AchtungE60

dayyyum! good deal! But why pay $225 for it? I mean list is $215 and my dealer price is $143

http://realoem.com/b...554&hg=16&fg=15

That's the part #?
Fuel filter with fuel level sensor,
left
3,5 BAR
116146765826
$214.38

I was going to attempt this on my SULEV 325CI with an M56 engine but found the fuel filter was "lifetime" and you had to replace the whole gas tank. Not me! Especially when it had 52K miles on it....found out it was a problem with the injector rail.

phlfly

I wonder too, I have always replaced all fule filter on my car soon as I got them.
DIY, please

pcy

I've changed fuel filter on my '06 530i last week. Here's what I did -

0. Make sure the fuel tank is near empty. Work in a well ventilated area.
1. Disconnect battery negative cable (I am not sure if this is necessary; but I wanted to make sure the pump won't run while I am working on the fuel lines).
2. Lift up the rear seat and remove.
3. Go to the drivers side, pull back the mat, you will see access panel with 4 bolts (10mm). Remove those 4 bolts, remove that metal access panel. First picture below shows what you see now.
4. Put some rags on top of the fuel line and remove that fuel line (squeeze on the tabs and lift up). CAREFUL slowly lift up that connector, fuel is pressurized and comes out fast. I wrapped couple of pieces of cloths on the line while slowly lifting up. When the pressure is fully released, set the line aside.
5. Take large flat screw driver any other appropriate tool and a hammer and undo the large collar nut. Remove the collar nut and set aside.
6. Left up the Fuel Filter assembly. You will see a large connector on the bottom, push the pin, and remove the connector.
7. On the very bottom portion of the fuel filter, there is a flat surface. You will see an electrical connector, remove it.
8. You will see L shaped pin, push it down while pulling that entire connector away.
9. The last picture shows all the connectors removed (looking in to the fuel tank). All those cables/connectors are coming from the fuel pump on the passengers side and they are connected to the fuel pump.
10. When I disconnected the fuel filter, most of the dirty fuel in the filter dropped back in to the tank. So, I took a sponge and emptied the remaining fuel in the tank.
10. Position the new fuel filter in to the position; attach the electrical connector to the new fuel filter. Connect all the fuel lines to the filter. Take your time to make sure everything is connected properly. You can't make a mistake; all connectors go one-way only.
11. Remove old seal ring on collar and put the new seal that came with the fuel filter.
12. Lower the fuel filter in to position, you will have to push it down slightly since the spring pushes the filter up against the access panel.
13. Line up the fuel filter, collar ring nut and tighten.
14. Reconnect the fuel line. Wipe off the area, reconnect battery negative cable. Start the car (it will take some cranking to pressurize and prime the lines). When you are sure no leaks, put back the access panel, tighten 4 bolts. Place the rear seat in it's position.

When you buy the new fuel filter; look at it carefully and you will see all the connections and how they are released.

pcy

Here is a picture of the new fuel filter with the fuel level sensor (it's a single unit).

zamestytel

PCY great write up! A+


Driving the car to work today was such a pleasure! smooth as silk!

Laci535i

Do you need to register the new fuel filter so the computer will recognize that it is new? Never mind just a joke! :-)))

jgt

Ask your local BMW SA. They'll probably say you do! lol.

Hey pcy I have a few questions.
Do you have pics of the old filter?
How much mileage did your car have?
And any noticeable improvement in driveabilty?

pcy

Hi, I have the old fuel filter. I didn't break it apart to see inside the filter. But I saw the fuel that came out of the fuel filter - it was dark. You can see it in one of the pictures I posted.
My car has 105K miles. I replaced the fuel filter as a preventive maintenance; no change in driveability after the fuel filter is changed. I am planning to keep the car for few more years. Fuel pump and filter are one of the key components of the car; I thought it's prudent to change them while it's convenient for me given that my car has 105K miles.

It only costed me $222 and 2 hours of my time. The dealer would've charged at least $300 labor for this (plus the cost of part).

jgt

Thanks a lot! I'm at 80k right now and was thinking of replacing it at 100k since I plan on keeping my E60 for a few more years also.

jgt

Figure I'd post for future DIY'ers. BMW of Lincoln has the lowest priced fuel FILTERS at $144 plus shipping.
Part # 16146766152

http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/part...&siteid=215771