My 1994 BMW 740i only cranks and never runs.

SOURCE: BMW 525i will not start

There are six fuse panels for an E39 BMW
Fuses F1 - F45, fuse panel 1, glove compartment. Twist white plastic retainers 90 degrees and pull down from top of glove compartment.
Fuse 31 (10 amp) protects fuel pump relay(K96)

Fuses F46 - F6, fuse panel 2, trunk located behind right side luggage compartment interior panel.
Fuse 54 (15 amp) protects fuel pump relay(K96)

Before I would do any of the following, I would check the above fuses and put a bottle of HEET into the fuel tank. Fuel filter changing is not hard, but it will take you about an hour.
The fuel pump is another story (BMW has a special spanner wrench(16 1 020) to remove and install the threaded collar.

E39 BMW use a two-lobed fuel tank(think saddle bag like). Each with its own fuel level sending unit that has a float connected to a variable resistance wiper contact. To equalize fuel level between the two tank lobes, a siphon pump is installed in the left lobe. The resistances need to be approximately the same. The fuel pump is on the right lobe under the tank sending unit beneath the threaded collar at the top of the fuel tank which is accessed by removing the rear seat cushion. WARNING When removing the fuel level sender or the fuel pump, the fuel tank should be drained to 1/4 capacity or below. The fuel in the fuel line is under pressure (45-75 psi). Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure in the tank before working on the tank or lines. Disconnect battery negative cable.

The fuel filter is located beneath the center of the car near the driver's seat usually under a protective metal cover held on by small screws. Not hard to replace but car will need to be on jack stands and 1/4 tank or less of fuel in the tank. Definitely wear safety goggles or face shield as the fuel will come out on face. Have a fuel catch pan under the filter. Clamp the fuel line before and after the fuel filter(long metal cylinder) before loosening hose clamps. Loosen center clamping bracket and hose clamps on either end of filter. [Some have an inline fuel pressure regulator.(Remove vacuum hose, pull out locking clip, remove fuel pressure regulator).]
Drain fuel from inlet side of filter and check fuel for rust moisture or other contaminats.
Installation is reverse. When installing fuel filter, ensure fuel flow direction arrow points to front. Should have at least 5 liters of fuel in tank before restarting. The fuel pump will be damaged if run without fuel.
PT Stanley

SOURCE: Need location of fuel pump on a 1992 BMW 525i straight six engine

The fuel pump is located under the back seat on the passenger side. You will find an access cover and will need to remove the screws. You should be able to listen for the pump while someone cranks the car. Also I believe there is a large green w/ blue trace wire and an equally large brown wire at the connector. Check for battery voltage across the two wires. The fuse for the pump should be in the fuse panel under the hood.

Greg Bernett

• 2993 Answers
• Posted on Mar 17, 2009

SOURCE: 1993 BMW 740i not starting, fuel pump location?

Check this:

the fuel pump relay in the trunk on the left side (pasenger)it's right underneath the plastic housing on the inside of the trunk on top of the rear wheel mold. The relay is a 5 prong relay light green in color....... hope this helps, let me know if you found it.

SOURCE: i want to change the fuel filter on my 2001 bmw 740i

Under vehicle, driver side, below seating area, mounted on frame in fuel line.  Let me know if you have any other questions.  Thanks for rating my response and for using FixYa!

SOURCE: Car starts then immediately idles down and shuts off

i have had the same problem at times. my car would start and then shut off. but i found that i needed oil and check my oil and it was a quater low put in some oil and everything went fine i notices that everytime the oil is low the same thing happens also depending on the position of the car being park meaning that if you are in a down hill position or up hill position i will do the same. so you have to accelarate for 1 minute to have the oil go up. i hope this works