HPFP failure FAQ!

quattr0 · 12-21-2009, 07:12 PM

1. What are the possible symptoms of HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) failure?

- Your car has long crank (it will take longer than usual to start the car) repeatedly and/or
- You're driving on the freeway and the 1/2 engine light (malfunction engine light) comes on. You could still drive the car home. Sometimes, the 1/2 engine light disappear the next day but you do need to take it in. If the dealership is nice enough, they will test and depend on the result, they will go ahead and replace the HPFP for you. Other dealerships won't touch it if they said "No HPFP code was found". YMMV.

The 1/2 engine light could come on for different reasons: injectors, spark plugs, coilpacks, whatever else but if you have a combination of 1/2 engine light and long crank, it is your HPFP. At least that's what happened to mine.

The 1/2 power indication can be lit by a myriad of engine systems. Everything from HPFP (and other fuel related issues), to VANOS solenoids, to a kink in a Turbo vacuum line. It is not the best indication of HPFP failure.

The 1/2 light will be reset by shutting off the motor. If the the problem still exists, then 1/2 indication will relight within a few moments or when the problem reappears.

Service Engine Soon (SES) almost always accompanies an HPFP failure. (Out of 4 pumps - only one time the SES didn't light on me. In that case, the pump was working, the problem was that it was leaking fuel) A solid HPFP failure has the ECU bypass the pump and shuting off the turbos. The fuel controller instead sends the fuel directly to the injectors. The reason why the engine is shaking/running rough - only low pressure fuel is supplying the cylinders.

2. How many miles on the car when HPFP failure could happen?

I've seen 500 miles, 1,200 miles, 62 thousand miles, who knows. I'm not a psychic teller.

3. Which MY HPFP has failed the most?

Based on reading from this fantastic forum, 07 and 09 MY. Yes, someone will say I have a 07 and still on original pump so what gives? Who knows! As of 12/25/09, MY 2010 users also reported HPFP failures.

4. Which brand of gas I should stick with?

There is no telling. People who had Shell only or Chevron only, HPFPs still fail.

5. Is there a permanent fix for this?

There is a well known shop who's working on a better pump. There is no telling when this pump will be available. Search is your friend. When it comes out will it work better? Who knows!

6. Is tuning the cause of HPFP failure?

There were threads swear that HPFP failure is not tuned related as there are folks who did not have tunes, HPFP still failed. You make the call.

7. Could HPFP failures continue after 3-4 replacements?

Yes.

8. With the HPFP failure like this why you guys/gals still have the car?

- BMW extends the warranty to 120k miles. The replacement takes only few hours and you're good to go. As of 12/21, MY 09 and 2010 users have not received letters to state the same extended warranty for 07 and 08 MY users.

- Can't afford the lost to trade in for a different car plus everything else is more expensive and who knows the other brands don't have issues?

- Can't find another the car that could drive/handling this good and still is affordable with the luxury for the Jones.

-under California (and possibly other states), if the HPFP is replaced 3 times under original car warranty, your car may qualify for a "buyback" under the California Lemon Law. Google search gives details.

As of January 2010, 09 MY will have the same 120k miles warranty for HPFP. See http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=96

9. OK sounds good, if I decide to keep the car, is there anything I could do to prevent it from happenning?

Not really. But if you own a high 40k's or 50k's car, you should get a BT scanner for a few hundreds. Scan your car to see if it generates any HPFP code. However, mine did not generate any HPFP code (long crank, 1/2 egnine light came on) but the dealership replaced it and i'm back on the road.

10. As of November 2009, BMW has given another try to improve the high pressure fuel pump in the N54 engine. The last/old part number for the HPFP ends in 881.

The new HPFP part number is said to end in 943.

There is no data and no other information as to what this pump fixes or doesn't fix.

Updated: The new pump that ends with 943 is no longer made by Bosch. It is made by Continental. As of January 22nd 2010, dealership will still have to use all the old pumps that end with 881 before 943 could be used. There is no telling if 943 will fix the issue for good as it was released in November 2009. You could also order the new pump from Tischer.

From historical data (getting from insider

), the fuel pump, that was made by Bosch, normally goes out after 40,000km. Bosch provides pumps for both, at least, BMW and Mercedes. We will have to see if Continental pump will have any improvement.

