Looks like you need to buy the line, item 3 (if that is the correct line), and move the clip over.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i FUEL PIPES AND FUEL FILTERS

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 :)

BMW E53 X5 N62 4.4L > Maintenance > Engine > Fuel Filter > ES#1306816 Fuel Line Pliers - P-648

Would this work for removing the connector?

For BMW, you don't need any tool for the fuel filter quick connector. All you have to do is pressing down the top (round side) of the clip with your finger then pull the hose out. That's it, it take about 3 secs.

aHHH what is wrong with a screwdriver and the good old steel jubilee clip, engines maybe way better but everything else in the engine bay is brittle and cannot be man handled at all......

THANKS! And a question
 

Just changed the fuel filter on my 2004 X5 3.0

Thanks so much for this thread and the comments. I would have stared at those connectors for hours otherwise. Does make changing the filter easy (except for getting to it). Although I liked the standard hose and hose clamps just fine. Now, if you want to replace the fuel lines you'll have to buy BMW's special (expensive) lines rather than standard hose and clips.

But I'm perplexed by something I found when changing the filter on my X5. When I removed the vacuum line, which I did before disconnecting anything else, I got fuel out of the line. Really, I'm certain. and it ran back from the line for a while. Also, there was no pressure in the fuel lines when I disconnected them (when I changed filter on my 3 series the fuel lines were still under pressure, and the vacuum line was dry--I presumed it was some sort of cut-off mechanism).

Was this a defective filter? Is this supposed to have fuel in it. Am I missing something. Sure seems like a vacuum line. If this is supposed to have fuel in it I'm a bit worried, because it's just push on vacuum tubing. There was no leak around it, but I don't want to become a bonfire.

Thanks for the info on how to remove connectors, and any insight into my 'issue' in advance.

Sorry for late response. I'm not sure the vacuum line does have gas in it but mine did not have any gas come out. It's just a hose without any pressue at all.

That's what I presumed. Thanks for the info.
 

Thanks, I think the filter must have had an internal slow leak letting fuel get into the vacuum line (pressure regulating valve?). I wish I could figure out better if that line is just to vent it or actually hooks to a vacuum. Either way, I think the fuel must have been coming through the fuel filter rather than back down the line from the other side.

I'm hoping this is the cause of the X5 occasionally idling really low at start up (infrequent, but will idle/stutter around 2-300 for a minute occasionally). It hasn't done it since I replaced the filter, at least.

Thanks again!

Just curious with which brand did you guys go for the filter? I see Mann for 55bucks.

I used a Mahle filter, $52.50 from Pelican. I think Mann is a quality supplier as well, though. Wouldn't worry about either brand.