so I had no idea what SULEV is, but after a quick round of Google to find out what it is I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy one. So many horror stories came up 
    The SULEV is warranted for 15 years or 150,000 miles - whichever comes first so not all SULEV's are bad choices.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    USA
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    284
    My Cars
    E21, E46
    Personally I wouldn't buy it. Having to replace the fuel tank when the pump stops working is a bit rediculous.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
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    9,933
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    2018 BMW M240i
    SULEV=super low emissions vehicle. It was BMW’s effort to produce a very clean car. Dismal failure IMHO. As noted the entire fuel tank must be replaced when (and not if) the fuel pump goes. Run away from this car. Really.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
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    2002 325Ci Cabriolet
    Quote Originally Posted by RobertDenali View Post
    Personally I wouldn't buy it. Having to replace the fuel tank when the pump stops working is a bit rediculous.
    It isn't that the entire tank gets replaced to address a failed Fuel Pump - it's the cost. Upwards of $7,500. And no, that isn't a typo.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    run as fast as you can.

    I had a customer that needed a pump and was out of warranty. Ended up swapping the motor and system to non-SULEV as it was cheaper then replacing the tank, also made future maintenance and servicing much easier and cheaper.
    Last edited by legoman67; 11-18-2018 at 01:53 PM.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
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    Osnabrock, ND
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    961
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    2004 325xi,2004 545i SMG
    you can just install a non sulev tank and pump. there are some emission hoses that need to be modified. but it works.

    the purpose of the system was to eleminate the evaporative emissions from the vehicle.

    there is really not alot difference than a reg e46, valve cover and related parts, gas tank.
    Level 1 Certified BMW tech.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Pittsburgh, Pa
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2004 325Ci M56 engine
    I have a 2004 325Ci M56 SULEV 129,000 miles. Recently swapped out DISA valve, upper/lower intake boots, cleaned out idle control valve. Replaced oil filter housing gasket. Replaced bushings awaiting now alignment. I'll say this car rides great. It gets up in speed on the highway. Great city driving. Cold starts without a hiccup since said replacements. Paid $3000 for the car four months ago (August). So far no regrets

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Bronx, NY
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2005 BMW 325 SULEV
    Quote Originally Posted by 90turbo1 View Post
    you can just install a non sulev tank and pump. there are some emission hoses that need to be modified. but it works.

    the purpose of the system was to eleminate the evaporative emissions from the vehicle.

    there is really not alot difference than a reg e46, valve cover and related parts, gas tank.
    Now here's a question, who has the write up or images for such swap? I have search like hell and found nothing but stories of it being done, no proof!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Location
    Orange County, CA
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    E46
    2004 BMW 325i sulev fuel pump - Replaced sulev tank with 50,000 miles 325i, the complete car is up for sale if anyone needs parts, selling only complete car, clean title, trans just went out, car starts and motor is strong. Please message me if anyone is interested. FYI..the tank will take the whole day to replace. Thanks

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Kalamazoo Michigan
    Posts
    40
    My Cars
    2002 325i
    I just did My 2002 325i fuel pump, replaced today in about 22 degree's...Sorry for the cussin if u could all hear me?

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