There might be possibly a second recall as both Bosch & Continental are about to pay both Mercedes and BMW for the failing pumps. Cars with Novemember 2010 build dates should have the new pumps that end with 943. It sounds like, no real proof/evidence, 943 will be the fix as several testings were done.

11."What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms you described in Question #1?"

Answer: don't waste time posting about it or talking about it -- take it to the dealer ASAP to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

12. Has anyone contacted NHTSA and what was the result?

Yes. NHTSA already has a case opened and they continue to monitor this issue.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=279731&page=2

13. Has anyone filed a lawsuit against BMW?

Yes. http://www.scribd.com/doc/17233560/Bmw-Law-Suit-Hpfp

Here is another one in California http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...12/ca_bmw.html

More lawsuit update posted by Quist:

Some more information about the legal actions for this problem. Here is the name of the attorney for the class action. Contact them if you have any questions or to tell them what problems you have experienced with the part and getting repairs.

All owners/lessees in the United States are Class members. This is a Nationwide Class.

Wigington Rumley Dunn, L.L.P.
Attorneys at Law
601 Howard
San Antonio, Texas 78212
(210) 487-7500

Y'all feel free to chime in/update/corrections, etc.

BayMoWe335 · 12-21-2009, 07:12 PM

The 120k mile warranty doesn't apply to 2009s and 2010s...yet.

nukezero · 12-21-2009, 07:38 PM

FYI - As of December 2009, an unconfirmed source from Bimmerfest says BMW has given another try to improve the high pressure fuel pump in the N54 engine. The current part number as of 12/09 for the HPFP ends in 881.

The new HPFP part number is said to end in 943.

There is NO information at this time as to when this pump will be released or used. There is no data and no other information as to what this pump fixes or doesn't fix.

quattr0 · 12-21-2009, 07:48 PM

Updated. Thanks!

Chopstick217 · 12-22-2009, 11:07 AM

My car is at 600 miles and I am bringing it in today for a service appointment, I get 4-5 second cranks on a regular basis

Blackfield · 12-22-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopstick217

My car is at 600 miles and I am bringing it in today for a service appointment, I get 4-5 second cranks on a regular basis

On MY '10?? Sorry to hear that.
We can only hope the above new part rumour would fix the issue once and for all.

Rando · 12-22-2009, 11:37 AM

This is really great, thank you for putting it up, quattr0.

One suggestion that will help folks to read it more easily: can you put all the questions in bold?

One other suggestion for a question:

"What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms you described in Question #1?"

Answer: don't waste time posting about it or talking about it -- take it to the dealer ASAP to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Thanks!

reelgr · 12-22-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopstick217

My car is at 600 miles and I am bringing it in today for a service appointment, I get 4-5 second cranks on a regular basis

damn 600 miles... I had the same symptoms.. kind of embarrasing when starting the car and it sounds like that...

Mid_West · 12-22-2009, 03:09 PM

I know this may sound a bit superstitious but if I hop in my car and press the brake pedal and start button at roughly the same time, there is a good chance that I get a long crank (4+ turns before starting). When I hold the brake for a few seconds before pressing the button I dont get long cranks. Also, when I press the brake I hear something 'warming' up. It almost sounds like my fuel injected motorcycle upon start up as well.

Not sure if this has anything to do with the high pressure fuel pump blowing but it sure has helped me avoid the long cranks.

quattr0 · 12-22-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mid_West

I know this may sound a bit superstitious but if I hop in my car and press the brake pedal and start button at roughly the same time, there is a good chance that I get a long crank (4+ turns before starting). When I hold the brake for a few seconds before pressing the button I dont get long cranks. Also, when I press the brake I hear something 'warming' up. It almost sounds like my fuel injected motorcycle upon start up as well.

Not sure if this has anything to do with the high pressure fuel pump blowing but it sure has helped me avoid the long cranks.

Good tip! I believe i read the same xp before also. Thanks.

JulieDriving · 12-22-2009, 06:44 PM

Thanks for doing this quattr0, and others for contributing.

Helpful for us newbies.

BayMoWe335 · 12-22-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackfield

On MY '10?? Sorry to hear that.
We can only hope the above new part rumour would fix the issue once and for all.

I do too...MY 2010. Long cranks all the time starting at 1100 miles.

