I've been trying to look if my 545 has a replacement fuel filter but all i can find is the whole sending unit with filter. So the only way to replace the fuel filter is to replace the entire sending unit??? I just think that's an awful design.

 

I found this on realoem

RealOEM.com * BMW E60 545i Fuel filter /Fuel level sensor left

 

wow $214 bucks...damn BMW engineers!!!!

 

Buy a Bosch unit. Half the price and is the manufacturer of the OEM unit.

 

and isn't the fuel filter inside the fuel tank so it not just the part, but also the labor to replace this thing? Really bad design in my view. One bad fill and it could clog the filter. Also, after 100K or so, one would definitely want to change the filter. So many reasons to keep it somewhere easily accessible....

 

Its not too bad. Just have to lift up the rear seat and its right there.

 

there was a big thread here, maybe in diy section, going over how to change, and where to buy.

 

ooo. wow. One last gripe I had with BMW can be removed if those fuel filters could be easily serviced. Let me search that DIY. I am hoping the design is the same for all E60. Mine is a N52 2007 525.
update...
Yep - they are the same for all E60, including M5. Found this DIY with pics (nice one):

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...-step-diy.html

 

I have replaced the fuel filter [and fuel pump] on '06 530i (N52 engine). It's not that much work. Nearly empty tank will help, otherwise, fuel will be splattering while doing the work.

 

I still think they should of put an inline filter that's more easily accessible. Oh I just remember, if it's too easy for the average Joe to change out then it's not a BMW.