BMW Secondary Air Pump Removal To Replace Hold Downs 3 Series E46

It is common for the secondary air pump hold down grommets to fail and cause a rattle. In this video I show you how to replace the grommets or replace the secondary air pump if needed due to a failure. I include tips and tricks to get the job done easily.

[@juancortez4503]

Do i actually need these? 2 of mine are broken but i have all the nuts still. Does it effect performance or anything?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

They just prevent vibrations when the pump is running. As long as it is secured still and it will not break the connection it should be fine. They are basically just the hold downs for the pump.

[@georgeteo8797]

Just purchased a 2003 bmw 325i project car. It had the usual codes for to air intake leaks and a code for the secondary air pump. I replaced the whole cooling system, air intake system with all the vacuum hoses and the secondary air pump. All the codes cleared out except for the secondary air pump. I know it’s a working pump because I took it from my daily driver but it does not come at cold startup like it did on the other car. So I checked the wires and connections, even replaced the valve, but still nothing… any suggestions?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello George, It may be that it is too warm out still in your area for secondary air. This usually starts coming on when the temps get colder. Hopefully that is the reason.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello George, It may be that it is too warm out still in your area for secondary air. This usually starts coming on when the temps get colder. Hopefully that is the reason.

[@parkerbot]

I was putting in an order for parts and was just short of what I needed to save on shipping and I found your video. That airpump has been rattling around for ages and I thought I was going to have to spend $$$ to replace it to fix it. Thanks for the tutorial. Saved me some shipping money and helped squelch a rattle that's been annoying me for the better part of a year XD.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

You are welcome!

[@wanderlust3517]

I too was about to spend monies on a new secondary air as I thought it was joined together as a unit. Glad it was not and was only pennies to get mounts. The paper towel incredible as most of us don't have magnetic screw drivers laying around.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@wanderlust3517 That's great! I love that trick 😀

[@8MWm3e4b]

Some questions. Does SAP have a filter? How can it be torn apart? Why doesn't the M3 have a return tube?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

No I do not think there is any filter in the air pump. The M3 does not need secondary air as it is for emissions regulation.

[@8MWm3e4b]

@@AskTheCarExperts Thank you! What do you mean "don't need Sap"? All M3 e46s have a sap, only the narrow tube that goes from the solenoid back to the firewall is missing. I have error p0411 (AA170), everything works, I don't know what is bothering it.

[@vmoutsop]

Great "How to". Very simply explained and shown. You stick to the project without a lot of extra filler discussion, which is great. Please keep it up.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@Intheclouds-ur1yo]

Did you have to unplug the battery to replace this part?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

No but if you feel safer you can.

[@Intheclouds-ur1yo]

@@AskTheCarExperts ok bet and what about to change a 02 sensor?

[@bigzella6696]

I don’t got that bmw just might need to change that on one…. But this video was so good that you deserve my subscription ❤️💪🏾🙏🏾

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks 😄!

[@CohnWolfeFitness]

What would be the issue if your secondary air pump kicks on, sounds like a vacuum cleaner, and stays running until you shut the car off? Then it has the same sound as when you turn off a vacuum. The weird thing is I'm not getting a check engine light. 2004 bmw 330ci.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, That is odd . It should run for a short bit then shut off. Could be a short on the activation side or the relay is stuck. If you need help send me a message through my website. Www.askthecarexperts.com.

[@CohnWolfeFitness]

@@AskTheCarExperts ok I did. Thank you!

[@MrDinger60]

Thanks for the easy to understand "how-to" video and for the trick with the paper towel.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Dan!

[@wanderlust3517]

Thanks for tutorial. Amazing simplicity. Time to repair.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your very welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@blitzcourt5021]

I’m getting secondary air pump codes resulting in fuel mixture codes on both banks I’m guessing this is the likely culprit here?

[@johnnymorales2374]

Isnt that what make my bmw slow down a bit n makes a weird nose not all the time

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Johnny, The secondary air pump only runs for a short time on a cold start during cooler temps. I don't think it would make you slow down but it could make noise when it runs.

[@stepitupandgo67]

great video!! made it so easy to replace the pump...

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Evan! Thank you for posting a comment. Great to hear my video helped! :)

[@peacefulvibrations2465]

I see other channels removing the secondary air pump in their e46. How important is the SAP because their expensive to replace?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

This pump is used to heat up the CAT converter faster by pushing oxygen into the exhaust stream. This helps reduce emissions and gets the vehicle to closed loop faster which uses less fuel. I would not recommend removing this important part of your emissions. I hope this helps!

[@iskate410]

would this fix p0492, having trouble with rpms dropping

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Peter, your code relates to not enough flow in the exhaust when secondary air activates. This can be from a bad or weak air pump, non return valve sticking closed, and if the valve is vacuum activated it could be a broken vacuum line to the solenoid or even a bad solenoid (solenoid failure is very rare). This would not cause an idle fluctuation. You may have a tired Idle Air Control Valve.

[@stepitupandgo67]

thanx!!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Evan, Thanks for posting! I am glad to hear my video was helpful!

[@engr1008]

Thank you!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for posting! Glad to hear you found the video helpful!

[@ryedubs1789]

I had the exact same type of break on mine, and wondered could you explain how that would break like that?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Rye, They are a rubber composite and fail due to age and brittleness of the rubber over time and temperature.

[@ryedubs1789]

@@AskTheCarExperts I got a P1347 Manufacturer Ignition System or Misfire code. Would this smog pump breaking loose like that cause that? Cause the engine to make a thumping noise or kicking noise, bad acceleration, etc.?

[@Matoon78]

Your back!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LOL Hello Harris, Yes I should be posting a lot more. I have quite a few videos that need editing and then posting. There is not enough time in a day to get everything done but I am trying to make time to start posting again :)

[@Matoon78]

Awesome. I find your videos to be most comprehensive. I was able to do the valve cover on my BMW thanks to you.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Great to see you back again!!! ☺️

[@RemyNamvar-CK-RT]

Where can we find those grommets?

[@sterlingsilver320]

I’m a year late, but FCP Euro is a great place for reasonably priced OE and OEM parts.