Bimmerforlife · 12-22-2009, 08:49 PM

To the original poster, You do need to bold something because those words and sentences just bleed together, all that writing needs to stand out somehow. Kinda hard to follow for any length of time.

Great job by the way.

quattr0 · 12-22-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

To the original poster, You do need to bold something because those words and sentences just bleed together, all that writing needs to stand out somehow. Kinda hard to follow for any length of time.

Great job by the way.

Fixed. Thanks!

ucdbiendog · 12-22-2009, 09:51 PM

great FAQ! I will be getting my first HPFP replacement tomorrow at 40k miles.

bicoastalbmw · 12-23-2009, 12:49 AM

I was advised by service director that the new HPFP is out and all others are suppose to be taken off the shelf...my 07' 335 is on it's second replacement a few eeks ago....supposedly they switched manufacturers - looks like I ended up with the old one again though -

quattr0 · 12-23-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bicoastalbmw

I was advised by service director that the new HPFP is out and all others are suppose to be taken off the shelf...my 07' 335 is on it's second replacement a few eeks ago....supposedly they switched manufacturers - looks like I ended up with the old one again though -

Ask the Service Director to give you the part # so we could compare. Most of the time they always say yeah new part but it's BS.

Chopstick217 · 12-23-2009, 08:24 PM

Just got my car back from service, they replaced the fuel pump. Guess the problem still exists in 2010 models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackfield

On MY '10?? Sorry to hear that.
We can only hope the above new part rumour would fix the issue once and for all.

BMWinNorthdakota · 12-23-2009, 11:16 PM

Sigh at all the "unknowns" associated with the HPFP

Wish BMW would at least inform us with the issue and provide a prevention. We all know they certainly are not to concerned about a permanent fix.

minicrazy592 · 12-24-2009, 11:27 PM

My 2010 E90's HPFP just went today at 5500 miles.

BrianMN · 12-25-2009, 06:41 PM

When you insert the key, the fuel system turns on and starts building pressure (before the HPFP), basically priming the fuel system. Therefore, when you wait a couple seconds to press the start button, it will be less likely to be a long crank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mid_West

I know this may sound a bit superstitious but if I hop in my car and press the brake pedal and start button at roughly the same time, there is a good chance that I get a long crank (4+ turns before starting). When I hold the brake for a few seconds before pressing the button I dont get long cranks. Also, when I press the brake I hear something 'warming' up. It almost sounds like my fuel injected motorcycle upon start up as well.

Not sure if this has anything to do with the high pressure fuel pump blowing but it sure has helped me avoid the long cranks.

kennykenaz · 12-27-2009, 05:45 PM

CAN SOMEONE ELABORATE PLEASE?
8. With the HPFP failure like this why you guys/gals still have the car?

- BMW extends the warranty to 120k miles. The replacement takes only few hours and you're good to go. As of 12/21, MY 09 and 2010 users have not received letters to state the same extended warranty for 07 and 08 MY users.

