Replacing the Fuel Pump in 5 Minutes! | BMW E46 323i

Today I’m swapping the fuel pump on a 2000 BMW 323i. The vehicle has been experiencing fuel starvation, engine stumbling, and even some instances in which the engine has died. This is the factory fuel pump and has seen over 200,000 miles over 20 years, so I'm impressed it has lasted this long. Expect to pay between $300 - $400 for parts, with the OEM fuel pump being the big ticket item for this repair. There are cheaper aftermarket fuel pump options, but I cannot vouch for the quality of these products. Not to say that the aftermarket alternatives won't work, I just recommend that you do your research before purchasing so you avoid a premature failure that leaves you stranded.
This procedure is for a 2000 BMW 323i, but it will essentially be the same for all late 1990's and early 2000's 3 series (E46) BMWs. The fuel pump is located under the rear seat on the passenger side, and is covered by rubber and a metal plate secured by 4 10mm nuts.
E46 Models:
316i / 316ci (1999 - 2005)
318i / 318ci (1998 - 2006)
320i / 320ci (1998 - 2006)
323i / 323ci (1998 - 2000)
325i / 325ci (2001 - 2006)
328i / 328ci (1998 - 2006)
330i / 330ci (2000 - 2006)
M3 (2000 - 2006)
In my case, there was a non-removable hose clamp that secured the rubber fuel line to the fuel pump housing. I had to cut this off and replace it with a new hose clamp, but newer E46s should have a snap fitting that pinches off of the pump housing. If this is the case with your vehicle, you will not need the small hose clamp but I recommend that you pick one up just in case as they're very cheap and will save you time if you do end up needing it (link below).
Overall, this is an easy repair that will take less than an hour to complete. Please leave a comment if you have any questions, thanks for watching!
Parts:
1. BMW Fuel Pump
- 323i/ci, 325i/ci, 328i/ci, 330i/ci PN: 16146766942
- www.ecstuning....
- M3 PN: 16142229684
- www.ecstuning....
2. Fuel Pump Gasket (PN: 16111184084)
- www.ecstuning....
3. Small hose clamp
- www.autozone.c...
Tools:
1. 10 mm Socket + Ratchet / Impact
2. Large Flat Head Screw Driver
3. Mallet
4. Cutters (for non-removable hose clamp)
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Tire Kickers, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Tire Kickers assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Tire Kickers recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Tire Kickers, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Tire Kickers.

[@MajorCaliber]

The pulling the fuse step is a nice touch, BUT... if the pump is completely dead (usual case), it does zero good--engine won't start at all. BOTTOM LINE: you're going to spill a couple ounces of fuel from the hose when you remove it from the old pump, ergo... *have a rag handy,* simple. Also, leave the rear seat up/removed for a while, and *drive around with the windows down* to evaporate any spilled fuel.

[@gedifyy214]

I'm learning about mechanic work, I have two private mechanics teaching me . I hope to be of good service one day , to someone in need‼

[@Dd-mt5ol]

How is it going ?

[@jeffpostetter9358]

A word of warning: try to avoid doing this on a full tank. Took my 330 a mile home from the gas station and it wouldn’t start again. I was in for a nasty surprise when I pulled the pump out!

[@lawpenner]

Haha. Truth. Been there. ...Gas all over the garage floor

[@ryanharlyn7585]

Is it safe to open the fuel pump when my fuel gauge is showing 3/4?

[@MajorCaliber]

@@ryanharlyn7585 Yes, unless you're parked on a significant SLOPE--in any direction--you should be fine.

[@MajorCaliber]

HINT: Remove the hose clamp and hose BEFORE you loosen the large retaining ring with your mallet and screwdriver. HINT: Install the new (blue) gasket on the fuel pump itself, BEFORE wiggling the whole assembly into the tank.

[@herrbrahms]

The swelling music that gets louder than your narration makes this otherwise helpful tutorial borderline unwatchable.

[@TireKickers]

Fair enough, something to keep in mind for future videos

[@dhalsim-1]

It's sounds ok on my phone but no music is always better

[@Acoisalinda]

The hose clip is what - 20? 22? ) Many thanks! )

[@M4TT1694]

Fantastic video, no messing around. Great job

[@dylanekans]

Hey man I did this thinking it would fix my gauge issue but it still reads empty. Thoughts? What should I chase next

[@Freakwhencee]

It's the level

[@FELIPE8226M]

Awesome 👍🏼😎 I’m about to do this next weekend for my 330i looks easy peasy thanks

[@sydneyNemesis101]

awesome video, why dont you change the other fuel pump on the other side?

[@dhalsim-1]

That's the sending unit

[@kdoust4644]

Thanks, appreciate straight to the point video. 👍

[@shanekimble5026]

Not jokeing at all this Video Really son Could do w/0 the muzikkkB.L.Dn't.M. totally distracted me from what I was supposed to focus ing

[@junidyabd5445]

Thank you so much I did it successfully but the fuel gauge is not working 😅😅😅

[@JumpingFish223]

Thanks for showing how to do this! And linking the products. If you can do it I can too haha 😄

[@AtTheHandle]

No idea how to get the fuse box down thanks for letting us know

[@Aintnowaybro-1]

My car didn't stop running after I pulled the fuse lol what now??

[@MaggotCZ]

what was the size of the hose clamp ? 13mm ? thanks

[@AdriftersLife]

Nice one with the multi meter ! Thanks

[@haidarhaidar252]

Very helpful n fast Thank you so much

[@criminalgaming1709]

What if it’s a 2 door car tho then this is made 100x worse

[@TireKickers]

Honestly it's not too bad, I've done it in my M3 before. Just sucks having to squat in the back of the car lol

[@ДимитърИванов-и8ж]

Well, been there, done that - its a bit harder, because of the lack of space, but not 100x worse

[@DiamondDog24t]

@@TireKickers What is on the drivers side that has an electrical connector?

[@dhalsim-1]

It's a bit awkward but not that bad.

[@yabcontraband6623]

What’s under the driver side in the back?

[@naudschreuders2106]

A level sensor only if im not mistaken

[@dhalsim-1]

@@naudschreuders2106 I think it's the sending unit from the other tank

[@lawpenner]

@@naudschreuders2106 there's also a "fuel transfer tube" or "sucking jet" connected to that fuel level sender on that driver's side that causes gas to be sucked from the left side of tank to the right tank side where the high pressure fuel pump is. Both left and right sides have fuel level sensors to measure each side of the fuel tank

[@naudschreuders2106]

I see, excuse me thanks for clearing that up

[@lynx_bushcraft]

How you removed the seats ??? You make a video make it correct and explain it well . Clown dislike

[@freshprinceofkfc1941]

What about diesel models ?