Shortcut question for those that have done the fuel filter
 

I am in the process of starting this. I watched a video on youtube where this guy suggested that you could remove the 4 bolts holding the metal plate thing on the passenger side, then drill out the rivets and then have just enough room to change out the fuel filter. It seems easier than removing that entire cover. I have started on the some of the bolts and still have like 100 or so more to go (ok about 20..).

I like this idea, but those that have done the fuel filter will know if it will be too tight. This is for my 4.6is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGj92asy9U8

I think at about 4:19 he mentions this approach in more detail.

I just removed the screws and the panel and access to the filter at that point was easy. Once installed just put the panel back and screw into place.

I pulled the whole cover down. It wasn't too bad. The filter change only took 5 minutes. An hour for the cover removal. An hour back on.

Important! -> Do NOT remove the bolts for the fuel tank mounting straps. They look like they are for the cover. You can see that they hold a one inch strap if you look close. I pulled one with a full tank of gas and had to drain the tank to get the bolt back in.

Yes agree that the fuel filter is an easy change once you remove the underbody cover. The underbody cover is what takes the brunt of the time.

Just remove the cover. This is not a frequent maintenance that you need to save some work on.

:iagree:

OK thanks. I was hoping it made sense to try the shortcut and make this a 15 minute job. I am almost done removing the bolts. Here is a new diy on the fuel filter from Pelican. Between this and the one from CN90 this should go well. BMW X5 Fuel Filter Replacement (E53 2000 - 2006) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

I want to add that this is my 4th diy ever on my cars. First was replacing the radiator and hoses on my e46, then a coolant flush on my e60, then another coolant flush on the e46 and now this. I don't count the brake fluid changes or oil changes though.