Fuel filter replacement

[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.