DIY Fuel Filter Change

aznbo187 · Thu, Oct-15-2009, 02:33:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheungms

awesome DIY! Does it really matter if you buy a BMW crush washer or if you just go to your local autoparts store for one? what is the ID/OD?

thanks for the write-up!

Pretty sure a copper washer is a copper washer. Just make sure you get the write ID/OD and check for leaks before putting all the covers back on.

cheungms · Thu, Oct-15-2009, 04:15:24 PM

anybody have the dimensions? I'd hate to take it out and not have a part ready...

khanyam3 · Sat, Oct-17-2009, 12:37:39 AM

sorry for the ignorant question, but what benefit comes from changing the fuel filter?

aznbo187 · Sat, Oct-17-2009, 04:06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khanyam3

sorry for the ignorant question, but what benefit comes from changing the fuel filter?

It's just regular maintenance you need to do, just like your air filter. The longer you don't change it, the more clogged it eventually becomes making it harder for your fuel to flow through. I don't know if it can get to the point to clogging it completely and affecting any of the pump components but I sure felt a much smoother power band.

pish180 · Mon, Oct-19-2009, 06:27:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznbo187

It's just regular maintenance you need to do, just like your air filter. The longer you don't change it, the more clogged it eventually becomes making it harder for your fuel to flow through. I don't know if it can get to the point to clogging it completely and affecting any of the pump components but I sure felt a much smoother power band.

My m3 has 137k and i has having rough starts... fuel filter seemed to fix it right up. Figured that was the last thing it could be since I had done everything else. I mean the job is easy with the right tools, and the filter is only like 40$ on bavauto.

I really dont think its good for your fuel pump either. Like having clogged arteries... can cause a heart attack.

ijw922 · Tue, Oct-20-2009, 05:07:52 PM

I just finished replacing the fuel filter. Everything went well except that it looks like I have a leak at the fuel pressure regulator at the bleeder valve. If I leave the cap off and start it up, gas flows right out of the bleeder valve. I think I broke it when I attempted to bleed it.

Do I need a new fuel pressure regulator? What part would that be? The realoem diagram doesn't show a part number.

aznbo187 · Mon, Nov-02-2009, 09:28:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijw922

I just finished replacing the fuel filter. Everything went well except that it looks like I have a leak at the fuel pressure regulator at the bleeder valve. If I leave the cap off and start it up, gas flows right out of the bleeder valve. I think I broke it when I attempted to bleed it.

Do I need a new fuel pressure regulator? What part would that be? The realoem diagram doesn't show a part number.

I believe the bleeder valve only comes as part of the FPR. Before going out to buy a new one, try playing around with it. Could just be that the valve got stock at a weird position.

ijw922 · Sat, Nov-21-2009, 12:09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznbo187

I believe the bleeder valve only comes as part of the FPR. Before going out to buy a new one, try playing around with it. Could just be that the valve got stock at a weird position.

It turns out there was a very slight crack in the housing. Fuel would seep out slowly and then start dripping. I ended up getting a new housing after attempting to seal it.

On the plus side, I learned that there's a fuse removal tool in the glove box. It comes in handy when you're debugging a fuel leak.

**Donovan** · Mon, Nov-30-2009, 10:45:18 AM

Another Success story!

Only thing I have to say is... use a open end wrench to push back on the WHITE clip towards the rear of the car and use your hand to slide the house towards the front of the car..you will see it move..

With the front of the filter I would suggest two people to undo that bolt, it is a bit tight but my buddy (has a 335i was doing headers) helped me out right next to me. I used the old copper ring because it was FLAWLESS and reused the WHITE clip because it was flawless as well. Thanks anzbo187 and m3forum!

....also installed agency front strut brace to replace OEM. All together 2 hours.

nwthunder · Fri, Dec-25-2009, 05:31:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khanyam3

sorry for the ignorant question, but what benefit comes from changing the fuel filter?

Better flow, and your pump has to work less and extends its life span

Thu, Oct-15-2009, 04:15:24 PM	#32
cheungms Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 663 In the garage: '05 LOTUS ELISE Reputation: 0 Location: Philadelphia	anybody have the dimensions? I'd hate to take it out and not have a part ready... __________________ sold: 2005 Lotus Elise 2005 BMW M3 Searching for E30 / E9x M3

Sat, Oct-17-2009, 12:37:39 AM	#33
khanyam3 Back in the day member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,918 Reputation: 0 Location: Orange County	sorry for the ignorant question, but what benefit comes from changing the fuel filter? __________________ 2004 BMW ///M3 SMG with a couple of oem stuff

Tue, Oct-20-2009, 05:07:52 PM	#36
ijw922 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 31 Reputation: 0	Fuel pressure regulator leak I just finished replacing the fuel filter. Everything went well except that it looks like I have a leak at the fuel pressure regulator at the bleeder valve. If I leave the cap off and start it up, gas flows right out of the bleeder valve. I think I broke it when I attempted to bleed it. Do I need a new fuel pressure regulator? What part would that be? The realoem diagram doesn't show a part number. __________________ Ian 2002 Steel Gray ///M3

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Mon, Nov-30-2009, 10:45:18 AM	#39
Donovan Banned Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,731 Reputation: 0 Location: D.C. , Germany	Another Success story! Only thing I have to say is... use a open end wrench to push back on the WHITE clip towards the rear of the car and use your hand to slide the house towards the front of the car..you will see it move.. With the front of the filter I would suggest two people to undo that bolt, it is a bit tight but my buddy (has a 335i was doing headers) helped me out right next to me. I used the old copper ring because it was FLAWLESS and reused the WHITE clip because it was flawless as well. Thanks anzbo187 and m3forum! ....also installed agency front strut brace to replace OEM. All together 2 hours.