Fuel filter replacement

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by shebuilt

Slick glad it worked out! Seems we both had problem issues with such a simply job. I finally had a work around to my breaking those darn black connectors! Dry as a whistle. I am loving that $1600 Inspection II save so I will just clean my nails and be happy.

Yea except my fail was retarded. I'm still in shock. I can't believe I mixed the line placement both times.

[jaylaforte]

Thank you everyone for all of the great info in this thread!! With all the info here I just changed the fuel filter on my 2005 4.4i (76k miles) and wanted to put in my 2 cents on the procedure in hopes of helping others.

1. The fuse trick was fantastic (fuse 47 -fuel pump for reference)! I had no idea where the fuse box was in the glove compartment so it took me a bit of sleuthing to realize once the glove box was open it was accessible via the plastic panel near the top back of the glove compartment. The X ran for a few seconds before dying from lack of fuel...

2. The protective paneling was by far the most difficult part of the whole procedure. Once I removed all the bolts, i was confident I could shimmy the panel open further so I could have more room to access the fuel filter but after a half hour of frustration I had to come to terms that it was a tight fit through the front of the paneling. Don't even waste your time trying to pry the paneling off further once you can get two hands into the fuel filter.

3. Once I was able to get to the filter, the info on how to disconnect the fuel lines from ripp222 was crucial. I'm more of a visual learner so I wanted to give a diagram on where to pinch the connectors for reference (imagebam link - click for larger pic):



Once you pinch the connector with your thumb and index fingers tightly, the clamps slide right off.

4. My vacuum hose was by far the toughest to remove and ended up cracking at the tip like SlickGT1's did. I cut it off the cracked tip via his recommendation and slid it back on to the new filter and all was well!

All in all the actual filter change took maybe 5 minutes max and I spent about an hour screwing around with the stupid plastic cover.

I cut open the filter to see how it looked after 6.5 years and 76k miles and this was the result (click for larger pics):




All in all the throttle seems to be more responsive but obviously this is subjective. After seeing the condition of the filter material I'm definitely glad I changed it!

[X5only]

Originally Posted by ripp222

Some of this is a repeat from other postings, but to recap my experience...

- After pulling Fuse 47, the car wouldn't even start. So there must not be much residual pressure on the N62 engine fuel supply system.

- For those with plastic fuel hoses, typical hose clamps will not work as you cannot compress the tubing without damaging it.

- No need to remove the blue U-shaped locks, just depress the flat portion of the lock inward and pull the fuel line off the filter. I could see this being difficult if you have "stubby" fingers. Perhaps a paint can lid tool would be good for depressing the blue lock?

- Also no need to remove the blue U-shaped lock for connecting to the new filter. Just press until it snaps in place.

- After disconnecting all 3 fuel lines I put the caps from the new filter (BMW branded) on the old filter before removal from the X5. By the end of the swap I didn't loose more than 1/2 cup of fuel.

- I cleaned the rocks and dirt from the plastic underbody guard while it was hanging down. There are two square shaped areas of the fuel tank which look like they touch the plastic guard. Trapped debris could wear at those areas of your fuel tank.

Out of curiosity I cut apart the original fuel filter (75,000 miles)... I have no way to measure how "full" the media was, but at least my fuel pump should have an easier life pumping fuel through the new filter.

Thank you for posting this- helped me a lot! Yep, just pressing the lock in while pulling a tube is all that's needed. And to reinstall just press in the tube until it snaps in- you'll hear the sound. Very easy! The black tube's lock is in same spot as the blue ones.

My wife says the car has tremendously improved in performance (car at 92k miles). I also replaced the spark plugs. I myself noticed some improvement but thought it was all in my head, but she drives it most of the times.


X5 4.4 2005 92k miles.

[franz1640]

Originally Posted by sideswing

I also broke the blue retaining clip while trying to pry the clip out, I had to replace a whole new fuel line which cost me about $58 + tax from the dealer.

When I got the new fuel line, I played around with the quick connector and found out there is nothing hard at all to remove it. You can remove the connector within 5 secs. All you have to do is to press down the top (oval) side of the clip (not the flat side) with your finger then slowly pull the fuel hose out as the clip is in the opening position when you press down the top side. It is easy isn't it

I am in the same picture , I broke the clips, so now I have to buy new lines(2) those are fuel in to the filter. I see you already replaced them , my question is : how do you get access to the other end to replace them?

[stunt]

Just did mine at 134k. Might have to cut up the old one to see how bad it is. I'm pretty sure it has never been done before.

Yeah, dropping that huge ass cover is a pain. I got mine to drop pretty far though, so everything was very easy to access. Yes, the tranny oil pan is dropped. While I was under there, I did all the fluids (front & rear diff, transfer case, tranny, engine, coolant).

[alnsquare]

I just changed my GF's '03 X5 3.0L fuel filter. I also broke the fuel retaining clip like others. BMW doesn't sell the clip by itself (sux!!!). You have to buy the fuel line. Someone here suggested clip replacement by Dorman 800-027. I bought some from Advance Auto and it worked perfectly, $3.50 + tax. They sell it on ebay and amazon too.

[Ricky Bobby]

Awesome to know. Thanks for posting for others who might break a clip! I'm gonna do mine in the spring bc at 10 years old I know its never been done.

[upallnight]

For people with the special quick connectors on their fuel filter or power steering hose, or transmission lines, you need one of these special tool to uncouple the fitting.

[dpgx5]

Originally Posted by dabomb4ever

I just purchased "Dorman 800-027 Fuel Line Retaining Clip for Volkswagen/Audi" from amazon and verified that they are a suitable alternative for the broken blue clips. Unfortunately I couldn't wait and ordered the fuel lines as well. Anyway, learn from my mistake, save yourself the $30, and buy these $3 clips.

Amazon.com: Dorman 800-027 Fuel Line Retaining Clip for Volkswagen/Audi: Automotive


-Nick

I went to replace my fuel filter and clip was broken already. I thought I had to buy the whole line but your post was grateful. Cheers Nick... from Nick

[oldskewel]

Did this on my 2001 3.0i today. Notes:

Mahle KL96 filter looked identical to the one that came out except the original one said BMW on it.

I bought the Dorman clips, but this year does not use them. Just fuel line with hose clamps (I replaced with new ones). The fuel lines were in fine shape - good thing because there is a special connection from the hard line to these soft lines and I did not want to deal with that. I replaced the ~3" segment of vacuum hose.

Paid attention to hose polarity. No problems there.

As others have said, I just got the panel to point where it hung down in front, seems unable to remove the rear section without removing exhaust.

I did not bother with the fuel pump fuse. That only relieves some of the residual pressure and some will leak out anyway. Not too much came out.

Also, this was done just due to mileage (170k) and knowing the previous owner believed if it ain't broke don't fix it.