89 & 91 Fuel pump (tank) removal ?

[Jamaica WI]

We have determined the tank pump doesn't have enough pressure when measured at the tank side of the filter. This on the 1991 318 ic. I have disconnected electric lines and fuel line, loosend the retaining ring BUT can only raise the pump an inch or so out of tank. It will spin but I can not find location that allows the pump to come out of the tank. It is like that window should be wider!! there are a couple E-30's at the junk yard with pumps intact and I want to remove them and test. What is the secret to get the pump out of the tank?? We had checked that the pump has power to it, just not enough pressure.

Our 1989 ix has same setup with 2 tank window panels I assume the one on the drivers side is just the sending unit. My friend has a 1985 or 86 325i parts car that was running good but his tank only has a window on passenger side that has electric and fuel line. He lives 100 miles away and I would go visit him IF I thought that pump would be interchangeable. By his description of the size and configuration of bolts and wiring it is externally VERY close. Is it possible it is close enough to work?

I will definitely put in a new filter but don't want to spend the $300 for the new pump if I can help it! I can get a couple good used pump for just my labor and since we have 2 of the E 30's I would like to have a spare pump and know how to chnge it myself! Plan on keep these 2 for another 5 years as the last 5 years they have been so dependable. I keep them well maintained. I just love the gas economy of the DOHC 318 and the feel of the 5 speed. Wife loves the 325 !X and its heated seats and auromatic BUT that car gets terrible gas mileage, worse the 3/4 ton GMC !! BUT it goes thru snow better.

Also what would be the best service manual I could buy for the 1991 318??
The Haynes manual doesn't cover our DOHC motor!

Sure would appreciate any Email with the trick to pump removal!!

Thanks you for any help.
Don in Belleville, Illinois

My Email is: JamaicaWI@aol.com

[Jamaica WI]

I asked a couple simple questions about removing the tank pump.
Surely some of you know the answers.
Give me a break. post a reply or send an Email to me.
maybe oneday the favor will come back to you.

Thanks in advance

[Jeron]

I haven't dealt with E30's and I don't know any tricks. The only impediment I can see to removing the pump is disconnecting the siphon line that runs between the tanks if your car has it. On some E30 or E36's the siphon line is external.

[Jamaica WI]

Figured it out, after ruining a good used one getting it out: DO NOT loosen the assembly from the tank. Leave the lock ring and fuel line connected. ONLY take the 4 nuts and washers off and the 1 electric connection and then lift the pump out of the center hole. 5/16" nut driver worked for that. Only tool needed! Now to find another donor car!

Thank you Jeron for having the courtesy to at least acknowledge my post. I find it hard to believe that 50 plus people read my post and didn't know that OR wouldn't take time to help somone. I came over from Roadfly 6 series board where everyone is very helpful.

[Jeron]

There are less people here. I suppose they didn't know. Apparently Roadfly didn't either.