Car died, P0171 code and multi-cylinder misfire

[theWalkinator]

2002 540i 158,000 miles. This afternoon, SEL light came on and engine was shaking violently while driving so I pulled into a parking lot, shut off engine, restarted engine, very bad misfire, pulled the code, P0171 (bank 1 lean with fuel cutoff) and 4 pending codes, P0174, P1341, P1343 and P1345, so looks like I got massive vacuum leak somewhere, trying to restart the car, car started for few seconds then stalled, cleaned codes, tried again, started and stalled few seconds again, unplugged MAF sensor and tried, same thing, tried few more time, crank but no start with MAF plugged or unplugged. Have AAA towed the car home.

I visually checked vacuum hoses around, cannot tell if there is a leak, since the engine won't start, I cannot try the brake fluid trick. I will check fuel pressure tomorrow.

Last year I got stranded due to the fuel pump not turning, I pulled out the original pump and tested with 12v and it was working fine and put it back, replaced fuel filter and fuel regulator, solved the crank no start issue. So I guess the same fuel pump finally went?

My question is, could a failing fuel pump cause P0171, P0174 code (bank 1 and bank 2 lean with fuel cutoff)?

Coincidentally, right before this happened, my aftermarket ***** headunit throw "system recovery" screen, not sure it is related.

[CPHES]

Maybe - low fuel flow might make you go lean. Usually, it just shuts down. What is the ‘brake fluid trick’?

[balidawg]

Yes, a soft failing fuel pump will starve fuel and cause lean condition. Smart to PM replace when mileage/years get up there.
Smoke test for vacuum leaks. Don’t use brake fluid, or did you mean brake cleaner?

[theWalkinator]

Maybe - low fuel flow might make you go lean. Usually, it just shuts down. What is the ‘brake fluid trick’?

Yes, a soft failing fuel pump will starve fuel and cause lean condition. Smart to PM replace when mileage/years get up there.
Smoke test for vacuum leaks. Don’t use brake fluid, or did you mean brake cleaner?

Lol, you are correct, I meant brake cleaner.

I actually have a aftermarket fuel pump sitting around but not I am feeling comfortable with it, it spins fine but not as strong as the original one, that's why I didn't put it in last year. The OE pump is Pierburg? Is the Bosch pump a good pump?

[CPHES]

Bosch is good. So is VDO. Not sure what you mean by spins. Since you are dead, it might be the time to try it.

[edjack]

Measure the key-on engine-off fuel pressure, via the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. S/b circa 50 psi.

[theWalkinator]

Okay, it is the fuel pump issue. I hooked up fuel pressure gauge, 0 pressure when cranking, removed the back seat, open the port, I cannot hear fuel pump priming when key in position 2, cranking it, not be able to hear fuel pump running, measured resistance at the plug, 34 om, so the resistance is way too high. I removed the old pump, tested on 12v source, it run just fine, measured resistance again, back to 0.8 om, really weird, same thing like last year. My aftermarket pump that I purchased last year also have 0.8 om resistance, so I put that in, car starts right up, fuel pressure is around 35psi, is that suppose to be 50ish psi? Anyway, the aftermarket pump works fine, took the car for a quick test drive, everything feels normal. But I am not going to trust that aftermarket fuel pump so I will order a Pierburg pump if I can find one or a Bosch pump.

[JimLev]

Yes, 52-53 PSI +/- is the correct pressure.

[theWalkinator]

Yes, 52-53 PSI +/- is the correct pressure.

Thanks Jim.

The original pump has part# 16141183216, Pierburg part#7.22013.12, I cannot find any online, realOEM has the part# 16146752368, Pierburg part# 7.22013.02.0, I guess it fine fine or is this pump an upgraded version?

[theWalkinator]

Okay, found a eBay seller who happens to be local, they operate a BMW salvage business, went there picked up a good condition used pump and fuel level sender (they have several), removed the aftermarket fuel pump and put the used OE pump in, with a new OE seal, measured fuel pressure again at injector rail, 52 psi, so it is good.

Also replaced passenger side valve cover gasket, it is leaking at the rear and dripping oil on the exhaust, had very bad oil burning smell. I put the gaskets just 11 months ago and the gasket is already hardened, so I will also replace the drive side valve cover gasket soon since I got a set of new gasket already.

[Chedley]

Which brand of valve cover gaskets did you install about a year ago ? and they already broke down. !?
Not to restart another controversial topic, but I recommend and use BMW oem gaskets -yes buy it from the stealer-, or the FelPro brand of gaskets. I had them for 80 K miles, and still dry as a bone.

[theWalkinator]

It was Victor Reinz.

[Chedley]

Then, no wonder why...?!..