Fuel pump help...I just don't understand
 

Ok so the other day I'm sitting in line to get a state inspection sticker and when I go to pull up in line my car won't start. It'll start sometimes and idle horribly but as soon as you touch the gas pedal it dies.

My guess is fuel issues. The car is about 80 miles from turning 200k and it quits. I got it towed back to my house where it sat all day and then I went to go show my friend what it was doing later, it started right up. a little flustered I turned it off and tried starting it again and this time It had trouble. So I turned it off and tried again and this time no start.

So I went and bought a new fuel pump thinking this is the problem. When the new one came in I go to take the old one out and I realize they are different, really different. The intank space under the seat in my car where every other 1996 318ti's fuel pump that i know of has the fuel pump right there. But mine all it is is the fuel level indicator, and theres only one plug, but the new pump is the fuel level indicator and the fuel pump with a place for 2 plugs.

I can't find another ti like mine on the internet and I know that I have the pump for a 1996 318ti so I'm really confused on what is where and also...WHERE THE HELL IS THE FUEL PUMP ON MY CAR?!?!

so basically I have 2 problems...1.) Do I have the right pump? Where is the pump?, 2.) Is this the right solution to the problem? could it be something else? filter?

Sorry for the long question but anything helps so If you have any clue to either problem PLEASE HELP!

did you see this?
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...-Fuel-Pump.htm

I have never replaced my fuel pump, but my understanding is there is there is a fuel pump/sender and another fuel sender... like this:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...11&hg=16&fg=15


What was the part number of the pump you bought?

not sure but this is the site it came from...its the second one of the 2 the one that is for the ti...http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/bmw...uel-pump/#1996

and yes I have seen those directions on how to change it and its weird b/c the pump the picture in those how-to pictures is exactly like the new one I have and nothing like the one in my car.

That second link you sent me looks similar to whats in the car now. But where does that actually mean the pump is?

A picture would help... of the fuel pump you bought AND what you have under the cover under the back seat cushion.

How do you post pictures into a forum?

it's best if you use a site like photobucket to host the pictures. Then you click the "Go Advanced" button below the reply box. There is an icon that looks like a mountain. Click on that then paste the link into the dialog box. If you don't have a way to host the pictures, just e-mail them to me and I'll post them for you.

By the way... you do own a 318ti, right? Are you aware the 318ti fuel pump is different than the 318i?

Yeah it is a 318ti...

But let me tell you how dumb I feel...I didn't know that there was another space to the tank under the seat on the passenger seat. well i pulled the carpet back on the passenger side and would ya look at that!...a fuel pump!

And it was exactly the same as the one I had, I changed it out in about 5 min and it started right up. and its running great. Thanks for trying to help me though.

how often would you suggest changing a fuel filter?

I think you should change it after you do the pump, I've heard of the filter being clogged and creating enough back pressure in the line to destroy a new fuel pump, not sure if there's any truth to that but even if it isn't, filters aren't that expensive and you can't hurt anything by replacing them early

good thinking I'm probably gunna do that

filters actually 25 bucks at autozone. around 60 for o.e.m from dealer.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8067
if i were you id go ahead and grab 2 3 inch fuel hose's and 4 hose clamps that fit the hose right. its only like 5 bucks more and a smart choice... or atleast was for me since my clamps were rusted over and needed to be cut off with heavy duty scissors. and i had to cut the hose's on either side to get it off as the lines connecting are metal and u dont want to flex them too much.

didnt cost me more than 30 bucks at autozone to buy parts and something to drink while i was under the car lol.