Fuel System Service

Fuel System Service

Your BMW fuel delivery system is a critical system, and any failure can render your Bimmer inoperative. With the advent of direct injection and factory turbocharging, top notch care of your fuel system has never been more important. And while the precision of German engineering can be difficult to understand, learning the basics is a good first step towards understanding your high performance vehicle. 

Your fuel system is a group of components that are responsible for storing, delivering, and atomizing fuel in the engine. For many models, the fuel system consists of several key parts, including:

Fuel tank: The fuel tank is where the fuel is stored until it gets transferred to the engine. Made of plastic or metal on some older models, the tank is on the rear right side of the car, you can see it by just looking underneath.

Fuel pump: The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank and serves to pump the fuel from the tank to the injection system and then through the motor as is required. Reasons such as low fuel, water in the fuel or dirty fuel can cause your fuel pump to fail. BMWs use 2 pumps: a returning pump and a sending pump. The one that typically goes bad is the sending pump. 

Fuel filter: The fuel filter is a component that removes impurities and contaminants from the fuel as it passes through.  It is located between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and helps to ensure that the fuel delivered to the engine is clean and free of debris. We recommend having your fuel filter changed every 30,000 miles. A clogged fuel filter will cause acceleration and engine performance issues.

Fuel injectors:  Your BMW's fuel injectors are a critical component of the fuel system. Their main purpose is to deliver the gasoline into your engine for the combustion process; but this function occurs in a precise fashion to enhance your car's performance. They are typically located in the engine's intake manifold and are controlled by the engine's computer. When a fuel injector begins to fail in a BMW, the first symptom you will notice is car stutter. Or, your car may also produce sounds while you try to turn the key to start your engine. These signs are your BMW's way of communicating to you that there isn't enough power being brought to the engine for it to start.

Fuel lines: Fuel lines are tubes that carry fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to withstand the high pressure of the fuel as it is pumped through. As time goes on steel and rubber fuel lines tend to degrade and fall apart. If you see rust starting to form or rubber lines cracking, replace them to prevent a roadside failure.

The fuel system is an important part of a car's engine, as it delivers the fuel needed for the engine to run. A properly functioning fuel system is essential for the smooth operation of the car and can help to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

A fuel system service involves cleaning and maintaining the various components of the fuel system to ensure that it is functioning properly. Thai service entails a full flush and cleaning of your fuel system, replacement of your fuel filter. The fuel pump and fuel injectors will be inspected and cleaned—or replaced if needed. It is generally recommended to have your fuel system serviced every 30,000 miles or so, depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle and the quality of the fuel being used. We also recommend servicing your fuel system for vehicles that have been sitting idle for an extended period of time, the fuel in the system can break down and form deposits over time.