[bigandy]

So my hpfp is on its way out (long crank and poor running) so I phoned the dealer for a price on just parts and parts +fitting. He said for them to fit it they only need 1.5 hours (pretty impressive) but that they also need 2 hours worth of coding?? What could possibly need coding?

After a bit of googling I think what he actually meant was it needs a software update - does anyone know if this is absolutely necessary as I intend to replace the pump myself? What exactly is different on the update and will it help prevent another pump failure?

I don't want to pay 2 hours labour for something which isn't necessary. Also, could that update be done by an Indy?

Cheers
Andy

[djgandy]

HPFP. I'd be getting onto BMW UK and asking them to foot the parts bill at least.

How many miles does your car have?

[AlanYoro35i]

Ask them if BMW would contribute as this is a wide spread issue.

if not then i would just get a bmw indy to do the job. Darren wood is worth to drive up and wait for the car to be done. They have a VERY good rep with us and very GOOD labour rates.

[bigandy]

Thanks for the input but it's not relevant to my question. Car is high miles with little bmwsh, I've spoken to bmwuk and they will not help, wouldn't expect them to tbh.

Any info regarding coding/software updates?

[doughboy]

Yes updates can be done by a good indy.

But the software update for this issue (if you car doesn't have it already) is just a fix to run the Low pressure fuel pump in the tank (LPFP) when you unlock the doors to try and prime up the HPFP some more.

When you unlock the car from cold does the LPFP run (whirring)??

If so you have the update fix, but it was only a botch to try and prop up failing pumps anyway.

So, in short, you'll be fine to just fit the pump.

If you do go down the update route, be aware they can't just do this specific update, they will just press the 'update' button which will update the entire car (all modules) to their latest software version, which will update all sorts of things, if your's hasn't been done for a while then it could be a substantial update taking several hours.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Yes updates can be done by a good indy.

But the software update for this issue (if you car doesn't have it already) is just a fix to run the Low pressure fuel pump in the tank (LPFP) when you unlock the doors to try and prime up the HPFP some more.

When you unlock the car from cold does the LPFP run (whirring)??

If so you have the update fix, but it was only a botch to try and prop up failing pumps anyway.

So, in short, you'll be fine to just fit the pump.

If you do go down the update route, be aware they can't just do this specific update, they will just press the 'update' button which will update the entire car (all modules) to their latest software version, which will update all sorts of things, if your's hasn't been done for a while then it could be a substantial update taking several hours.

Ah that is what that noise is when I wake my car up. I assumed it was something like this but now I know. It almost sounds like electric seats moving or head lamps unfolding.

Also it is a joke that computer updates are charged by the hour. These things require very little human attention.

[bigandy]

Excellent answer doughboy, thankyou.

I'll have to have a think about the updates then, could make some big differences to the car by the sound of it... though not necessarily needed to fix my issues.

[doughboy]

If your HP pump is failing then its a slippery slope that no software change will fix.

Change that for sure and the problem will be fixed. But if you choose to use a BMW dealers they can't insist you have the update as your car is out of warranty so it's bugger all to do with them.

If you fancy a day trip, as others have said, Mike at Darren Wood BMW Indys in Stockport is an experts in all problem 335i. They charge you discounted parts prices and and their labour is only £50/hour, just don't expect glamorous receptionists and free danish... They have a sofa to sit on and a loo so it's not too bad....

Drop Mike a line on info@darren-wood.com

He'll give you their advice and a price (might take a day to reply as I think he only replies after hours when its quieter) or you may need to have a chat if its more complicated. 0161 425 7403.


(PS I'm not on commission, just vouching for their great service and knowledge. Mike also does the BMW Car Club Magazine technical questions column, so he knows his onions)

[phil200tdi]

Get your intake valves cleaned at the same time as replacing the HPFP.

As mentionned before Darren Woods is the best place to go for this type of labour intensive work.