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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Fuel System Malfunction common issue with the 550?
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      05-14-2013, 08:03 AM   #1
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Question Fuel System Malfunction common issue with the 550?

Is "Fuel Service Malfunction" a common issue among the 550 and 650 engines?

I'm in the market to buy a low-mile, used 2011 550i and intended to purchase one last weekend from a non-BMW dealership when the warning appeared during the test drive. Engine power seemed normal, and limp mode wasn't engaged. Turning off/on the car several times did not reset the warning. I called my service adviser to run the VIN for a service record check and was told the car was clean except for a battery issue 2 years ago that was corrected. I then let the salesman know I wasn't comfortable buying a car that had an issue from the start, even though it's still under manufacturer warranty, and to have them resolve the issue first before I'd consider it. I also asked them to provide the service invoice and a comprehensive used car inspection/assessment from the BMW dealership as well.

While I'm waiting to hear back, I've tried researching the issue but couldn't find much about it except for the following forum threads which didn't seem hopeful.

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=701030
http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686380
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=538526
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=613582

Seeing this malfunction on the F10 550i has got me paranoid since a new E90 335i I previously owned had two HPFP failures, scorched camshaft bearings, and symptoms of a third HFPF failure before I got rid of it for CPO E86 M Coupe (which has been totally reliable for the last 3 years).

Last edited by 45ACP; 05-15-2013 at 08:15 PM..
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      05-15-2013, 07:20 PM   #2
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Not sure how common it is, but my 2011 is almost 2 years old with 17k miles I ran into this a few weeks ago. "fuel system malfunction" message was intermittent and only at start up. Dealer found a code for low fuel pressure and updated software.

Several days later I got a consistent "drivetrain malfunction" message and just replaced the supply module and High Pressure FP.

One interesting note on the work order was "programmed vehicle with control fuel feed pressure conversion" and included a new fuel feed line. They did verify low/high pressures with a mechanical gauge. We'll see if this is a permanent fix.
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      05-15-2013, 07:23 PM   #3
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I did have a fuel level sensor fault (occurred when car has about 5000km) and replaced subsequently, afterwards, no issue at all.

Production date was Sep 2010
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      05-15-2013, 08:33 PM   #4
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Managed to talk to the service adviser directly and he said it was because the car was driven around while the gas tank was nearly empty. When I countered that the fuel gauge was between 1/8 and 1/4 full, he said that sometimes the gas can slosh to one side of the tank during a sharp turn and fool the sensor into thinking there's a problem. I found the assessment to be ridiculous, but the tech recommended filling the tank and taking a test drive.

Now the tech is recommending to replace the fuel line and reprogramming/updating the "computer DME", followed by another test drive. When I asked if the fuel line was corroded or leaking, he said no, but that the fuel line has a built in sensor that could have become faulty.

I'll provide an update when I learn more.
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      05-18-2013, 06:38 PM   #5
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Seems that BMW was able to fix the issue by doing exactly as previously described. I wound up purchasing the vehicle Thursday night and have not had the fuel system malfunction come back.
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      06-02-2013, 07:00 PM   #6
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Same malfunction came back two weeks later! After starting the engine, the warning light briefly comes on and then goes away. Has been happening 90% of the time the past three days. I'm taking the car in to a different dealership this Tuesday. Such inconvenience you have to put up when owning a BMW.
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      06-05-2013, 06:40 PM   #7
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Turns out my 550 was afflicted with the dreaded fuel pump failure... just like how my previous E90 w/ N54 engine was plagued with multiple times. I really hope this is just a freak occurrence and doesn't happen again
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      06-06-2013, 12:23 AM   #8
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I got it myself 1st time ever at 7k on the odometer last Sat. Was after driving with the low fuel warning light on to the gas station and using a new brand of gas I think I've never used before (Arco). No issues or loss of power detected but now it has happened 2-3x since Sat. Goes off at restart but car was perfect before Sat so suspect its a combo of gas and the low fuel issue. Hope it stops with new refill of better gas I usually use (higher grade) otherwise will have it checked out at dealer.
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      06-06-2013, 07:36 AM   #9
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The fuel pumps for BMW's turbo motors are highly sensitive, and using anything other than "top tier gas" can potentially lead to trouble later on.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html
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      06-08-2013, 01:12 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 45ACP View Post
The fuel pumps for BMW's turbo motors are highly sensitive, and using anything other than "top tier gas" can potentially lead to trouble later on.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html
Yes it still is happening but less frequently. I did add a full tank of better gas. What I usually use and hopefully it will cease after I run through another tank or two. But will have the dealer check it out likely as well.
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      03-18-2014, 04:24 PM   #11
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I know this is holy necro here, but I've had my '12 550i for about 2 months now and I get this every once in a while. I got it ALL the time when it was cooler, and honestly I really do only get it when it's cooler and my car has been sitting overnight or all day at my park and ride.
I read something about keeping more than 1/4 tank at all times in the car which I typically do but will make a better rule about it. Also, I use Valero gas (premium) because the station is right by my park & ride, but maybe I should be using better gas? See if that helps any. I've only gotten this code maybe 5 times so I'm waiting til it goes in for service (in about 3300 miles) to have them check it out. Or should I take it now?
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