Fuel filter change- GRRRR! - United Bimmer Community

**Dudesky** · 03-27-2006, 06:38 AM

Anyone ever changed their fuel filter? I just wanted to vent about how difficult it is on earlier E36's. Not impossible, but just plain hard to get to. They put the damn thing up against the engine block, right next to the steering column. I had to take the MAF sensor and duct off just to get to the top hose clamp, then squeeze in between the control arm to get to the bottom one

Damn near took me an hour . . and this was after I had just spent 3hrs changing out some very stubborn tie rods on my minivan. You guys with the later models should be thankful yours is further back away from the engine!

**c1apton** · 03-27-2006, 09:30 AM

On E34 it's back by the tank but not easily reached either. Garranteed to get a bath when changing.

**Rob** · 03-27-2006, 12:23 PM

So you went from above to get it out? Last time I looked, it was easily located and removed when you are working from the bottom of your car. I have a 93' and I know what you mean though. Maybe there is someway of converting the lines and filter to the newer versions, but I don't think it would be worth the trouble since you really don't replace a fuel filter often.

**Dudesky** · 03-27-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

So you went from above to get it out? Last time I looked, it was easily located and removed when you are working from the bottom of your car.

No, I pulled the outlet hose from above, and I also found it easier to reach the filter housing clamp bolt from the top. But the filter was removed from underneath . . you know- the first time is always a bitch

**RealBmw 02** · 03-28-2006, 12:42 PM

Mine sits right on top of the engine bay next to my carb. I can have it changed in under five min.

**Antiburn** · 03-28-2006, 06:03 PM

Why dont you guys just buy car ramps or even better a jack and jack stands. Then throw down a piece of cardboard or a towel and just roll under the car. Dont forget a drop light is very helpful. Or the best way yet, get a friend who has access to a lift, and pay him 10-20$ to change it and dont worry about getting dirty.

**Rooz** · 03-28-2006, 08:47 PM

I did mine from bottom too, very easy to get to

**Dudesky** · 03-29-2006, 07:35 AM

I didn't do mine from the top. Just the outlet hose. I had the car on jackstands, and most of the work was done from underneath. You can't get two hands in from the bottom to get all the way above the filter housing to release the top hose. Rooz, yours is easier than earlier 325's because it's not sitting above the control arm.

**Avlany** · 03-30-2006, 10:39 AM

Try this link. Hope it helps.

**Spieluhr** · 03-30-2006, 05:26 PM

i was gonna change mine pretty soon, good to hear rooz said it was easy on our cars.

**Rooz** · 03-30-2006, 09:53 PM

it's on the driver side under a little protecting plate, if you lift the car up, make sure you don't put the lift's arms right next to it....

**vwk** · 03-31-2006, 01:16 AM

I was thinking to.. an hour :o
It's quite easy to do as long as you have the space under your car...

**sar** · 03-31-2006, 02:36 AM

You can decrease the amount of spray you get all over you if you depressurize the system first - aka unplug the fuel pump or the fuse of what turns it on and crank it over.