[sparky12]

Thought I'd post my experience so far...kind of long but I needed to vent.

My car: 2009 335i M-Sport, six speed

Here goes...about two months ago with 5,000 miles on the odometer, I was driving along one morning and started noticing a significant decrease in responsiveness. Every time I hit the gas she would sputter a bit - almost like when you start your weed eater and leave the choke off. No SES light or anything else appeared on the dash. Global Imports BMW is about a mile from my office so I stopped in for them to have a look. They told me that, unfortunately, since she didn't throw a code, there wasn't much they could do. Great. I headed to work and the issue went away by the time I left.

Fast forward to this past Wednesday, I had been noticing long cranks in the mornings and a little hesitation until she warmed up. One Wednesday morning, I had about an 1/8 of a tank of gas. Started her up and saw the SES light come on. I made an appointment for Thursday morning. Interesting that I filled up Wednesday afternoon and the light went off. I still brought her in.

When they finally called me back yesterday, they said they needed to check it out the next morning when it was cold. I was told this morning that it could either be the HPFP or injectors but was there definitely was a problem with the fuel pressure. My SA also said it was odd since the '09 already had the newer fuel pump. Whatever. Apparently BMW has taken away the dealer's authority to make repairs for this issue so the SA said they had submitted the "puma case" (I'm sure that's not right but I didn't ask for clarification and assumed it's some sort of case management solution). He said BMW had the data from the car and was in a better position to make the call on what to repair. Again, whatever.

So, as it stands now, they're waiting for the go ahead on what to repair. Likely be Monday before I get her back.

I'm sure you've probably read this same story over and over but figured I'd offer the experience to the group.

Wish me luck!

[JayKay335i]

The updated fuel pump on 09's didn't fix the problem, as you know. They shouldn't have to open PUMA case. Its generally an easy fix.

[LagMode335i]

Sounds par for the course........at least you have a code; mine has been stuck in slow-ass mode for sometime now. Not even worthy of a low level sportscar.

[sparky12]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

They shouldn't have to open PUMA case. Its generally an easy fix.

I assumed with all the issues they're seeing that this would have been a slam dunk. Silly me.

Seems like I read in another thread that a new part number has been released in the last couple weeks for an updated HPFP. We'll see what happens.

[Oulixes]

Sparky12, read the post by skeptic in the sticky on the HPFP. Skeptic published the update of the BMW Service Information Bulletin (SI B 13 03 09, Fuel Systems, January 2010, Technical Service). Some of the information is interesting, e.g. the bulletin confirms that the dealer has to get permission before replacing a faulty pump.

[sparky12]

Originally Posted by Oulixes

Sparky12, read the post by skeptic in the sticky on the HPFP. Skeptic published the update of the BMW Service Information Bulletin (SI B 13 03 09, Fuel Systems, January 2010, Technical Service). Some of the information is interesting, e.g. the bulletin confirms that the dealer has to get permission before replacing a faulty pump.

Thanks - I'll give it a read. To be honest, it's more of an inconvenience than anything else at this point. I am looking forward to getting her back though - the automatic 328i they gave me as a loaner isn't my fave.

[nukezero]

Your dealer and probably the rest of all of them are all mis-informed. Someone has posted an update to the original SIB service bulletin in regards to 2007-08 HPFP 10yr/120k.

They've JUST ADDED 2009 to the list. So please, have your dealer do their homework and ask their receptionist to go online and get that information.

MY2009 was just recently added in January 2010 and I'm almost certain, next year, in this same time frame, they will add 2010 model years to the list too. Why does it take a year you ask? Well because, they need "data" from the guinea pigs (consumers) to tell whether or not the problem is isolated or prevalent (design flaw) .

[nukezero]

here you go, i' just pulled this from the HPFP FAQ. Print this out and throw it at your dealer's face.

SI B 13 03 09
Fuel Systems January 2010
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 09 dated November 2009.

designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
N54 Special Limited High-pressure Pump (HDP) Emissions Warranty of 10 Years/120,000 Miles

MODEL

MY 2007,2008, 2009 E60, E61 – 535i, 535xDrive with N54 engine

MY 2007, 2008, 2009 E90, E92, E93 – 335i, 335xDrive, 335Ci, 335CixDrive, 335Cic with N54 engine

MY 2008, 2009 E82, E88 – 135is with N54 engine

MY 2009 E89 – Z4 sDrive 35i with N54 engine

MY 2009 E71 – X6 xDrive 35i with N54 engine

SITUATION
BMW has become aware of a potential problem that could affect the durability of the High–pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) of certain MY 2007, 2008, and 2009 BMW automobiles equipped with N54 engines. We estimate that only a small percentage of vehicles will actually develop a problem. Vehicles affected may have the Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated with various low fuel pressure-related faults (e.g., 29DC, 29F1, 29F2 ) stored in the Engine Control Module (DME). Also, the affected vehicles may experience an extended engine starting time ("long crank") or reduced engine performance ("engine failsafe mode") when the High-pressure Fuel Pump malfunctions.

CORRECTION
In the event that the High-pressure Fuel Pump of an MY 2007, 2008 or 2009 3 Series vehicle (335i/xi Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), MY 2007, 2008 or 2009 5 Series vehicle (535i/xi Sedan/Sports Wagon), MY 2008 or 2009 1 Series vehicle (135is Coupe/Convertible), MY 2009 Z4 sDrive 35i, or MY 2009 X6 xDrive 35i equipped with the N54 engine exhibits the symptoms listed above, it should be replaced with the improved part (P/N 13 51 7 592 881). For HDP diagnostic and replacement instructions, refer to SI B12 55 06 and RA 13 51 017, found in BMW TIS.

IMPORTANT:

Since Monday, October 19, 2009, a Part Replacement Authorization has been required (via submission of a TC Case) for replacement of the N54 HDP Pump on E82, E88, E89, E60, E61 and E71 vehicles. For details related to the "N54 Fuel System TC Action", refer to SI B13 08 09.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description

13 51 7 592 881 HDP High-pressure Fuel Pump

11 61 7 547 242 Profile manifold gasket kit

13 53 7 582 770 ASA bolt M8x17.5

[Oulixes]

Originally Posted by sparky12

Thanks - I'll give it a read. To be honest, it's more of an inconvenience than anything else at this point. I am looking forward to getting her back though - the automatic 328i they gave me as a loaner isn't my fave.

Well, I thought what skeptic posted is an interesting read. The fact that the dealer has to get the pump replacement approved likely means that the four-hour pump replacements are a thing of the past, so your inconvenience will last longer than before. On the other hand, the MY2009 pumps are now guaranteed for 10 years or 100,000 miles, which will at a minimum increase the resale value. You've asked for good luck wishes - you have them from me.

[sparky12]

Well, the dealership finally came through this past Monday. They decided I was worthy of having a new fuel pump installed - and the part # jives with what nukezero posted above (13 51 7 592 881 ). So far so good.

[Kevin Harney]

Well good and bad!! Glad they installed a new one but too bad they installed the old flawed part and not the new and improved one !!! LOL