<e36> Fuel Filter Replacement How-To

[Mike Schaublin <mschaublin@xxxxxxxxx>]

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Hey digesters,

I wanted to thank Dennis for these great directions on one of the more difficult
e36 maintenance tasks.  I'm forwarding it to the list so more people can 
benefit.  This would be a good addition to the FAQ.  

Mike Schaublin
'94 325i

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Subject: Changing Your Fuel Filter
Author:  EichstaD@domain.elided at Internet-USA
Date:    10/27/98 5:58 AM

     It's funny as I just replaced my filter last Friday and I learned
several tricks to make it easier. Besides the new filter you  will need four 
new hose clamps.  Since the fuel system is under pressure pull your fuel 
pump fuse and let the engine idle until it dies, install the fuse after the 
engine has stopped running..   First, take off the air filter box it gives 
some extra room.  The heads on the production hose clamps are unique and you 
can only remove them using a screw driver as the they are one way screw 
heads .  A special tool is used on production and I'm reasonably certain not 
available here in the US except to BMW dealers. Also, the front of the car 
needs to be on jack stands.  Now the detail steps:
     1. Under the car you are going to see two fuel hoses banded
together, one is supply the other is return.  On the supply line loosen the 
hose clamp on the end of hose from the steel line from the gas tank using a 
screw driver or a small pair of pliers.  Have a container to catch the 
draining fuel..
     2. Under the hood you'll see the same two lines connected to the
engine.  Front hose is from the filter, loosen it and disconnect the hose.
     3. Loosen, but don't remove!! the screw, using a 10mm socket, clamp
holding the filter enough so it can slide out from the clamp.  From the 
underside route the two hoses and filter out, on the filter you are going to 
see a rubber insulator to protect the fuel filter, install it on the new 
filter..
     4. Now loosen the two hose clamps and remove the hoses from the
filter and install them on the new filter using new clamps.  Tape the inlet 
hose to make sure dirt doesn't enter as you are reinstalling the filter and 
hoses.
     5. From under the car install the fuel filter and hoses.  Position
the filter so you can reconnect the lower hose to the steel line using a new 
clamp.
     6. From under the hood reinstall the filter in the mounting bracket
making sure the insulator is under the mounting clamp and tightened the 
clamp on the filter.
     7. Reconnect the hose to the engine fuel inlet pipe using the last
new clamp.
     8. Start the engine to check for leaks and lower the car.
    I think I can replace the filter in an hour to hour and a half now that
I have been through it once.  Luckily it has to be done every three or four 
years!!
     
Dennis Eichstaedt
94 325iA
Canton, Michigan
     
     
>Date: 25 Oct 1998 14:27:55 -0600
>From: Mike Schaublin <mschaublin@domain.elided> 
>Subject: <e36> RE: Fuel Filter location
>
>     Mike,
>
>     I tried to replace the fuel filter on my 94 325i this weekend, and 
>     I gave up.  Near as I can tell, I need hands the size of a 6 year 
>     old and forearms about 4 feet long to get to the clamps.  Please
>     share any insights on how to get to the upper hose clamp (e.g. what 
>     tools, what did you have to remove to get to it, were you able to
>     sufficiently tighten it?)
>
>     (BTW, I have the short large diameter filter, not the long skinny 
>     one of some models.)
>
>     TIA for your help,
>
>     Mike Schaublin
>     94 325i
>
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>

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From: EichstaD@domain.elided at Internet-USA
Date: 10/27/98 5:58AM -0800
To: Mike Schaublin at DTT.US.ECG.4
*cc: Sarah_Victoria@domain.elided] at Internet-USA
Subject: Changing Your Fuel Filter
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