The Impact of a Malfunctioning Fuel Pressure Regulator in Your BMW

While BMW manufactures some of the most well-known vehicles in terms of high quality, luxury, and performance, they are still subject to issues that plague the internal combustion engine. In order to run correctly, a car’s fuel pressure regulator must also be working properly. If not, a myriad of problems can present themselves and the car will not drive the way it should, if it even starts at all.

Your BMW is equipped with a fuel pressure regulator, which has the job of ensuring the right amount of fuel is sent to the combustion chambers by way of the fuel pump. The pump is the mechanism that physically moves the fuel, while the regulator serves to monitor conditions and direct the fuel’s pressure.

If the fuel pressure regulator is not working correctly, you will notice due to the extreme symptoms it can produce. In other words, the fuel pressure regulator is indeed a very important component of any BMW and you need it to work to have a healthy running car. Let’s go over some of the signs your fuel pressure regulator is not functioning the way it should.

 

Signs of Fuel Pressure Regulator Trouble in BMW

●      Reduced gas mileage: You might notice having to fill up more often, indicating you are no longer getting the usual MPG. Some vehicles have a display on the dashboard to indicate your MPG. If your BMW has this feature, it is wise to use it so you can see more accurately whether you have lost fuel efficiency.

●      Running rich: When too much fuel is used in the air/fuel mixture, it is said to be running rich. A sure sign of this is black smoke coming from the exhaust.

●      Fuel leaks: You may notice fuel leaks. These are a fire hazard, so exercise extreme caution. If you suspect fuel leaks, immediate inspection by a qualified professional is warranted. Such leaks can occur at the tailpipeor at any of the fuel lines present in the engine bay. For example, fuel might be present in vacuum lines, where it should not be. You may also find the oil dipstick smells like fuel, when obviously, it should not.

●      Fuel pump noise: You might actually be able to hear your fuel pump making a lot more noise. It may sound like a whine coming from near your gas tank. Be mindful of any new noises when operating your BMW because they can be a cause for concern, regardless of whether they have anything to do with the fuel system.

●      Loss of power: You might notice that when you press the accelerator, the car does not move as quickly as it used to. This can be dangerous when you need and expect power yet it does not occur.

●      Poor running: Along with lack of power, the car might experience misfires and/or backfires. A misfire occurs when the combustion process does not happen in one or more cylinders. This can often be heard while driving or at idle, meaning your engine will not sound healthy, as if it is skipping or stuttering. A backfire happens when the combustion process does occur, but it occurs in the exhaust. This is usually loud and can even be accompanied by fire coming out of the exhaust.

●      Black spark plugs: This will only be known when the spark plugs are removed from the engine for inspection, which can require dismantling of many parts prior to their extraction. This is often something assessed during a professional inspection by a mechanic.

●      No start: The engine might not crank at all, as it relies on the fuel pump to do so. The fuel pump relies on the pressure regulator to ensure the right amount of fuel arrives, so if these components are not functioning correctly, you may find yourself unable to start your car.

 

Bavarian Workshop for Your BMW’s Service

Since 1978, certified technicians at Bavarian Workshop have served customers in Agoura, Calabasas,  Woodland Hills, and West Hills, CA. We specialize in German vehicles, so you can be confident we have the skills and equipment necessary to service your BMW.

 

We offer shuttle services, car washes with appointments, as well as after hours drop off. Our address is 23710 Vanowen St. West Hills, CA 91307. Call 818-346-9363 to schedule an appointment or use our online booking form.

 

* BMW 3 Series Car image credit goes to: D. Lentz.