DIY - FUEL FILTER CHANGE (with photos)

I bought replacement "fuel line" from the local Advanced Auto (Pep Boy, Trak Auto, insert your local generic parts store here) once as an emergency repair. The thing split on the first drive. Upon closer inspection, their "fuel line" may as well be interchangeable with their vacuum lines. Lesson learned!

As you said, buy OEM, or find a place with real high-pressure hoses!

could a clogged/dirty fuel filter cause codes 171 and 174, lean on banks 1 and 2?

SexyDev and I changed out his filter, there was a lot of gas in the lines and i mean a lot

That ***** would not stop leaking... oh well we finished it and it works great but it took like 30 mins for all the fuel to drain haha :]

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I Replaced my fuel filter this weekend and would like to add the following:
1) removed the filter from the hose in the front first. This would minimize fuel spray.
2) For the gear hoses, it is so much easier to remove the two hoses (with the filter) from the fuel lines instead of removing the filter from the hoses.

The best way is to buy a grounding wrist strap for around $5 from radio shack/the source. This will always be useful, as many BMW sensors and electronic boards can be affected by electrostatic energy. Just wrap it around your wrist and clip it on to something metal and unpainted on the car. If you wear rubber gloves, depending on the thickness, you are isulating yourself from the car's electical system, so it is ok, as long as you are not making contact with the car's electical system elsewhere.

Right now my car isn't starting could it be the fuel filter? My mechanic said it can be the fuel pump. I tried starting the car and had the fuel line cap valve open and my father said no fuel came from that. I'm just making sure it's my fuel pump

subscribed....

bump I am going to try this today. one tip dont do this while changing the filterlol

I suggest you replace the fuel line (8mm or 5/16 id) and you might need six new clamps. Mine had the original factory clamps that were like security screws where you could on get a grip with a flathead to unscrew the but not able to tighten.

Also be sure the blue fuel line goes to the connection in the center of the filter. I got mine switched around and the car would not start until I corrected the problem.

I got the fuel filter, ready to do the change. After reading this post again, I feel that I should change out the fuel hose. My questions, can I get one from Kragen, so I don't have to wait for shipping, here is the description their Goodyear fuse hose.

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3604

Or I should get one from dealer? Thanks.

Tann

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread...

As mentioned above:

Use three golf tee's to plug the soft fuel lines. Use the end caps from the new filter to cover the ends of the old filter. This combination resulted in virtually no spilling. There was no need for a catch basin or anything to collect the fuel.

Also, use a 5mm socket for the hose clamps--no screw drivers or pliers needed

Good luck!

where is the fuel pressure regulater located on a e46 m3?

Same question, I called a few dealers and they all say it's just regular fuel hose which cost $45 per meter.

I read a post talking about p/n 16117175998. But it desn't seem like the right hose based on realoem.com.

Originally Posted by TannTheMan

I got the fuel filter, ready to do the change. After reading this post again, I feel that I should change out the fuel hose. My questions, can I get one from Kragen, so I don't have to wait for shipping, here is the description their Goodyear fuse hose.

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3604

Or I should get one from dealer? Thanks.

Tann

Originally Posted by 91blksi

where is the fuel pressure regulater located on a e46 m3?

anyone?

another suggestion, don't have a lot of fuel in the take when changing the filter. Mine has a bunch a fuel (3/4) and 1-2 gal is coming out on the lines.

One other important detail to point out: The BLUE rear fuel line needs to go into the center point of the fuel filter. Otherwise, the car will not start.

Ask me how I know

wanting to do this today!



did you guys buy the OEM filter, or is asftermarket fine?

I got a Mahle filter from Pelican Parts in Dec-2006 (been a while) for $40.75 + shipping. (Nowadays, I'd probably use Tischer BMW.)

I'm sure non-OEM would be fine as long as you stuck with a good name--Bosch, for instance.