Sorry - I missed this when you first asked.

First, our cars are different. The 2001 3.0i uses the Mahle KL96, no special clips are needed, and I don't know what other things are different. So what worked for me may be different for you.

But regarding the vacuum hose, it was just plain vacuum hose connecting the metal barb on the filter (pressure regulator) to the vaccum supply connection (that leads to the engine). Same OD of those fittings on both ends, so normal rubber vacuum line with a matching ID did the job. Nothing hard about that, other than selecting the right diameter hose. At this point, I don't remember details about the car-end of the vacuum line other than that. But ...

More details (from fading memory) on the fuel connections, in case anyone cares: The fuel lines are hard blue plastic. Where they interface with the filter, there is an Aluminum fitting that transitions the blue plastic line to a standard black flexible rubber fuel hose that is attached to the filter (at 3 points) with single-use crimp hose clamps. In my case, the hose looked in good shape, so I did not change it. I don't remember, but I would not be surprised if I trimmed off the last 1/2" so the clamping surface would be fresh. I used new worm-drive hose clamps. The Aluminum fitting did not look familiar and I don't know if it can easily be separated and reconnected. So I did not even touch that.

There is a lot of variation in specifics on the fuel filters, including differences in the location. So don't assume anything. Step one would be to look up the part number for the fuel filter for your car vs. whatever instructions you are hoping to follow, and see if they are the same.

I can tell you that my 2001 3.0i used the Mahle KL96 filter, had different fuel connections than the one in these instructions, but was basically in the same location more or less, so the instructions on accessing it were accurate and very helpful. Once you get there, it's not rocket science unless you're missing any special parts (like the Dorman clips, if you need those [I had bought them, but then found I did not need them]).

Good advice, and this was my default approach.

I checked RealOEM.com and they are not coming back with a fuel-filter on X5 E53 X5 3.0i :( So I guess I'll have to probe around somewhere else, to identify the correct fitting part for my year and engine.

Thanks for your comments, and yes this looks like a terrific guide, despite any technical variance on part/location. I'm sure all these filters are tucked up in there under the splash shield, just forward of the fuel tank.


--Scott

Did this today.. nice write up, however, there are more screws that need to be removed at least in my case. What a pain, some repairs are so easy on this car and others so un-necessarily difficult.

cn90, question for you, I am most likely going to do the fuel filter as part of my "pre-winter" maintenance, with an oil change, as I would like to check the brake lines before the cold sets in, and get some anti-corrosive agent on them

I saw where you drilled the hole to allow a garden hose to rinse off the salt, however, is the water you spray in there able to drain from the bottom of the big ass cover, or is it stuck on the bottom with no where to go until it evaporates? I would possibly consider a drain hole on the bottom (with a plug) or perhaps leave it open for air flow

The drilled hole: it is very easy to spray water up there to prevent brake line corrosion.

Water comes right down the big-ass cover and drains out instantly. Maybe a bit left at the bottom, which will evaporate anyway. Best is to spray water before going somewhere, this way water drains out and evaporates during the drive.

BTW, this big-ass cover is not sealed, moisture, water, salt can still get in on the R side.

You will like the drilled hole concept. It makes maintenance (spraying garden hose up there) a breeze.

For cross-ref purpose, the thread on brake line corrosion is here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-anyone-3.html


I used 3/4-inch drill bit, I leave the hole open, no need to cover it, it also makes spraying water a breeze.


http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...one-hole-1.jpg


http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...one-hole-2.jpg

Perfect thank you so much for clarifying, I definitely want an access hole where I am able to spray some WD40 (been using it for years as preventative for rust accumulation on the jet ski) with a straw container, once or twice a year before winter and after rinsing. While I have it open I'll have to see where the best place is, but your hole is a good place to start, thanks!

DYING

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/61766124.jpg

Quick question:
* how many of you (x5 owners) did R/R fuel filter with the genuine fuel filter VERSUS the OEM
* maintenance item before 100k mile / 6 yrs or at 100k / 10 yrs or beyond 100k miles / 10+ yrs

Does it matter if we always stick to top tier fuel like shell , Mobil , BP and etc