2011 BMW 328i SULEV Coupe

scho77 · 05-20-2012, 10:16 AM

Quick question guys, I have been trying to find the answer on forums and google, but it seems I am going no where.

I read this statement from somewhere on google

"All 2010 328i models have fuel pumps that can be changed without replacing the entire tank."

Does this mean that, 2010/2011 models, you do not have to worry about that ridiculous $6000+ fuel tank replacement anymore? Are the cost of repairs if something goes wrong around the same for the n51 sulev vs n52 ulev now?

This is important as, I am still waiting for the BMW Canada to confirm if the extended sulev warranty does transfer over, but I highly doubt it.

Let me know guys,

Thank you for your time.

AddictedToBavarian · 05-20-2012, 01:36 PM

I read your last thread on this. I don't know why you're so concerned with the gas tank needing to be replaced. I can't remember one story of a gas tank needing replacement on E9X. Actually, I never heard of it period. The 328 is a very reliable car. Don't worry about it man. Buy it and enjoy it.

scho77 · 05-21-2012, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AddictedToBavarian

I read your last thread on this. I don't know why you're so concerned with the gas tank needing to be replaced. I can't remember one story of a gas tank needing replacement on E9X. Actually, I never heard of it period. The 328 is a very reliable car. Don't worry about it man. Buy it and enjoy it.

I understand, but I am thinking of owning this vehicle for 4 years and resell it without any concerns for the next driver.

"It looks like the newer version of the SULEV engine (N51) has a plastic fuel tank and a servicable fuel pumps available for it on the parts listings. The prices for these seem to be within reason. Therefore it seems like they might have improved the design of the fuel supply on the SULEV engine (as it can now be maintained for a reasonable price if the pump goes or filter clogs)."

Can anyone confirm this? I am still waiting for BMW NA to respond, but if any of you guys can answer, it would be nice and one less thing to worry about.

project6 · 05-21-2012, 10:06 AM

Taking every precaution?
Have you taken steps to mitigate the inevitable carbon build up in your engine?
What about the RFTs, you know they are very expensive to replace.
There are so many things that can go wrong within the life span of the car. Make sure you take precautions to head those off.
But really, that fuel tank obsession is not healthy. Seek help, and I don't mean from your SA or BMWNA.
And why would BMWNA respond to your inquiry which would confirm a flaw in their design?

But then again, just because you are paranoid does not mean your car is not going to break down.

AddictedToBavarian · 05-21-2012, 10:49 AM

Wow and with that attitude don't expect any help from these forums. He might of put it a little harsh, but it's true. You're worrying about a fuel tank. How about the N52 ticking issue that might end up needing a whole cylinder head replacement? That's about $6,000. Take problems as they come. Why worry about something so rare? If we're going down that road I guess your car can explode at any second with a fuel related incident. Are you not going to drive?

scho77 · 05-21-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AddictedToBavarian

Wow and with that attitude don't expect any help from these forums. He might of put it a little harsh, but it's true. You're worrying about a fuel tank. How about the N52 ticking issue that might end up needing a whole cylinder head replacement? That's about $6,000. Take problems as they come. Why worry about something so rare? If we're going down that road I guess your car can explode at any second with a fuel related incident. Are you not going to drive?

Hello,

I was just a bit annoyed with his comments.My apologies.

You are correct, I probably will not have any issues during my 4 years. I am just concerned the next driver will not like the fact it is sulev engine with no emission warranty. That is all. Maybe I am overreacting just like you said.

gah... alright please ignore my rudeness above, I was frustrated and wanted confirmation.

Thanks though for your input.

328B · 06-04-2012, 10:02 AM

SULEV = 150K MILE WARRANTY, SOMETHING DEALERS DONT TELL YOU!

Gas tank isa emission component so it is covered in all SULEV vehicles till 150k

In the State of California, manufacturers of SULEVs can be given a partial credit for producing a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and so a vehicle of this type can be administratively designated as a Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV). In order to qualify as a PZEV, a vehicle must meet the SULEV standard and, in addition, have zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system plus an extended (15-year/150,000-mile (241,000 km)) warranty on its emission-control components.

