In February 2013 BMW announced that it was recalling 569,000 vehicles due to defective High Pressure Fuel Pumps (HPFP). There were 504,000 affected vehicle in the U.S. and another 65,000 in Canada. This is the second time BMW has issued a recall due to defective fuel pumps. The first recall was issued in 2010 and there were 130,000 vehicles involved in that one. If you are one of the 569,000 vehicle owners of a 3 Series sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible from 2007-2011, a 1 Series coupe or convertible 2008-2012, or a Z4 sports car from 2008-2011 then BMW is recalling your vehicle. This was also a very common problem on the 2007-2009 MINI Cooper S models, and BMW extended the warranty on the HPFP on these models as well.

So, how do you know if you are having the issue? Well that is a good question and it is not always easy one to answer. The HPFP does not always just die, it sometimes prolongs the issue making it confusing to diagnose unless the check engine light comes on. Some of the pumps have been reported to die all at once, with some even failing while driving at freeway speeds, causing the engine to die abruptly (very dangerous). The most common symptom that the HPFP is starting to fail is the engine surging while driving. This is usually followed up by difficulty starting, and then when the engine finally does start, it runs poorly (feels like a diesel engine). When you get to this stage, usually the check engine light will come on and register misfire codes, thankfully making it easier to figure out.

Our recommendation is that if you are having any of these symptoms to get your vehicle to a certified BMW repair specialist and get your vehicle checked before it becomes dangerous, and so that possible warranty coverage may be verified.

Below is the text of the BMW Service Bulletin:

Applies to: BMW 3 Series 2007-2008 – Turbo Models Only – Engine Codes: N54 (platforms: E90, E92, E93)

Additional Models:

MY 2007/2008 E60, E61 – 535i/535xi with N54 engine

MY 2008 E82, E88 – 135is with N54 engine

BMW Technical Bulletin SI B 13 03 09

Date: April 2009

Subject: BMW emissions warranty of the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) has been extended from 4 years or 50,000 miles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

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 BMW automobiles equipped with N54 engines. It is estimated 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 long cranking times or reduced engine performance (engine in failsafe mode) when the HDP malfunctions.

Correction:

In the event that the High Pressure Fuel Pump of an MY 2007/2008 3 Series vehicle (335i/xi Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), MY 2007/2008 5 Series vehicle (535i/xi Sedan/Sports Wagon), or MY 2008 1 Series vehicle (135is Coupe/Convertible) 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 replacing instructions, refer to SI B12 55 06 and RA 13 51 017, found in BMW TIS.

Emissions Warranty Information

The emissions warranty extension for this component applies to the above-listed models only, and is transferable to any subsequent purchaser of these models.

This extended emissions warranty is applicable to vehicles registered in all 50 states.

Warranty coverage for all other parts is not affected.

BMW will inform all affected owners of the above-listed models of their extended High Pressure Fuel Pump emissions warranty.

If you’re having issues discussed above and are looking for a BMW service facility in Los Angeles, call Haus of MINIS & BMW to schedule a diagnostic appointment.