Is it fuse 11 (7.5A) thats blowing? Does the fuse blow as soon as you replace it or is it ok until after you try to start the car?

 

Yes thats the fuse

Yes Number 11 (7.5a). No it doesn't blow straight away.
After I've turned over for a bit I check and it's blown.

 

Sounds like a problem with the pump. Try disconnecting the electrical plug at the pump then try turning the engine over again with a good fuse in and see if it still blows. If not, its a pump problem. If it does blow then it could be a wiring short.

 

Thats a good idea. I'll try it tomorrow .thanks.
One thing tho'...as the car had been sitting quite a while, do you think it's possible that something (like rust from the tank)has been sucked up into the fuel lines blocking flow ? Or worse into the injectors ? Seems to me that that could overload the pump.
Also I see various posts suggesting that I should hear the pump as I turn the ignition. Back seat is off (and the cover to pump) and I don't hear anything.

 

Your car is a e30 isn't it? the fuel filter should stop any contaminates from reaching the injectors, and IIRC the fuel pump has a strainer on the base so it shouldn't suck any particles up into it.

When you put a new fuse in see if it blows as soon as you turn the ignition on. My betting is it does

 

Ronnie, haven't had a chance to try this today (Had the car towed to a more 'workable' location). Why do you think the fuse will blow straight away? Bad Ground? Relay fault ?

 

If the pump is indeed bad then as soon as you turn the ignition on the pump will try and prime, if seized then it will blow the fuse. Like already mentioned pull the plug on the fuel pump and see if the fuse blows then

 

You were right the pump is rotten. Thanks for diagnosis.
Pulled it out and tried a live feed. Tried to work but spluttered. I have been trying to find a replacement. Harder than you'd think. Part number on the bosch pump is quite common and I've had various expensive quotes but can't be no one seems to be sure what pump it is !! Anyone know any reasonable BMW part dealers out there ?

 

It always looked like it would be the pump. Good that you have sussed that. Can't help with sourcing one I'm afraid but I'm sure someone on here will be able to help. Once you get a decent pump you should be ok:thumbsup

 

Ouch! http://www.c3bmw.co.uk/StockItem.as...sp?categoryID=44&subcategoryID=0&productID=1201&oRef=-1&section=2&Item=unassign :eek

Have you tried Euros and GSF?