Fuel starvation solutions?

[Alexander13.]

Hi All,

Back ground, Had a 2018 ZCP F80 that was the occasional sprint day car without any hiccups. Now have a 2014 F80 that is experiencing fuel starvation bad. Car needed an engine rebuild and did run in day at the local track, fast forward to the first event which was a drift event. Even with half a tank it suffers really bad starvation and sends it to limp mod, turn off, turn on and it is like it never happened.

Has anyone looked into a surge tank/swirl pot? Nothing seems to be available. My thoughts are high volume lift pump in the tank, surge tank/swirl pot in the boot and reroute the fuel lines.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Suds]

From past issues tracking a C6 Vette, I would check the fuel filter first.

[M2C AW]

Originally Posted by Suds

From past issues tracking a C6 Vette, I would check the fuel filter first.

What he ^^^said

[Alexander13.]

You both are missing the point. F8x platform is horrible when it comes to fuel starve and is a common thing for cars that are tracked. I'm not asking what the issue is, I know what the issue is. Im asking has anyone address the issue and found a way to solve it otherwise I'll do what I know best and run my own surge tank set up.

[fanatic1]

Let me know what you find, my solution is to top the tank off before every session

[SD ///M4]

The only time I've had a fuel starvation issue with my 2016 M4 is the very first track day after redelivery from Euro Delivery. I ran three tracks in Europe (Nurburgring Nordschleife, Zandvoort, and Spa) with no problems.

The first time at a track stateside was Buttonwillow Raceway running clockwise. Prior to the M4, my wife and I shared her 335is Coupe and she was the one that took care of fuel, always refueling during the lunch break, so I never really paid attention to my fuel. On my first day, after two sessions, I failed to refuel during the lunch break after and was on the hot grid when I glanced down to see that I was at about 1/3 tank but with a range of only 8 miles. On the second lap I made the left turn onto the main straight, setting up to pass a Boxster, and I almost immediately went into limp mode. I got off the track, went to the gas pump, refueled, and everything was fine. I refueled on Sunday during the lunch break and didn't have any problems.

Since then I've run a total of 26 track days at Buttonwillow, Laguna Seca, and Spring Mountain Motorsports ranch with no problem. I always refuel during the lunch break and I'm fine for both the morning and afternoon sessions. The sessions usually range between 20-30 minutes.

Your claim that the "F8x platform is horrible when it comes to fuel starve (sic) and is a common thing for cars that are tracked" doesn't match my experience. There are many other F80/F82 M3/M4s at these events and no one else has reported a problem with fuel starvation unless they went on track with less than a half tank of gas. Even your original experience with your 2018 M3 bears this out. Your problem is due to something else.

[FlyingLow78]

My 2015 M3 never had a fuel starvation issue. I would always get low fuel warnings on track at the end of 50-minute sessions, but never starvation. Fast forward to my 2018 M3 and it went into limp mode exiting the parabolica at Monza, despite having 3/8 of a tank. I can only surmise that there is an inconsistency in the design of the fuel pump pickup. Some cars have problems, others don’t.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

Let me know what you find, my solution is to top the tank off before every session

+1, that’s what I did as well especially if it’s at tracks like big willow with extended high load corners

[JeffO]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

Hi All,

Back ground, Had a 2018 ZCP F80 that was the occasional sprint day car without any hiccups. Now have a 2014 F80 that is experiencing fuel starvation bad. Car needed an engine rebuild and did run in day at the local track, fast forward to the first event which was a drift event. Even with half a tank it suffers really bad starvation and sends it to limp mod, turn off, turn on and it is like it never happened.

Has anyone looked into a surge tank/swirl pot? Nothing seems to be available. My thoughts are high volume lift pump in the tank, surge tank/swirl pot in the boot and reroute the fuel lines.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Never experienced fuel starve with 2018 F80. I did notice at BMW Performance Center events they keep the cars above 1/3 tank. I ran mine almost empty by accident at a track day and had no issue. With other older BMW's when I experienced fuel starve, replacing the fuel pumps and filters (and clean fuel tank and clear tank vent) solved the problem. For track recommend start with full tank , and for AX about 1/2 tank.

[Tommy L Garage]

No fuel starvation issues here.
I once ever drained my tank to 0-empty at the track and still had full power till the end

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

You both are missing the point. F8x platform is horrible when it comes to fuel starve and is a common thing for cars that are tracked. I'm not asking what the issue is, I know what the issue is. Im asking has anyone address the issue and found a way to solve it otherwise I'll do what I know best and run my own surge tank set up.

You sir are correct.

If someone hasn't fuel starved the F8X at the track it's because they aren't driving hard enough.

I used to think it only affected you below 1/3, but nooo, even with half a tank it happens.


This is a serious issue. It is annoying that the E9X can run without issues to like half a gallon in the tank and the F8X went and broke what already worked.

This, together with the 1.3g oiling system (down from 1.4g in the E9X) and the one piece seats that don't allow you to use a QuickFitPro + Hans device are 3 really suboptimal things that were broken for no good reason

[Alexander13.]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

You sir are correct.

If someone hasn't fuel starved the F8X at the track it's because they aren't driving hard enough.

I used to think it only affected you below 1/3, but nooo, even with half a tank it happens.


This is a serious issue. It is annoying that the E9X can run without issues to like half a gallon in the tank and the F8X went and broke what already worked.

