Hey all, thanks for the great input on this thread. And Acaman thanks for the great photos, this helped immensely. I have two X5s, both are E53s. One is a 4.4 with 155K miles and the other is a 4.6is with 125K. I had recently posted about the wifes 4.4 fuel sending unit which then inspired me to do a fuel filter change. Bad batch of gas maybe, who knows but did it on more of preventative maintenance thought.

Getting the freaking pan off on the 4.6 to expose the fuel filter was a major PIA. So word to the wise there are two 8mm hex heads right in front of the left rear wheel that need to come off. This lets you open a small flap that exposes one of the 12 - 12mm hex heads that need to come off. You will need a 6" extension with a swivel on it to remove this bolt. If you study Amacmans diagram quoted here, it will save lots of time getting this pan off.

A couple of other thoughts I would like to share is that having a FIRE EXTINGUISHER on hand is imperative. Even with pulling fuse 47, the 4.6 did not leak much gas at all but would be enough to ignite a fire if you have a hot trouble light exposed. The 4.4 even though I released the pressure by running it out of fuel, it spewed everywhere. It might be good to throw down some cardboard to catch all the dirt that will inevitably drop out of the pan.

I was able to get the fuel line fasteners undone but had to use a small pair of water pump pliers to squeeze the two ends enough to release two of the fittings on the 4.4. This made the job much easier. If you go this route make sure you squeeze with one blade of the pliers on the flat part of the fitting and the other 180 degrees opposite lightly as not to break the little blue clips.