P0087 on BMW: How to Diagnose & Fix
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
6 BMW models · 6 documented issues · 3 critical · $600-$3,000 repair
P0087 on BMW by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The B58 engine's high-pressure fuel pump can fail, though at lower rates than the older N54 engine. When the HPFP fails, fuel pressure drops below the minimum required for proper direct injection, causing long cranking, rough idle, misfires, and in severe cases, the engine stalling and entering limp mode. Failures are more common in cold weather when fuel demands are higher, and can be exacerbated by ethanol-blended fuels.
Common Symptoms
- Long cranking before engine starts, especially in cold weather
- Engine stalling at idle or low speed
- Check engine light with fuel pressure codes
- Noticeable loss of power during acceleration
- Rough idle and misfires
How to Fix
Replace the high-pressure fuel pump with the latest revised BMW part number. Verify the low-pressure fuel pump is providing adequate feed pressure. Use top-tier fuel and avoid running the tank below 1/4 to reduce strain on the fuel system. If under warranty, BMW will cover HPFP replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Bosch B58 high-pressure fuel-pump kit 13518631642KTCross-refKIT-13518631642KT, 13518631642
Confirmed failed engine-driven high-pressure fuel-pump replacement. Fitment: 2020-2024 G20 M340i/M340i xDrive where FCP vehicle validation and VIN confirm BMW pump 13518631642; not the in-tank fuel-supply module..
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
The M240i runs a two-pump fuel system - an in-tank low-pressure pump feeding a cam-driven high-pressure pump on the B58's head. As the HPFP's internal valve and cam follower wear, the pump can still idle and cruise normally but cannot maintain commanded rail pressure during hard acceleration. The DME sees the pressure deviation, cuts boost, and drops the car into limp mode with a Drivetrain Malfunction message - typically at exactly the moment the driver asks for full throttle. The tell that separates HPFP wear from an ignition or injector fault is that the fault appears under load and clears itself on restart, and that fuel-pressure live data diverges from the commanded value while codes alone look ambiguous. Tuned cars surface this earlier because a Stage 1 map asks for more fuel volume than a marginal pump can deliver, which is how it first showed up on M240i and M340i owners running higher-output maps.
Common Symptoms
- Drivetrain Malfunction message and limp mode under hard acceleration
- Long cranking before the engine starts
- Hesitation or stumble when the throttle is opened
- Intermittent misfire codes that clear on their own
- Reduced power that returns to normal after a restart
How to Fix
Log commanded versus actual rail pressure and confirm the in-tank low-pressure supply before condemning the high-pressure pump. Replace only the confirmed branch, then reset fuel adaptations.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine BMW high-pressure fuel pump 13517642466$988
BMW catalog identifies this as the high-pressure pump for the F22/F23 M240i and M240i xDrive branch through 2021. Approved for 2017-2021 only after low-pressure supply is proven healthy; it does not cover the 2022-2024 G42 branch.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
The S63/N63 V8 family used in the F12/F13 M6 is subject to high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and direct-injector problems. A failing HPFP causes long cranking and hard starting (worst when cold), rough running and misfires from insufficient rail pressure. Separately, the direct injectors can develop internal leaks, dumping excess fuel and causing cold-start rough running, misfires and a Service Engine light. BMW issued a service bulletin for N63/S63 engines in F12/F13 addressing rough cold-start running with illuminated service lights traced to internal high-pressure injector failure; injectors must be matched to the correct index per bank.
Common Symptoms
- Long crank / hard starting, worst when cold
- Rough running and misfires after a cold start
- Hesitation or stumble during acceleration
- Check Engine / Service Engine Soon light
- Reduced fuel economy
How to Fix
Scan for misfire and fuel-system codes and test cold-start fuel-rail pressure. Replace a failing HPFP; for injector faults, replace the affected injector(s) with units of the correct matching index code (do not mix injector indexes on a bank) and re-code them. Address per the relevant BMW technical service bulletin for the N63/S63.
Sources for this issue (1)
The N63 V8 engine uses high-pressure direct injection fuel pumps (HPFP) that commonly fail between 60,000-100,000 miles. The HPFP is driven by the engine camshaft and operates at extremely high pressures (2,900+ PSI). Internal wear and seal failures cause fuel pressure loss, leading to rough running, misfires, and no-start conditions. The N63 has two HPFPs (one per cylinder bank) that often fail together. Failed pumps can contaminate the fuel system with metal particles, requiring fuel system flush.
Common Symptoms
- Rough idle or engine stumble
- Long cranking or no-start condition
- Check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0088)
- Loss of power or hesitation
- Engine misfires under load
- Fuel smell from engine bay
How to Fix
Replace high-pressure fuel pump(s). BMW recommends replacing both HPFPs together on N63 engines. Flush fuel system if metal contamination is present. Use only OEM BMW or Bosch fuel pumps - aftermarket pumps have poor reliability. Labor is 4-6 hours. Some owners report multiple HPFP failures over vehicle life. N63 Customer Care Package may cover HPFP repairs on eligible VINs. Consider extended warranty for N63-powered cars.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine BMW high-pressure fuel pump 13517595339OEM13517595350; 13537547603Cross-ref13517595339
Confirm VIN, production date, fuel-pressure diagnosis and all required one-time-use hardware before ordering..
- Genuine BMW high-pressure fuel pump 13518604232Cross-ref13518604232
Confirm VIN, production date, fuel-pressure diagnosis, adapter/gasket applicability and all required hardware before ordering..
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
BMW notified dealers that certain model-year 2008-2010 535i vehicles with the N54 twin-turbo engine could experience high-pressure fuel-pump failure. BMW listed long starting times, a Service Engine Soon light, reduced engine performance and an Engine Malfunction message; the notice did not include later F10 535i, 540i or M550i models.
Common Symptoms
- Long engine-starting time
- Service Engine Soon light
- Reduced engine performance or safe mode
- Engine Malfunction message
How to Fix
Check the VIN and campaign/service history with BMW, then diagnose measured low- and high-pressure fuel delivery before replacement. The historical action called for a software update and/or pump replacement based on individual service history, not automatic replacement from symptoms alone. ShowMeTheParts returned one exact 2009 535i high-pressure-pump fitment candidate, but catalog fitment does not establish campaign eligibility, defect identity or remedy, so no commerce link is approved.
Sources for this issue (1)
NHTSA campaign 16V-746 (October 2016) covers 2012 640i and 650i coupes and convertibles (plus 2007-2012 5 Series, X5 and X6). The low-pressure in-tank fuel pump's electrical connector pins were improperly crimped; the resulting resistance heats and melts the connector, so the pump can stop (stall, no-start) or the melted connector can allow fuel to leak. About 136,000 vehicles were included.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stall while driving
- Crank but no start
- Fuel smell near the tank / rear seat
- Melted fuel pump connector
How to Fix
Free recall remedy (from December 2016): the dealer replaces the in-tank fuel pump module. Verify by VIN on nhtsa.gov. Symptoms of an unremedied car include cranking with no start, stalling under load, and a fuel smell near the rear seat/tank area.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0087 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0087 mean on a BMW?
P0087 stands for "Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low." This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode. On BMW it is documented across 6 models: M340i, M240i, M6, 7 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series.
What are the most common causes of P0087?
The most common causes of P0087 are: Clogged or dirty fuel filter, Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump), Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve, Restricted or leaking fuel lines, Faulty fuel pressure sensor, Air in the fuel system or running low on fuel, Worn high-pressure pump (direct injection/diesel). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0087 on a BMW?
Published repair estimates on BMW range from $600 to $3,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0087 on a different make?
View P0087 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.