This, together with the 1.3g oiling system (down from 1.4g in the E9X) and the one piece seats that don't allow you to use a QuickFitPro + Hans device are 3 really suboptimal things that were broken for no good reason

I've actually started on this issue over the weekend. The oil issue doesn't seem so bad while running an extra half a liter in the system.

As for the seats 100% agree. First thing I did was put recaros in to solve the shitty seating.

My thing is working out the fuel pressure to the HP pumps and how to set a return line. Changing the intank pump to a high volume and making a return set up.

Bought my old track car back and will be here soon. Hoping to have them both sorted for when the tracks are back open here!

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

I've actually started on this issue over the weekend. The oil issue doesn't seem so bad while running an extra half a liter in the system.

As for the seats 100% agree. First thing I did was put recaros in to solve the shitty seating.

My thing is working out the fuel pressure to the HP pumps and how to set a return line. Changing the intank pump to a high volume and making a return set up.

Bought my old track car back and will be here soon. Hoping to have them both sorted for when the tracks are back open here!

Please let us know if you figure anything out

[adc]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

You both are missing the point. F8x platform is horrible when it comes to fuel starve and is a common thing for cars that are tracked. I'm not asking what the issue is, I know what the issue is. Im asking has anyone address the issue and found a way to solve it otherwise I'll do what I know best and run my own surge tank set up.

Never experienced fuel starvation except when running 1/3rd tank or less. I’m not running slicks (NT01) so that may be a factor?

Or you guys may have some other fueling problem.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by adc

Never experienced fuel starvation except when running 1/3rd tank or less. I’m not running slicks (NT01) so that may be a factor?

Or you guys may have some other fueling problem.

Unless you use sticky tires you won't notice it as much

[adc]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Unless you use sticky tires you won't notice it as much

Since I’m planning suspension and RE71 tires, I’ll keep the forum updated as to the results.

My highest recorded lateral G load was, I think, 1.20 on NT01.

[F80Speed77]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

You both are missing the point. F8x platform is horrible when it comes to fuel starve and is a common thing for cars that are tracked. I'm not asking what the issue is, I know what the issue is. Im asking has anyone address the issue and found a way to solve it otherwise I'll do what I know best and run my own surge tank set up.

Have you tried driving on the earth right side up or locating the driver seat to the other side of the car?

[TheBreeze]

Had my f80 on the track for the very first time last week, and did experience the fuel starvation issue. Accelerating out of turn 2 @ VIR doing about 90ish with a GT3RS right on my ass. Car went limp mode and I was almost run over by said GT3RS. Good thing the guy had good reflexes. I had maybe 1/3 of a tank when it went limp, had to motor all the way around the track a good 3 miles on a hot track going about 40 so I could pit in, clear codes, refuel (and change my underwear ). . After that, I started filling the tank after every session. Event was with Chin, which typically runs long sessions. I burned more than half a tank during the morning 40 minute runs. Pulled 1.30 max Gs on NT01s.

So yeah, I think the issue is VERY real, and VERY dangerous. Never once had this issue with the e92.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

Had my f80 on the track for the very first time last week, and did experience the fuel starvation issue. Accelerating out of turn 2 @ VIR doing about 90ish with a GT3RS right on my ass. Car went limp mode and I was almost run over by said GT3RS. Good thing the guy had good reflexes. I had maybe 1/3 of a tank when it went limp, had to motor all the way around the track a good 3 miles on a hot track going about 40 so I could pit in, clear codes, refuel (and change my underwear ). . After that, I started filling the tank after every session. Event was with Chin, which typically runs long sessions. I burned more than half a tank during the morning 40 minute runs. Pulled 1.30 max Gs on NT01s.

So yeah, I think the issue is VERY real, and VERY dangerous. Never once had this issue with the e92.

It's a real issue and it's a pain. It only happens right under half a tank, so you have to fuel all the time which is annoying

I hope to run into you at VIR/WGI sometime!

[F80Speed77]

Had a cut down the backstretch at Gingerman, car was pretty low on fuel and probably around 1/4 tank then.

[adc]

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

Had my f80 on the track for the very first time last week, and did experience the fuel starvation issue. Accelerating out of turn 2 @ VIR doing about 90ish with a GT3RS right on my ass. Car went limp mode and I was almost run over by said GT3RS. Good thing the guy had good reflexes. I had maybe 1/3 of a tank when it went limp, had to motor all the way around the track a good 3 miles on a hot track going about 40 so I could pit in, clear codes, refuel (and change my underwear ). . After that, I started filling the tank after every session. Event was with Chin, which typically runs long sessions. I burned more than half a tank during the morning 40 minute runs. Pulled 1.30 max Gs on NT01s.

So yeah, I think the issue is VERY real, and VERY dangerous. Never once had this issue with the e92.

It was very nice to meet you, loved your front brake ducts.
I refill the tank after each session and haven't run into any issues.

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

It's a real issue and it's a pain. It only happens right under half a tank, so you have to fuel all the time which is annoying

I hope to run into you at VIR/WGI sometime!

Hi, I'm doing WGI with Chin on July 27/28, will come with some friends. Hope to see you there, would love to get your feedback on that track.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by adc

It was very nice to meet you, loved your front brake ducts.
I refill the tank after each session and haven't run into any issues.



Hi, I'm doing WGI with Chin on July 27/28, will come with some friends. Hope to see you there, would love to get your feedback on that track.

Unfortunately the Chin event is Mon/Tue. I will do the NNJ WGI event as well as a BMWCCA GVC event there. It would be nice to see you at the Glen, definitely the track I know the best