12-21-2009, 07:12 PM	#1
quattr0 First Lieutenant 153 Rep 390 Posts Drives: 335i DD, 991.2 weekend toy! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	HPFP failure FAQ! 1. What are the possible symptoms of HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) failure? - Your car has long crank (it will take longer than usual to start the car) repeatedly and/or - You're driving on the freeway and the 1/2 engine light (malfunction engine light) comes on. You could still drive the car home. Sometimes, the 1/2 engine light disappear the next day but you do need to take it in. If the dealership is nice enough, they will test and depend on the result, they will go ahead and replace the HPFP for you. Other dealerships won't touch it if they said "No HPFP code was found". YMMV. The 1/2 engine light could come on for different reasons: injectors, spark plugs, coilpacks, whatever else but if you have a combination of 1/2 engine light and long crank, it is your HPFP. At least that's what happened to mine. The 1/2 power indication can be lit by a myriad of engine systems. Everything from HPFP (and other fuel related issues), to VANOS solenoids, to a kink in a Turbo vacuum line. It is not the best indication of HPFP failure. The 1/2 light will be reset by shutting off the motor. If the the problem still exists, then 1/2 indication will relight within a few moments or when the problem reappears. Service Engine Soon (SES) almost always accompanies an HPFP failure. (Out of 4 pumps - only one time the SES didn't light on me. In that case, the pump was working, the problem was that it was leaking fuel) A solid HPFP failure has the ECU bypass the pump and shuting off the turbos. The fuel controller instead sends the fuel directly to the injectors. The reason why the engine is shaking/running rough - only low pressure fuel is supplying the cylinders. 2. How many miles on the car when HPFP failure could happen? I've seen 500 miles, 1,200 miles, 62 thousand miles, who knows. I'm not a psychic teller. 3. Which MY HPFP has failed the most? Based on reading from this fantastic forum, 07 and 09 MY. Yes, someone will say I have a 07 and still on original pump so what gives? Who knows! As of 12/25/09, MY 2010 users also reported HPFP failures. 4. Which brand of gas I should stick with? There is no telling. People who had Shell only or Chevron only, HPFPs still fail. 5. Is there a permanent fix for this? There is a well known shop who's working on a better pump. There is no telling when this pump will be available. Search is your friend. When it comes out will it work better? Who knows! 6. Is tuning the cause of HPFP failure? There were threads swear that HPFP failure is not tuned related as there are folks who did not have tunes, HPFP still failed. You make the call. 7. Could HPFP failures continue after 3-4 replacements? Yes. 8. With the HPFP failure like this why you guys/gals still have the car? - BMW extends the warranty to 120k miles. The replacement takes only few hours and you're good to go. As of 12/21, MY 09 and 2010 users have not received letters to state the same extended warranty for 07 and 08 MY users. - Can't afford the lost to trade in for a different car plus everything else is more expensive and who knows the other brands don't have issues? - Can't find another the car that could drive/handling this good and still is affordable with the luxury for the Jones. -under California (and possibly other states), if the HPFP is replaced 3 times under original car warranty, your car may qualify for a "buyback" under the California Lemon Law. Google search gives details. As of January 2010, 09 MY will have the same 120k miles warranty for HPFP. See http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=96 9. OK sounds good, if I decide to keep the car, is there anything I could do to prevent it from happenning? Not really. But if you own a high 40k's or 50k's car, you should get a BT scanner for a few hundreds. Scan your car to see if it generates any HPFP code. However, mine did not generate any HPFP code (long crank, 1/2 egnine light came on) but the dealership replaced it and i'm back on the road. 10. As of November 2009, BMW has given another try to improve the high pressure fuel pump in the N54 engine. The last/old part number for the HPFP ends in 881. The new HPFP part number is said to end in 943. There is no data and no other information as to what this pump fixes or doesn't fix. Updated: The new pump that ends with 943 is no longer made by Bosch. It is made by Continental. As of January 22nd 2010, dealership will still have to use all the old pumps that end with 881 before 943 could be used. There is no telling if 943 will fix the issue for good as it was released in November 2009. You could also order the new pump from Tischer. From historical data (getting from insider ), the fuel pump, that was made by Bosch, normally goes out after 40,000km. Bosch provides pumps for both, at least, BMW and Mercedes. We will have to see if Continental pump will have any improvement. There might be possibly a second recall as both Bosch & Continental are about to pay both Mercedes and BMW for the failing pumps. Cars with Novemember 2010 build dates should have the new pumps that end with 943. It sounds like, no real proof/evidence, 943 will be the fix as several testings were done. 11."What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms you described in Question #1?" Answer: don't waste time posting about it or talking about it -- take it to the dealer ASAP to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. 12. Has anyone contacted NHTSA and what was the result? Yes. NHTSA already has a case opened and they continue to monitor this issue. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=279731&page=2 13. Has anyone filed a lawsuit against BMW? Yes. http://www.scribd.com/doc/17233560/Bmw-Law-Suit-Hpfp Here is another one in California http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...12/ca_bmw.html More lawsuit update posted by Quist: Some more information about the legal actions for this problem. Here is the name of the attorney for the class action. Contact them if you have any questions or to tell them what problems you have experienced with the part and getting repairs. All owners/lessees in the United States are Class members. This is a Nationwide Class. Wigington Rumley Dunn, L.L.P. Attorneys at Law 601 Howard San Antonio, Texas 78212 (210) 487-7500 Y'all feel free to chime in/update/corrections, etc. Last edited by quattr0; 03-29-2010 at 06:05 PM..
