2009 BMW 3-Series

Well, it seems my 08 335i (manual with sports package) may have also fallen victim to HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) failure. I took the car in yesterday because for the past two-three days, ignition times have been intermittently taking upward of 5 to 7 seconds. Classic symtoms of the well known, wide spreed, fuel pump failure that has plagued the 335i since it's intitial debut 2 years ago! I thought my late production (June 2008 build date) model would have a propper fix but I guess not. I thought wrong. This leads me to believe that either BMW has no propper fix, or that they are intentionally selling cars with fuel pumps that have a high propability of failure. I don't have access to the statistics but judging by reports on edmunds, m3post, topix and many other smaller websites (just google 335i fuel pump), I'd bet the chances are around 50-50 for a 335i to have this issue. I haven't heard of any 09s failing, but I have no reason to assume the 09s have been propperly fixed.
I haven't heard back from the dealer yet, but judging by the many posts I've read, I'd bet not only is the fuel pump bad..but they will try to patch it up with software rather than replace the pump. A software fix, according to forum reports, will result in higher throttle pressure during ignition as well as higher rpm for lower gears.
Such a fix, according to forum reports, not only alters normal throttle characteristics and introduces turbo lag, but also has a good chance of being temporary at best. Reports of fuel pumps failing even after a software fix are all over the net. I'd be happy if they just replaced the pump with a propperly designed one.
 
For now, I must live with the 328 auto that they loaned me. I wouldn't mind this car if it were smoke free (obviously..someone has smoked heavily in this car before .. it's even worse when the AC is turned on)..and if it didn't have a hard limiter (5k rpm) which not onlyl cuts engine power 5krmp, but actually feels as though it pulses the brakes! This almost caused an accident the first time it happened since I was unaware that such a mechanism was in place!!
 
Please note:
I'm actually very pleased with BMW support and service. They took the car in immediately and were very nice. I do appreciate the loaner..even if it is a lesser car. Such service more than compensates for the inconvience which is some-what expected for high performance machines. I just hope they do the right thing and replace the fuel pump, if it is indeed faulty, with a good one.
 
Mainly at this point,.. I already miss my 335i..and want her back soon.
 
I will keep the world community posted on this.. I hope it turns out well.
 
Joseph
San Diego

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Nov 19, 2008 10:37 am)
• kdshapiro (Nov 19, 2008 10:52 am)
• roadburner (Nov 19, 2008 11:27 am)
• pat (Nov 19, 2008 8:25 pm)
  • jmaroun (Nov 20, 2008 12:00 pm)
    • pat (Nov 20, 2008 2:51 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2008 10:19 am)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2008 10:19 am)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2008 10:19 am)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2008 10:19 am)

Replies to this message:
• jmaroun (Nov 20, 2008 12:00 pm)
  • pat (Nov 20, 2008 2:51 pm)

Replying to: pat (Nov 19, 2008 8:25 pm)

Replies to this message:
• pat (Nov 20, 2008 2:51 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 20, 2008 12:00 pm)

I was just responding to the second paragraph of your post where you explain that what you think they will do will not fix the problem, and in fact, will introduce another issue. Not sure what doesn't make sense about that.

Anyway, I got my 335i back today with a new fuel pump It drives great and starts up quickly now.
 
Just a few side notes..There is a HUGE difference between the 335i and the 328s they loaned me! And I noticed a marked difference between the 328 and the 330i I leased for three years...The 330i definately has a tad more umff than the 328.
Anyone considering a 328 should save up a few grand for the 335i.
It's well worth it. I got mine for $40k!
 
Also, having just compared back to back, I'm assured that leatheretes are much better than leather seating. Leatherette holds you in better and more securely. (probably higher coeficient of friction) This experience also gave me a chance to compare steptronic to manual back to back... there is simply no comparison. Get the manual..for the more sporty, cleaner, and untarnished driving experience. Not to mention, YES (for those in doubt).. manual IS more fun. It's true.
 
So, it turned out great, just as I've hoped. BMW did the right thing. They fixed my car promptly and correctly. Thanks BMW!
 
Joseph
San Diego

Replies to this message:
• fedlawman (Nov 21, 2008 7:15 pm)
  • roadburner (Nov 22, 2008 9:50 pm)
    • kdshapiro (Nov 23, 2008 6:41 am) and 6 more...
• pat (Nov 22, 2008 10:41 am)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 21, 2008 3:32 pm)

If you can tell the difference between 255 and 230 HP in a 3500 lb car, you must have a really sensitive rear end. Maybe those "high coefficient of friction" seats have something to do with this?
 
For the "more sporty, cleaner, and untarnished driving experience," get the 1-series.

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Nov 22, 2008 9:50 pm)
  • kdshapiro (Nov 23, 2008 6:41 am)
    • roadburner (Nov 23, 2008 11:13 am) and 5 more...

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 21, 2008 3:32 pm)