Fuel Filter Replacement Problem

wullaby · #1 04-03-2010, 09:05 AM

I have a 2003 4.4i with 80K miles, so I thought it would be good time to replace the fuel filter, I ordered a Mahle brand replacement for around 70 bucks. After dropping the huge cover and the fuel lines, I placed the Mahle and plugged in vacuum hose and the FPR and other fuel line, the rear fuel line next to the vacuum line facing outboard to the vehicle would not "Snap" in place like the other two. My buddy was with me and he suggested to get a bmw oem fuel filter, so he drove me up and we paid 130 with tax and came back, once again the same rear fuel line feed connector would not snap on. So I took it off and put the Old original fuel filter and it snapped on with no problems. Since it wouldn't snap with the other two, I didn't want to risk driving and having my line fall off and spray fuel and possible fire! Anybody know what I am doing wrong? The part number on mine and the OEM BMW one I bought were exact same, and I told the parts guy and he refunded me the money. I asked the SA and tech and they said they had no clue......thanks in advance for anyone who has experienced this.

flatlander · #2 04-03-2010, 10:11 AM

I've just replaced mine last week. The original fuel lines had one-time use clamps on them, holding them to the filter. I cut them off and slid on new clamps. The hoses just pushed on the metal lines of the filter without any clicking. So I don't know what different with yours. Mine is a 2002 M62 engine, same as yours.

wullaby · #3 04-03-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatlander

I've just replaced mine last week. The original fuel lines had one-time use clamps on them, holding them to the filter. I cut them off and slid on new clamps. The hoses just pushed on the metal lines of the filter without any clicking. So I don't know what different with yours. Mine is a 2002 M62 engine, same as yours.

I think 2003 they changed it, mine is not a metal clamp, its a black connector there is no "metal shiny" clamp, its almost a right angle black connector with blue piece inside the black connector, its not like the ones you see in the DIY under x5 tips and tricks for fuel filter replacement, where did you get your new clamps? I believe I would have to replace the entire fuel line feed, its all one piece...

flatlander · #4 04-03-2010, 10:56 AM

Mine were different than yours. they were metal and I replaced with metal. Do you have a picture of yours? Perhaps it is like the ford connectors with a plastic lock ring. Also, have you compared the fuel filter tube ends to your old filter, and are they the same?

wullaby · #5 04-03-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatlander

Mine were different than yours. they were metal and I replaced with metal. Do you have a picture of yours? Perhaps it is like the ford connectors with a plastic lock ring. Also, have you compared the fuel filter tube ends to your old filter, and are they the same?

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...placement.html

they are just like the ones in the above link.
I touched the lip on the filter and the original seems to be a bit higher and more 90 degree angle, where as the bmw replacement seems to be more rounded off and not as sharp at the lip when touching it? My buddy used some pliers to pull them off, I thought maybe damaging it, but if that was the case it wouldnt snap back on the original filter...so I don't think we damaged it...

flatlander · #6 04-03-2010, 12:54 PM

In that link you provided above it says to squeeze the connector and insert a small screwdrver to release it. Ifit stays put and won't pull off when you install the new one, it should be ok.

RenaissanceMan · #7 08-31-2010, 04:08 PM

I just posted some pictures and further clarification of how to remove those special fuel line connectors:

http://www.xoutpost.com/765581-post28.html

Hope it will help some of you out.

wullaby · #8 09-01-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenaissanceMan

I just posted some pictures and further clarification of how to remove those special fuel line connectors:

http://www.xoutpost.com/765581-post28.html

Hope it will help some of you out.

Thanks, unfortunately too little too late, mine were broken, I drove home from work and the lines came off and of course I stalled, i walked out looked underneath and saw the puddle of fuel and knew the problem right away, had it towed, to gas station mechanic who repaired it and so far so good after a few months, but never did change the fuel filter, maybe one day will attempt again with this DIY in hand!