Krstich · 10-02-2012, 07:44 PM

That's correct! It's 150k miles on everything emission related including the gas tank.
All sulev cars including e46 models have sealed tank with fuel pump and for pump too be replaced, the whole thing needs to be replaced.
It not the BMW design but rather what makes car SULEV or PZEV.
It is a requirement!
Second, I was sceptical of buying sulev car but what sold it was the fact that all sulev cars in California has 150k warranty for emissions.
also, before i made the purchase, i did visit parts counter at the dealership and asked about gas tank price and it was about $1000 plus labor, not $6000!
And recently I changed the oil and I looked in the back, gas tank is very easy replacement anyway!

nycbr · 10-02-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Boston

SULEV = 150K MILE WARRANTY, SOMETHING DEALERS DONT TELL YOU!

Gas tank isa emission component so it is covered in all SULEV vehicles till 150k

In the State of California, manufacturers of SULEVs can be given a partial credit for producing a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and so a vehicle of this type can be administratively designated as a Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV). In order to qualify as a PZEV, a vehicle must meet the SULEV standard and, in addition, have zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system plus an extended (15-year/150,000-mile (241,000 km)) warranty on its emission-control components.

I wonder if my DTML Pump should have been covered by that?

Nicoledavis1111 · 04-23-2021, 11:01 PM

My headlights are turning yellow on the top where the angel eye would be done , Can I have that fixed ? What options are there for this?

E92_William · 04-23-2021, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicoledavis1111

My headlights are turning yellow on the top where the angel eye would be done , Can I have that fixed ? What options are there for this?

You probably picked the most completely unrelated thread to post that lol

But I recommend you get yourself the 3M headlight restoration kit and when you're done with it seal the headlights with meguiars headlight clear coat and they'll be like new for years to come

fastboatster · 04-24-2021, 12:15 AM

If Sulev warranty works in Canada, then don’t worry about it. It doesn’t apply in many US states, though. Fuel tank should not fail that easily and probably will serve the next 2 owners unless one of them kills the car with poor maintenance and accidents which they probably will.

Jesda · 04-24-2021, 04:13 AM

Fuel pump and tank failures are extremely rare on N52. Unless the car was left under a tree for a decade don't worry about it. Seriously.

E92_William · 04-24-2021, 12:39 PM

He's talking about N51 which I believe most of them have the pump integrated sealed into the fuel tank which if the pump fails would mean you have to replace the entire gas tank which is absolutely outrageous. Definitely a concern.

ctuna · 04-24-2021, 08:05 PM

Both the E46 and E9x Sulev's suffered from the same problem
with hoses internal to the tank disconnecting.
You may have no codes at all when this happens as there is no
fuel pressure sensor.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1439306

picture at entry 10 but the stuff leading up to it is good procedure.

