Originally Posted by micosan

How is the fuel filtered on the passenger side? Is there an integrated filter in the pump? Or does the fuel on the passenger side routed to the filter on the driver side and then back to the passenger side and into the pump?

Originally Posted by AchtungE60

I just did this and I took some good pictures and post up a DIY.

Originally Posted by 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.