Been a while, back for a bit, red oil/battery light on

[MafiaAmor]

Hey guys, sorry I've been gone so long. Joined the USMC and been dealing with that.

Anyhow, my 325i e46 2002, stalled while I was driving and the red oil/battery light came on.

I checked the oil, perfect, battery is fine, and I've been trying to find a reason and cannot.

My guesses :
Plugs,alternator,fuel pump.

Thanks for the help as always fellas.

[danewilson77]

Are you sure it was the red oil and battery light? Can't say I've seen those two come on together. How is it running now?

[MafiaAmor]

Yes its the red oil light and battery light. The car will start but die in like 3-4 seconds if that. I've been goggling for answers, I've seen similar symptoms but everyone has a different answer. It just died literally on the street out of nowhere. I leave again in June and I hope I can fix it before I take off.

I'm going to see what I should do here tomorrow, but before I try to take it in, if it's a DYI I'd like to do it.

[MafiaAmor]

Here's a photo I find, this is not my car and I do not have the Brake Pad lights and such on. Just the battery and oil light.

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2x8IDftLTLc/0.jpg

And I don't think it's the alternator because it does start, and I figure a shot alternator wouldn't let electricity run through the car, or even start it for that 3 second time period.

[danewilson77]

Sounds like fuel pump perhaps. Any SES lights? Maybe check fuel pressure at the rail.

You look like the Beeb, don't you? I bet the MArines are having a heyday with that. Anyways....good luck to you, and thanks for serving. Keep your chin up.

[MafiaAmor]

Yes, I was told the fuel pump would be the most obvious way to go. They're known just for kind of just stopping aren't they?

And yes I'm the Beib, they had fun shaving my head that's for sure! It's been a great time, photo's I am getting from what I see is amazing. and I know how much you like photography Dane, the things I've seen would blow peoples minds! We have a beautiful world, but I appreciate it and will serve my best, Semper Fi.

[danewilson77]

Usually////fuel pump failure will be attendant with fault codes. Do the usual....troubleshoot on the relay...and whether or not you hear the fuel pump.



Well....it's great to see you doing well. The military will be what you...the Beib.....makes of it...hehe. Bust your ass everyday......it will pay off.

Watch yer 6.

[MafiaAmor]

Would VDO be an okay brand to use on this, if it does end up being the fuel pump. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-325i-M54_2.5L/Search/Fuel/ES2176243/

And If someone could give me that link to where the e46 part blueprint list is please, I forgot the link, sorry!!!

[MafiaAmor]

realoem.com nevermind got it!

[MafiaAmor]

Usually////fuel pump failure will be attendant with fault codes. Do the usual....troubleshoot on the relay...and whether or not you hear the fuel pump.



Well....it's great to see you doing well. The military will be what you...the Beib.....makes of it...hehe. Bust your ass everyday......it will pay off.

Watch yer 6.


Yes, I've grown to love the Marine Corps. It's given me a bunch of motivation rather than sitting at Spirit day after day. So I quit that job and joined the Corps. I'm enrolled in Photo & Film school in San Diego, since thats where I've been living for the past 6 months. How's everything been with you brother Dane?

[MafiaAmor]

Okay people well I got it towed to my buddies shop.

We figured out that my fuel pump actually sucked up grime from the tank. I got the car to start with some SeaFoam, drove about 30 miles and replaced the oil.

I have ordered a new Fuel Pump and a new Fuel Filter, and will be changing that soon and will update pictures so people know what to look for when a fuel pump goes bad.

Also while it was on the lift, we figured out, for my safety, that I need new lower control arm bushings, who would've thought right?! haha, typical problems.

So I have those ordered too, the mounts are A-OK so before ordering parts, make sure your mounts are good or bad, or if you're anal about it, just change it all while you're down there.

Car is now operating and driving completely fine.

Thanks Guys.

[danewilson77]

All is well. Thanks for asking.

VDO is fine. That's what I have in my ZHP now.

[echo46]

Sorry, I m late to this thread but I would have guessed fuel filter but makes sense to change out the pump and sender too. I did mine with VDO/siemans and Mann fuel filter. Good luck. Semper Fi and thanks for your service.

[johnrando]

Welcome back. Hope you get things fixed. Semper Fi (but I'm not a Marine).

[MafiaAmor]

All is well. Thanks for asking.

VDO is fine. That's what I have in my ZHP now.

Awesome thanks, but Dane one more question!

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-325i-M54_2.5L/Search/Fuel/ES2176243/

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-325i-M54_2.5L/Search/Fuel/ES37448/

Is the Fuel Level Sending Unit a separate part with the VDO one? In the Description it says sending level unit included.

But on the BMW one it says it differently, is this the same thing?

Sorry if this sounds stupid I'm just utterly confused with the way the text is put.






Sorry, I m late to this thread but I would have guessed fuel filter but makes sense to change out the pump and sender too. I did mine with VDO/siemans and Mann fuel filter. Good luck. Semper Fi and thanks for your service.

Thank you Sir, I will change both! And appreciate it very much!


Welcome back. Hope you get things fixed. Semper Fi (but I'm not a Marine).

You don't have to be a Marine to rep the Motto Semper Fi, just Always be loyal to your country. Oorah.


Thanks for the kindness my ZHP Mafia Fam!

[danewilson77]

Not stupid.

They look the same to me. Both look like sending units with the level sensor.

[MafiaAmor]

Not stupid.

They look the same to me. Both look like sending units with the level sensor.


Thank God you knew because the live chat guy didn't seem to know too well.

Thank you all for your help. Hopefully when I visit more of the States I get to come check out more of your cars in person.

[danewilson77]

Sounds good. And I get an autograph and a pic. Make sure the hair is back!

[MafiaAmor]

Sounds good. And I get an autograph and a pic. Make sure the hair is back!

Trust me brother the hair will be back! I miss it already! That was something my Marine buddies said they were going to love to do, is cut off my hair.

[MafiaAmor]

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r512/LandonSalazar/fuel.jpg

I have got my stuff, I'll be in town for a few weeks, Im gonna git r dun.