[jadams161]

I am dealing with what appears to be a failing low pressure fuel pump in my 2011 328 with the N51 144k. Came up on the screen for fuel pump malfunction and car shut off. Protool shows codes 6292 and 6293 for ekpm voltage too low and too high. I read in an old post that if you have both codes its usually the fuel pump. My question is what test would point towards a bad or failing fuel pump versus a bad or failing EKP module? I have a new pump coming Wednesday and will replace that and can grab another EKP from the salvage yard Tuesday for testing purposes.
I guess my thoughts are that a failing pump could cause the EKP to overheat. It's 15* in NY currently so outside temp isn't an issue.

[Cal122]

Being a Sulev NY car and if you're within the 15yr/150k Sulev warranty, BMW should cover the repair (If you have the time and want to go that route). Both the Fuel Pump Control unit and Delivery Unit, Right are listed in the warranty guide.

[jadams161]

I am under warranty but fighting with the stealership isn't worth my time. My dealership is filled with assholes that don't know how to put air in a tire. If they refuse to fix it because there is no MIL light on, then I'm stuck with $200/hr labor diagnostics charges which will be more than a pump.
I just finished replacing the pump and car runs fine, no codes but after 20 minutes of running the car the EKPS module seemed kinda warm to touch.

[Cal122]

I feel your pain, been there done that too many times. Plus there's never a guarantee they won't break something that's not under warranty and you're stuck with a larger bill. In any case, glad to hear that the new pump seems to have sorted out the issue and the codes haven't come back.

[jadams161]

So just a follow up for anyone else that comes across this issue.
I replaced the pump, checked all hoses and connections. Car starts and drives fine for a few minutes around local roads. I pulled the module from behind the seat so I could monitor temp while driving. When I tried to get onto the highway after 10+ minutes of driving the car shut down. Pulled over and the EKPS was too hot to even touch. Let it cool down and I was able to get home. Same codes. So chances are I only needed the module and my fuel pump was fine, 50/50 gamble I guess... Going to try to source a used one as a temp fix. I wish the SULEV warranty was easier to deal with at the dealership as all this would be covered.

[iv]

Okay, I had the exact same issue on my SULEV N51 2011 years ago. Two ways to fix;

1) Get the bimmergeeks cable and app. I think the cable with the license is around $150-$175. Need to have an android phone for the application. They have an override for the error in the EKP module built into the app that bypasses the shutoff procedure so even if your ekp module is faulty, it will prevent the car from shutting off. This is a quick and in my opinion, temporary fix without having to do any physical work/replacement to the car. However it will work indefinitely.

2) Get a new or used ekp module and code it to the car. If you buy used make sure you get the EKPM3 from an E90 328i or 335i LCI. A F30 or pre-LCI EKP will NOT work, even if it is an “EKPM3” module. The bimmergeeks app can do this for you, or if you have INPA/ISTA. This is the correct fix long term and what I did. Eventually.

If you are under the 15 year/150k miles SULEV warranty and in a SULEV state you can get a BMW dealer to do the repair and charge BMW NA though. Free to you.

My opinion is to get the bimmergeeks cable and application license and a new or proper used EKPM3. No reason to not get bimmergeeks if you don’t have it already. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for us. Pretty much full INPA/ISTA BMW service software with a very user friendly GUI for androids. Good luck.

[iv]

Also your fuel pump was almost certainly fine, but at least you have a new one now. To recoup some of the cost I’d recommend selling the old, good one. The issue is the voltage regulator in the EKP fuel modules crap out eventually, it’s not necessarily overheating which is what I thought as well due to my issue appearing in the middle of a Texas summer. Also I’m surprised the dealer would give you any trouble. They are getting the money from BMW NA and it’s a straight forward repair. Just print out the SULEV warranty paperwork and tell them to read the faults in the EKP module. If they don’t help past that then contact BMW NA for compensation.

I’ll be honest, I took the car to BMW of Austin at first when this issue was happening, they held onto the car for nearly two weeks. They could not get the issue to reoccur and tried to charge me $3500 of labor and parts to replace the battery and other electrical components unrelated to the EKP module “on a hunch” and lied to my face about the battery being original when the date on it was ~1 year old. (Had just replaced it) I respectfully declined, picked up the car, and being in the automotive customer service industry myself, reported them to BMW NA for being incompetent or dishonest, or both. Got to enjoy a brand new 540i loaner for the time it was there though.

[jadams161]

I have Protool and use it frequently on my BMW's.
It is unfortunate that the codes don't point to the pump OR EKPS. Seems like the codes could be either as I've discovered. Reason I went to the pump first was the error message onboard the car that stated "fuel pump malfunction". I figured with a 2011 at 144k it could be failing and causing a high current draw on the module. But I'm no engineer and my knowledge of ISTA is low.
New pump was $225 from Rock Auto and I am sure I can source a good used EKPS today.
I wish I could have trusted my dealership, Gault BMW, but sadly after they fucked me over with disa valve replacement, I wasn't chancing a $200+ an hour diag fee and them saying they couldn't find a problem and I owe them $800 or something.

[marvinstockman]

Sometimes if the emission valves don't work properly to vent the fuel tank, your pump will be working against a vacuum. When the car stalls, scoot under the fuel tank and see if it is scrunched in, or open the fuel cap and listen for a whoosh.

[jadams161]

It's definitely the EKPS, dam thing was nearly on fire this morning.. wish I had a temp gun on it

[marvinstockman]

I don't know what your actual problem is, but a fuel pump working against a vacuum will draw extra current, resulting in a very hot EKPS.

[jadams161]

Being an N51 SULEV, I would imagine that I'd be throwing codes if there was any issues with the EVAP or vacuum system on this car. But I understand what you mean.
Mine is just a failed EKPS module.. old and over worked.

[iv]

[QUOTE=jadams161;30824037]I have Protool and use it frequently on my BMW's.
It is unfortunate that the codes don't point to the pump OR EKPS. Seems like the codes could be either as I've discovered. Reason I went to the pump first was the error message onboard the car that stated "fuel pump malfunction". I figured with a 2011 at 144k it could be failing and causing a high current draw on the module. But I'm no engineer and my knowledge of ISTA is low.
New pump was $225 from Rock Auto and I am sure I can source a good used EKPS today.
I wish I could have trusted my dealership, Gault BMW, but sadly after they fucked me over with disa valve replacement, I wasn't chancing a $200+ an hour diag fee and them saying they couldn't find a problem and I owe them $800 or something.

Do you have both licenses for Protool? You should be able to see the EKP module and code the voltage override on it for now so the car won’t shut off.

[jadams161]

The voltage over ride is for using after market Walbro pumps. Not the car for a stock 328 with stock pump. The EKPS has failed.. heat related I'm sure. I was able to source a low mile revision 07 from eBay for $28. So coded it and running fine. Guess I have a spare OEM pump for future needs or testing.