If you own a 2007 through 2009 BMW 135iS, 335i/xi or 535i, with the N54 engine, there’s a good chance you’ve had trouble with the high pressure fuel pump. If you haven’t, knock on wood, I am glad you haven’t, but I sure wouldn’t want to take odds that it will never happen in your case.

After several calls from consumers complaining of the high pressure fuel pump, it was obvious to us that this was a widespread defect. As one who looks at hundreds, even thousands of repair orders every week, many of them for BMW automobiles, I have seen many instances of this defect and discussed them with the owners.

The following are some symptoms of BMW’s high pressure fuel pump problem:

• The vehicle hesitates when starting (engine not getting fuel properly)
• The vehicle loses power while driving
• The check engine light comes on
• The vehicle goes to limp mode

This is when the driver may experience his or her own “Fear Factor”. If this happens while you are on the freeway in the fast lane it can be pretty darn terrifying.

It really seems serious enough that a recall should have been issued. Hardly a week goes by that we don’t receive calls from BMW owners where one of the defects is with the high pressure fuel pump. The obvious reason is that BMW would have to install new fuel pumps on tens of thousands of vehicles. The cost to do this would be tens of millions of dollars.

BMW knows it’s bad, so much so they have issued a special limited extended warranty of 10 years or 120,000 miles on the fuel system whichever comes first. These pumps usually cost somewhere around $3,000.00. If as part of a repair you have to replace this component 3 times…well, the math is simple. I think, as they say, “the jury is still out’ on where this will go, either for the consumer or for BMW.

If you’re vehicle has been affected by this defect contact a qualified California Lemon Law attorney and learn how you can protect yourself.