I've got a 740 wagon that's starting to get some fun noises. Normally while driving I don't really hear the fuel pump, or at least not enough to notice it. When I start driving at 55+ mph, I can hear the fuel pump (sounds like it's coming the external pump). It sounds much like an air compressor. It doesn't sound bad, it just sounds labored. Is this normal, or should I do some preventative maintenance? I understand the best process is to check the in-tank pump hose and sock filter, then worry about the actual pumps. Is this good thinking? I had the external fuel filter replaced about a year ago. I don't plan on doing these repairs myself, as I don't have a good set of tools or location to do so (parking lot).

The car starts up fine and quick, which tells me the pumps are still working. I'm just not sure if they are strained and going to fail sometime soon. I don't know when they were last replaced, but I've had the car for 50k miles.

Many thanks!
- Alan