Need advice/tips in tank fuel pump installation

[York]

Ordered a oem in tank pump and I plan to install myself
Any advice ?

[1st 5er]

Don't drop the nuts into the tank.
My biggest fear when doing that job.

[Shawn D.]

It's an opportune time to replace all the hoses, and make sure you have new gaskets/o-rings on hand.

There's usually a good bit of grit on top of the tank, so brush/blow it off before you open it up. You can vacuum, but do not do that if you have any gasoline fumes!

[York]

Which hoses are you referring to ?

[Shawn D.]

Which hoses are you referring to ?

I figured the context would be sufficient, but I'm referring to the supply and return fuel hoses that connect to the fuel pump assembly (not every hose in the whole car). Obviously (or maybe not), the short section in the tank between the pump and hard line should be replaced as well.

Before you ask "Which gaskets/o-rings are you referring to?," I'm referring to the ones that seal the fuel sender to the plate and the plate to the tank.

[York]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
The swap was easy.
My advice to others would be: when you Order your pump
Also order the gaskets and o ring for pump and fuel level sending unit.
While pump is out check tank for rust

[ZachK907]

Hi there - I've got a 528e automatic and I'm planning on doing this same replacement this winter. Did you drain your fuel tank prior to pulling the in tank fuel pump out or do you just have to clamp the supply / return fuel lines? I took off the cap and hooo boy was it dirty under there - I had to vacuum out quite a bit of dust/rust.

[Mike W.]

Hi there - I've got a 528e automatic and I'm planning on doing this same replacement this winter. Did you drain your fuel tank prior to pulling the in tank fuel pump out or do you just have to clamp the supply / return fuel lines? I took off the cap and hooo boy was it dirty under there - I had to vacuum out quite a bit of dust/rust.

You don't need to drain the tank, but you don't want it full. 3/4 max I would guess. The top of the sending unit/pickup is below the top of the tank, so you emphatically don't want a full tank, BTDT on an earlier BMW. You will want to remove the assembly slowly as there are relative pinholes in the sending unit area so the gauge doesn't bounce up and down. Have some paper towels handy, less in the tank is better, but still doable as long as it's not full, or close to full.

[ZachK907]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll make sure to have the fuel tank ran down below 3/4 before I fully pull it out.