01 3.0d fuel filter can swap

[nickid]

My fuel filter in my engine bay always leaks, and after replacing it last year, I've decided to bypass it and fit an inline filter like the new models.
Has anyone done this already?

[wpoll]

Surely fixing whatever is leaking in your current setup is going to be a LOT easier than adding the inline filter under the car (which is a pig to access), especially since you'll likely have to cut the hard fuel lines under the car to add in flexible sections to join to the filter. These joints could then be as leak-prone as you current situation, as are the extra sections you'd have to add up top in the engine bay to bypass the current filter setup. You would be adding six more joints in the fuel line, in addition to your bypass joints....

Where is the leak now - damaged hoses (from hoses clamps being over-tightened)?

*edit* just noticed there is a pressure sender on the fuel filter (on your set up - the newer inline filter lacks this) - so it looks like bypassing the filter isn't an option unless you can find a way to re-house that pressure sensor.

[wpoll]

Fore reference, here's the filter change instructions for your car (M57)...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...filter/BWAfiRP

And the instructions for the M57TU...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ilter/JzFqSwkI

Rather different set up....

[nickid]

The person that had the car before me, cut the pipes a bit short to the filter, and they also a bit worn now.
That's what I was going change the setup.

[Gregory891]

I have the can setup and have changed the filter 4+ times in 8 years. The common leak that are more likely for a DIY is a bad hose clamp on the line that requires one (you can also shave 2-3 mm off the end of the line). That "braided" line can also be replaced if needed or perished.

The other lines / fittings are more go / no-go, so less likely to be leak prone or perish (material). I'd recommend you work with what you have and repair as needed, it's a much easier system to access and replace compared to under tank filters (I've replaced plenty over the years). Post of photo of your issue - we can collectively try to help.