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12-21-2009, 07:12 PM	#2
BayMoWe335 Colonel 1200 Rep 2,132 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: US iTrader: (0)	The 120k mile warranty doesn't apply to 2009s and 2010s...yet.
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12-21-2009, 07:38 PM	#3
nukezero Major 353 Rep 1,465 Posts Drives: BMW 3 series Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (8)	FYI - As of December 2009, an unconfirmed source from Bimmerfest says BMW has given another try to improve the high pressure fuel pump in the N54 engine. The current part number as of 12/09 for the HPFP ends in 881. The new HPFP part number is said to end in 943. There is NO information at this time as to when this pump will be released or used. There is no data and no other information as to what this pump fixes or doesn't fix.
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12-21-2009, 07:48 PM	#4
quattr0 First Lieutenant 153 Rep 390 Posts Drives: 335i DD, 991.2 weekend toy! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Updated. Thanks!
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12-22-2009, 11:07 AM	#5
Chopstick217 First Lieutenant 13 Rep 305 Posts Drives: BMW 2020 M8 F92 Donington Grey Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (6)	My car is at 600 miles and I am bringing it in today for a service appointment, I get 4-5 second cranks on a regular basis __________________ 2020 Donington Grey BMW M8 Coupe Competition
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12-22-2009, 11:37 AM	#7
Rando Lieutenant 52 Rep 487 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	This is really great, thank you for putting it up, quattr0. One suggestion that will help folks to read it more easily: can you put all the questions in bold? One other suggestion for a question: "What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms you described in Question #1?" Answer: don't waste time posting about it or talking about it -- take it to the dealer ASAP to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Thanks!
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12-22-2009, 03:09 PM	#9
Mid_West Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I know this may sound a bit superstitious but if I hop in my car and press the brake pedal and start button at roughly the same time, there is a good chance that I get a long crank (4+ turns before starting). When I hold the brake for a few seconds before pressing the button I dont get long cranks. Also, when I press the brake I hear something 'warming' up. It almost sounds like my fuel injected motorcycle upon start up as well. Not sure if this has anything to do with the high pressure fuel pump blowing but it sure has helped me avoid the long cranks.
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12-22-2009, 06:44 PM	#11
JulieDriving Female driving enthusiast :P 81 Rep 2,308 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [10.00]	Thanks for doing this quattr0, and others for contributing. Helpful for us newbies. __________________ 2013 M3 coupe (Azurite Black, Black, Piano Black) + miata nut (2 miatas) + Mk6 GTI 5-door hatch (our mini-SUV )
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12-22-2009, 08:49 PM	#13
Bimmerforlife Major 417 Rep 1,313 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	To the original poster, You do need to bold something because those words and sentences just bleed together, all that writing needs to stand out somehow. Kinda hard to follow for any length of time. Great job by the way.
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12-22-2009, 09:51 PM	#15
ucdbiendog Captain 91 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi E90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Reno, NV iTrader: (0)	great FAQ! I will be getting my first HPFP replacement tomorrow at 40k miles.
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12-23-2009, 12:49 AM	#16
bicoastalbmw New Member 4 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 07' 335i Prem Sport Silver Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I was advised by service director that the new HPFP is out and all others are suppose to be taken off the shelf...my 07' 335 is on it's second replacement a few eeks ago....supposedly they switched manufacturers - looks like I ended up with the old one again though -
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12-23-2009, 11:16 PM	#19
BMWinNorthdakota Banned 252 Rep 1,106 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i e90 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fargo ND iTrader: (0)	Sigh at all the "unknowns" associated with the HPFP Wish BMW would at least inform us with the issue and provide a prevention. We all know they certainly are not to concerned about a permanent fix.
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12-24-2009, 11:27 PM	#20
minicrazy592 Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 2011 E91 328i RWD Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austin,TX iTrader: (1)	My 2010 E90's HPFP just went today at 5500 miles.
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12-27-2009, 05:45 PM	#22
kennykenaz New Member 4 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: in the desert iTrader: (0)	CAN SOMEONE ELABORATE PLEASE? 8. With the HPFP failure like this why you guys/gals still have the car? - BMW extends the warranty to 120k miles. The replacement takes only few hours and you're good to go. As of 12/21, MY 09 and 2010 users have not received letters to state the same extended warranty for 07 and 08 MY users.
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