I used SiemensVDO which is OEM to BMW ... OEM like the OEM oil level sensor you installed (I installed the Hella sensor too). While I don't have first hand experience with the last two brands on the list, there are anecdotal comments that lead me not to recommend them over BMW or OEM.

 

i used a VDO, seems to be working great.

don't forget the seal.. i would go with a bmw seal.. i had issues with it...

you want to get the tank in close to the opening. then the seal on.. then slowly press it into place make sure it sticks... and all sides look good.

 

I used a new BMW seal along with the Siemens/VDO fuel pump.

 

As mentioned, Siemens/VDO is what you want to go with (#16146766942). Best price is currently from BMA Parts for $123.15 (use coupon code SPECE30). Used the BMW brand gasket, as well.

As far as the fuel filter goes, you should be fine with Mann, Mahle, or Kayser (OEM).

Won't find many people recommending URO for much of anything.

 

^ Exactly what I was going to say. VDO/Seimens only

 

I reused the original seal as it was in fine shape :dunno:

 

URO? Not in my car!

 

i would always change the seal when changing the fuel pump. its cheap. man you do not want to get a fuel leak back there. its pain in the ass to clean up. it smells horrible. the smell takes weeks dissipate. if you get a leak when you have full tank of gas.. thats a real problem.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I will go with the VDO and definitely get a new seal.

 

I used a "blank" oil level sensor too and it's been fine for 2yrs+
I used a $80 fuel pump and it started to fail after 8 months, got a siemens, 1.5yrs later and still going.

 

Replaced my original pump with a Siemens/VDO this summer. The original pump had Siemens/VDO markings on it and was visually identical to the new pump I installed. IMO because the fuel pump is one of the more expensive components on the car, it's a waste of $$ to get a Genuine BMW pump when you can buy the same exact thing without the BMW logo on it for ~$100 less.

I will say that I replaced the fuel pump seal with a Victor Reinz seal. The VR seal is blue while the original BMW seal was black. Shape and fit were identical but I'm not sure if the VR seal is made of the same material. Hopefully it will be fine over the long haul.

 

I reused the original seal! No leaks or fuel smell. I so cray cray.:chase:

Seal was fine. Nice & flexible still. Wanted to change it really I did, but at the time I ordered it was going to take an extra week and a half to come in. I needed the car. Saved myself whatever an OE seal cost.

 

Whenever the fuel pump is replaced the fuel filter needs to be replaced also.

 

I found a Siemens/VDO when my pump died. The only aftermarket one I might try is an Airtex E8416M. Airtex makes high quality fuel pumps for other applications so this one could be good.

 

I ordered the VDO/Siemens yesterday and the seal. Hope to get it by the weekend.

 

Finally was in town and had enough time to get pump in. Was pretty seamless and is running great. I am planning to order the filter and relay this week. I appreciate all the feedback from the group.

Other than the obvious(my pump was a "soft" failure, was still running but would lose power completely at times), should I notice the car actually running better? Maybe just my imagination.

 

Yes, you may notice the car running better. I replaced my car's pump (and filter) last summer. The original pump had about 110,000 miles on it, so I took jfoj's advice and replaced it. The car felt more responsive after the swap.

 

Looked back at the PO records and saw that the filter was changed about 45,000 miles ago. May wait a few months on it?

 

Finally got around to replacing fuel filter and relay today. Bought the hose and clamp kit from Bavauto but didn't need it, everything was in really good shape.

Was surprised that so many of the plastic "brackets" (i.e. holes in plastic) for my glove compartment were broken or cracked or just fell apart when I took the screw out, I will have to spend some time on those later.

Oh yeah, Mahle filter.

 

Was surprised that so many of the plastic "brackets" (i.e. holes in plastic) for my glove compartment were broken or cracked or just fell apart when I took the screw out, I will have to spend some time on those later.

Sounds like it may have been parked outside in the sun for a few years, my car is a San Diego/South Florida car, anything that has a plastic tab or clip attached to is subject to failure if I try and take something apart. The windows had no tint, until I bought it, and the CA and FL sun just baked the crap out of everything in the interior for 15 years. Just replaced the sunroof motor cover last week, it just fell off. the rest of the upholstery from the windows up was recovered last year.

 

Unfortunately the VDO/Siemens pump is failing already . . . really frustrated about that! 1/4 tank and losing pressure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I changed it November 24th, didn't last long! Less than 3,000 miles!

 

Did you change the fuel sender on the drivers side? That is why the car dies under 1/4 tank since when it fails it cannot transfer fuel to the passenger side where the pump is.

 

I didn't change that, I will have to figure out what part that is???

 

I cleaned the contacts on the drivers side unit.
contact cleaner and a small wire brush. Do this first.

It helps the gauges read correctly.
As far as I know. The drivers side causes problems. It doesn't fail much. It just gets dirty from sulfur build up

 

I might try that. But I already ordered a new driver side sending unit. Should be here next week.

 

Anyone used the VEMO fuel pumps that ECS is selling ?

 

Vemo is not an OEM manufacturer for fuel pumps, stick with VDO/Siemens as mentioned in this thread.