Ok then i just placed the order for zimmerman front rotors coated and akebono euro pads and the fuel filter for a total of $288 with shipping. Can't wait to tackle this fuel filter job. I currently have 147K and have not changed the filter. I have also not noticed a any signs that it needs to be changed. There is no hesitation or "starvation" But some saw here it can leak into the vacuum line...so better change it.

Difference?
 

I didn't notice a difference with my X5 when I changed the filter at 60K, but I really DO think I noticed a difference with my 3 series when I changed it at 90k. Seemed to have more top end power. I would be curious to know if you can tell at difference at 147K.

I know BMW says they're lifetime, but it's hard to believe. They're not any bigger than anyone else's filters, why would they be less likely to clog up? Since I really don't expect to get over 150K on either car, I feel like they should never need to be changed again.

I think the fuel in the vacuum line is likely a manufacturing defect rather than wear. If it was a common problem there would be a thread on it.

Its just that when we had a van that had about 180K on it and it had a Chevy V8 and when it was time to change that filter it was very noticeable. I mean after 60mph it wouldn't or couldn't go any faster. it felt bogged down like someone was cutting of the fuel and the filter had about 80K on it i think it was changed at 100K so any how the effects of a old filter were evident before that incident. But with the X there is nothing...knock on wood. But i will definitely update how it is afterwards and also ill try to cut open the filter just to see how bad it is inside. I think there was a thread here where some one did that also.

Wasn't there a recall on the old fuel filters such as the ones originally on 2002 X5 3.0i E53? I am concerned that I have that very fuel filter on my X5. If this fuel filter was recalled, wouldn't the dealership replace the fuel filter without charge? Below is picture of the fuel filter I have just taken out of my 2002 X5 3.0i...and I was planning on simply replacing the filter with the other fuel filter made by Mahle but in the process I realized they are not similar in shape nor size and the mounting bracket is much smaller than any I have seen on this thread or any other thread. Can anyone shed some light on this matter for me?

OLD FUEL FILTER:
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...-40-51_126.jpg

Old fuel filter made in April 26, 2002, which is older than the vehicle which was manufactured in May of 2002 (weird).
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...-41-06_931.jpg

Here is a comparison of the new fuel filter and the old one.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...-40-15_524.jpg

PLEASE HELP!

Well, I dont notice any difference maybe a tade better MPG but i mean a little!!! lol and the new and old filter were identical.

I think you bought the wrong one for a 3.0I i bought mann also and mine was identical to your old one as you have pictured! i got it from partsgeek.com 16 12 6 754 016 and their number is W0133-1619337

and as you see in your pic the number i wrote down matches your number printed on you old filter.

Looks like you bought the wrong filter. i changed mine two weeks ago and it was identical. my 2002 x5 3.0i was made in june of 02 and they changed to the different filter in march or april.

the larger one is for a 4.4

it has a pressure regulator built in.

3.0 and 4.4 use the same one in 2002. if it was made before 4/01 it is the small one, made after 4/01 it is the large one. In this case, size doesn't matter.:D

Thank you Gentlemen, I ordered the correct fuel filter. The joker at Advanced Auto Parts ordered me the wrong part. It wasnt even his fault, the system they have there shows the 4.4 fuel filter for every model X5. This thread has been very helpful in the fuel filter replacement process.