My BMW Fuel Pump Inoperable After Only 3 Years (1979 633csi)

[FrancescoDC]

I was very disappointed to see that my $492 BMW fuel pump only lasted three years -- Installed July 2017. In those three years I've only put about 6,000 miles on it. I don't drive it much during the summer (always garage kept), but I make sure I fire it up and drive it for about an hour at least once every three-four weeks. Maybe the inactivity caused it to fail?

Since the BMW pump only lasted three years, I'm thinking of getting one that isn't nearly as expensive. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions anyone would have:

>> Would installing a non-BMW fuel pump at a much lower cost make sense? And if so,

>>Which fuel pump would you recommend? RealOEM shows four different part numbers and I'm not sure which one would work for me.

As you can see from my questions, I'm not a mechanic. I really envy and admire those on this site that can do it all! I've owned my 633 for 21 years so it's like a family member.
Thanks very much for any advice!

[jmpower]

Hi Francesco
I understand your frustration with the fuel pump. I have had lots of problems with fuel and pumps in older cars. In Europe modern fuel has ethanol in it. The ethanol causes problems with fuel hoses and causes them to degrade. It also causes corrosion of metal parts. When the cars were left a while they would not start. It was always a fuel problem. Lack of driving is the main problem.
I assume as it is a 633 then it has the external pump. It may also have an internal tank pump.There are many generic pumps available. I would get a reputable pump and new hoses as the pumps can fail because they get insufficient fuel. The fuel flow is important for them to work correctly.

[1986series6]

Francesco,

I had to change to a hi volume FP for my engine build.
I have the original 86 pump never had a problem with it.
I also am a long term owner 32 years.

You're more than welcome to have it. Just pay for shipping.

Bob V