BMW X4 Multiple Issues, Fuel Pump or Something Else?

Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs and had a similar situation with my 2013 BMW X3 last year. The symptoms you're describing sound very familiar, I also had starting issues and rough running. Turned out to be a bad wiring connection to the fuel pump. My regular workshop found that the connector plug was corroded and not making proper contact. They cleaned the connections and replaced some damaged wiring, cost me 95 Euro for the fix. Since then, my X3 (and also my 's 3 Series) has been running perfectly. Before jumping to conclusions about the fuel pump itself, it would help if you could share: Any error codes you're getting? Does this happen more when the engine is cold or warm? Have you noticed any unusual noises from the rear of the car? Let me know these details and I might be able to help you narrow it down further.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My last service was just 2 weeks ago and at 109814 KM. I'm getting error code P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low) and P0171 (system too lean). The issues happen mostly when the engine is cold, especially in the morning. And yes, I've been hearing a whining noise from the back, particularly when the fuel level is low. Your X3 situation sounds similar, though I'm hoping it's just a wiring issue like yours was. I'll definitely get the connections checked before replacing the entire pump. Been taking good care of this X4, so it's frustrating dealing with these problems now. The fuel consumption increase is what's really bothering me, burning through a tank way faster than usual. Would you recommend taking it to a BMW specialist, or would a regular workshop be able to handle this?

Hey again! Thanks for those details, those are exactly the error codes I got with my X3 too! While my issue turned out to be just wiring, I'm actually thinking your case might be different from what I experienced. That whining noise you're hearing is a pretty big red flag that I didn't have with my wiring problem. From what you're describing now, especially with the error codes and that whining sound, I hate to say it but it's looking more like a failing fuel pump rather than just a connection issue. I actually had the pump go bad in my previous X3 (2011 model) and the symptoms were identical to what you're experiencing now. Since you asked about workshops, after my experience, I'd strongly recommend going to a BMW specialist for this one. Regular workshops are fine for basic stuff, but fuel system issues on these cars can be tricky. When I tried a regular workshop with my old X3's fuel pump, they ended up taking twice as long and I still had issues afterward. The specialist might be pricier initially, but they'll likely get it right the first time. Just a heads up, if it is the pump, you might want to plan for it soon. Mine completely failed about two weeks after those symptoms started getting bad. Not fun being stranded with a dead fuel pump! Have you noticed if the whining noise gets louder when you accelerate? That was another telltale sign with my old X3's pump before it gave up completely.

Thanks so much for the detailed advice! That's really concerning about your old X3's fuel pump failing completely, definitely don't want to end up stranded somewhere. And yes, now that you mention it, the whining noise does get louder during acceleration. This pretty much confirms what you're saying about it being the actual pump rather than just wiring. I'll take your advice and book it in with a BMW specialist. Rather pay more upfront and get it sorted properly than mess around with multiple repair attempts. Really appreciate you sharing both your experiences, the wiring issue with your 2013 X3 and the pump failure in your 2011. It's helped me understand what I'm dealing with much better. Guess I'll start looking for a good specialist right away before this gets worse. Really don't want to risk having it fail completely like yours did. Thanks again for all the help, you've probably saved me a lot of hassle and frustration!