05-20-2012, 10:16 AM	#1
scho77 New Member 2 Rep 9 Posts Drives: none Join Date: May 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	2011 BMW 328i SULEV Coupe Quick question guys, I have been trying to find the answer on forums and google, but it seems I am going no where. I read this statement from somewhere on google "All 2010 328i models have fuel pumps that can be changed without replacing the entire tank." Does this mean that, 2010/2011 models, you do not have to worry about that ridiculous $6000+ fuel tank replacement anymore? Are the cost of repairs if something goes wrong around the same for the n51 sulev vs n52 ulev now? This is important as, I am still waiting for the BMW Canada to confirm if the extended sulev warranty does transfer over, but I highly doubt it. Let me know guys, Thank you for your time.
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05-20-2012, 01:36 PM	#2
AddictedToBavarian My other ride is a Bianchi Infinito 96 Rep 2,767 Posts Drives: Miss my E92 but love my E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (2)	I read your last thread on this. I don't know why you're so concerned with the gas tank needing to be replaced. I can't remember one story of a gas tank needing replacement on E9X. Actually, I never heard of it period. The 328 is a very reliable car. Don't worry about it man. Buy it and enjoy it.
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05-21-2012, 10:06 AM	#4
project6 TOML Rescue 6 Rep 664 Posts Drives: Prancing Horse Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Taking every precaution? Have you taken steps to mitigate the inevitable carbon build up in your engine? What about the RFTs, you know they are very expensive to replace. There are so many things that can go wrong within the life span of the car. Make sure you take precautions to head those off. But really, that fuel tank obsession is not healthy. Seek help, and I don't mean from your SA or BMWNA. And why would BMWNA respond to your inquiry which would confirm a flaw in their design? But then again, just because you are paranoid does not mean your car is not going to break down.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2012, 10:49 AM	#5
AddictedToBavarian My other ride is a Bianchi Infinito 96 Rep 2,767 Posts Drives: Miss my E92 but love my E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (2)	Wow and with that attitude don't expect any help from these forums. He might of put it a little harsh, but it's true. You're worrying about a fuel tank. How about the N52 ticking issue that might end up needing a whole cylinder head replacement? That's about $6,000. Take problems as they come. Why worry about something so rare? If we're going down that road I guess your car can explode at any second with a fuel related incident. Are you not going to drive?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2012, 10:02 AM	#7
328B Private First Class 52 Rep 174 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| E92 M3 \| E90 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (2)	SULEV = 150K MILE WARRANTY, SOMETHING DEALERS DONT TELL YOU! Gas tank isa emission component so it is covered in all SULEV vehicles till 150k In the State of California, manufacturers of SULEVs can be given a partial credit for producing a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and so a vehicle of this type can be administratively designated as a Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV). In order to qualify as a PZEV, a vehicle must meet the SULEV standard and, in addition, have zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system plus an extended (15-year/150,000-mile (241,000 km)) warranty on its emission-control components. Last edited by 328B; 06-04-2012 at 10:08 AM..
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10-02-2012, 07:44 PM	#8
Krstich New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: '08 328ci 6spd Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	That's correct! It's 150k miles on everything emission related including the gas tank. All sulev cars including e46 models have sealed tank with fuel pump and for pump too be replaced, the whole thing needs to be replaced. It not the BMW design but rather what makes car SULEV or PZEV. It is a requirement! Second, I was sceptical of buying sulev car but what sold it was the fact that all sulev cars in California has 150k warranty for emissions. also, before i made the purchase, i did visit parts counter at the dealership and asked about gas tank price and it was about $1000 plus labor, not $6000! And recently I changed the oil and I looked in the back, gas tank is very easy replacement anyway!
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04-23-2021, 11:01 PM	#10
Nicoledavis1111 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2011 Bmw 328i Tasman Green Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Citrus county, Florida iTrader: (0)	My headlights are turning yellow on the top where the angel eye would be done , Can I have that fixed ? What options are there for this? Attached Images
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04-24-2021, 12:15 AM	#12
fastboatster Captain 382 Rep 890 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 328i Join Date: May 2019 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	If Sulev warranty works in Canada, then don’t worry about it. It doesn’t apply in many US states, though. Fuel tank should not fail that easily and probably will serve the next 2 owners unless one of them kills the car with poor maintenance and accidents which they probably will.
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04-24-2021, 04:13 AM	#13
Jesda First Lieutenant 144 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 N52 78k Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Detroit iTrader: (0)	Fuel pump and tank failures are extremely rare on N52. Unless the car was left under a tree for a decade don't worry about it. Seriously. __________________ 08 E93 N52 170k
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04-24-2021, 12:39 PM	#14
E92_William Captain 1306 Rep 852 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	He's talking about N51 which I believe most of them have the pump integrated sealed into the fuel tank which if the pump fails would mean you have to replace the entire gas tank which is absolutely outrageous. Definitely a concern. __________________ Airplane Mechanic BMW Masochist
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04-24-2021, 08:05 PM	#15
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Both the E46 and E9x Sulev's suffered from the same problem with hoses internal to the tank disconnecting. You may have no codes at all when this happens as there is no fuel pressure sensor. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1439306 picture at entry 10 but the stuff leading up to it is good procedure.
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