I believe 4.8i Fuel Filter is in the same area. Please take note on the
blue plastic clips and Dorman alternatives, make sure you have new clips
before doing the job!
This is safety issue (you are dealing with fuel), so I strongly recommend 3 new clips.
I am now at 115K and Fuel Filter was still OK, it still flows. You probably do this unpleasant job once in the life of the car because of the Big Cover, but even so if you follow the guide I wrote above, you will be fine. This is because the next Fuel Filter change is @ 230K or so, but I don't plan to keep this car beyond 230K miles.
On the issue of the goofy blue clips, the VW people talked about
Schwaben Fuel Tool, ~ $25 online:
--->
VWVortex.com - Phaeton Fuel Filter Change - Add to TOC
This is similar to squeezing the blue clips on the appropriate sides with your fingers as mentioned in the other thread.
Below is a nice presentation of common fuel clips. Pay attention to
time marking at 0:45 seconds, I think this applies to E53:
How to Disconnect Common Fuel Line Fittings - YouTube