Fuel filter analysis and help with fuel filter hose issue please
Well, after reading several threads on the board about dirty fuel filters, I told my dealer to change mine out during Inspection II at a cost of $200 (yes, I know I could have done it cheaper elsewhere but Inspection II was being done at the dealer under my maintenance contract, and I just wanted everything done at once).
I received a call from the dealer (expecting to be told the car was ready to be picked up) telling me that in the process of removing the fuel filter, the tech broke a few prongs off the white plastic clip on the hose leading to the fuel filter, and a new hose will be needed. Further, the hose is M5 specific and the dealer does not have one in stock. Then it comes - apparently, no dealer in the USA has the part and it has to come from Germany. This will take 7-10 days (probably longer with the holidays). So there my car sits, fresh with new plugs, air filters and brand-spanking new rear PS-2s...and I can't drive it (on the upside, at least I don't have to worry about them driving it either...). Yes, I have a loner (which I don't need), but the thought of my baby just sitting at the dealer (not garaged of course) for the next 1-2 weeks is driving me mad.
I know this is not a calamity, and if I have to deal with it I will. Mistakes happen and I'll get my car back. I just can't believe this part is not available in the US. I was too blind-sided to think to get the actual part number from the dealer (I will do so on Monday), but the white plastic piece and the hose can be seen in the middle picture in this thread from phid_bombadier: Fuel Filter Replacement. During another search I came across this part number, which I think may be it: P/N 16 12 2 228 814 "rear fuel feed line".
Can anyone help? I will be checking with local independent shops on Monday as well. If I can get the part elsewhere I will just buy it and hand deliver it to the dealer for installation.
To add insult to injury, the tech said my fuel filter looked great - no dirty fuel came out, etc. I had him cut it open so I could take it apart. Pictures are below. It looks pretty good to me. I use Chevron gas exclusively. I'm not saying not to have a fuel filter replacement done preventively (clearly some are very dirty and need replacement), but I obviously wish I had left well enough alone!
How does a stealer come up with $200 to change a $25 part that takes longer to remove the cover than it does to change the filter? I am amazed how much money folks will spend to not have to lay on a garage floor-amazed.
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/// 2000 M5 black on black (sold)
/// 2002 540i Sport Topaz blue
2000 540i Sport Orient blue
How does a stealer come up with $200 to change a $25 part that takes longer to remove the cover than it does to change the filter? I am amazed how much money folks will spend to not have to lay on a garage floor-amazed.
BMW X 2,
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post. I must point out that your reply does little to answer my question, but rather berate me for not being as good a mechanic as you obviously are. I actually do get on the on garage floor to check out things in my car, but lack the mechanical knowledge to fix some things. I'd venture to say that in my profession, I can fix things that you cannot as well.
For the past 3.5 years I have turned to this board to enlighten me, and I have appreciated all the input.
Happy New Year!
P.S. There is no charge for the hose, and likely will be no charge for the fuel filter change due to the error.
P.P.S. The main reason I posted was to add to the board's data base regarding fuel filter replacement.
First of all I don't think you were overcharged anymore than normal for the filter change by the dealer. RealOem.com shows the fuel filter for $108.25 so the dealer would probably charge around $150 for the filter plus 1/2 shop labor to you end up at = $200. Expensive but your at a BMW dealer working on an M series car!
If you want to save money become a BMWCCA member for $35 per year to save 15% on all of your BMW parts purchases. So this one filter change would have saved you the annual membership = $177.50. If you have not noticed yet any part BMW sells that is M specific is VERY expensive so a 15% discount takes much of the "sting" out of the pricing.
Actually since your car is stuck there, before you pick it up go to BMWCCA.com and become a member then when you pick up the car tell the SA you are a member and give them your membership number and save 15% on all of the parts used - so on an inspection II you will probably save at least $100.
How many miles are on the car anyway (miles on the fuel filter)? Because though not clogged it does look dirty to me!
Note; the top of the filter in your picture is the inlet or tank side that flows (dirty) fuel from the tank to the outside of the filter media. this "dirty" fuel flows around the outside of the filter media and through it to the inside of the filter media and then out of the filter in the center (see the bottom nipple) and to the engine "cleaned". So any dirt will deposit on the outside (discolored in your picture) of the filter media to the inside (light color in your picture) and then flow into the engine as clean fuel. So my opinion is that the filter did its job and captured dirt on the filter media as it should.
This is also true for the air filters and pollen filters in your car. Take a flashlight and look through the filter media and see how much stuff it collected. CAUTION! do not use anything near or around the filter media that could ignite the vapors! No, shop lights!!!!
TEST
Can any of the dark material be removed from that side of the filter? This is dirt if it comes off. This will verify that the filter is well used and did its job as noted by the clean side (light color).
Good luck with the car and happy new year - hopefully as a new BMWCCA member, start off 2008 a little richer.
I made an assumption (my bad) that anyone has the ability to change a fuel filter. We are not born knowing how to do this, but it takes very little time or effort to read the DIY posts or using the search function to find out how to do it. If time is money for you such that it is a bad investment of your time rather than pay a stealer's price for a filter change, then your "baby" is at the mercy of your dealer always and money is simply not an issue. That is what I guess I meant rather than to insult your ability or intelligence. I'm sorry, but I am amazed and how easily one is separated from this much money for a really simple(or it should be) repair. I apologize for coming across in this manner. I, unfortunately can not give you help to your question. I, as your dealer would seek another dealer with an unsold M5 of same vintage and take that part off a new vehicle if necessary to right your wrong.
I am a member of the BMWCCA and have yet to save a penny as my dealer I use when I need parts or service will not afford us a discount. Basney BMW states this on many placards around their dealership. I differ with how "value" is established. I do not believe value is what the highest price charged at any source is. I believe value is established by the market and is whatever the prevailing price is in the market. I venture to say aftermarket sources sell more fuel filters than even BMW and the mfgr. is often the same so quality is not an issue.
Anyway, I digress. I just changed my 540i filter ($58) last month in 10 minutes. The 540 filter is more money than an M5 filter as it has an internal regulator. I have my M5 filter on the bench ready to go in later tomorrow. It should be even easier as there is only an inlet and an outlet. Once I see it, I will know whether a "worm clamp" could suffice and possibly be more functional as well such that you could have had your car immediately.
I am truly sorry if I offended your intelligence or ability- both of which I am sure are quite excellent in your field. I am also sorry I don't have an answer for your real question. When I do mine I will look at it from their perspective and see if the dealer should have other options.
I still am amazed at people willing to spend that much more money that the value of the repair which in this case has taken more of your time than the repair would have taken even if you had to allow time for reading a DIY posting.
If you would like my opinion as to any options to effect a reasonable alternative repair, I will offer it. Many dealers would take a new vehicle out of service if they had to- to obtain a needed part for a good customer.
Good luck and happy new year-apology accepted??
Bill
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/// 2000 M5 black on black (sold)
/// 2002 540i Sport Topaz blue
2000 540i Sport Orient blue
Xcargo, thanks for the information. I actually am a CCA member (9 years!), but my dealer does not give discounts. Hopefully this will change soon as the dealer is assuming new ownership.
I will try your test. Best wishes for your new year as well!
If you would like my opinion as to any options to effect a reasonable alternative repair, I will offer it. Many dealers would take a new vehicle out of service if they had to- to obtain a needed part for a good customer.
Good luck and happy new year-apology accepted??
Bill
Bill,
Thanks - apology accepted. I am slowly learning how to do things myself and definitely do not want to take the car to the dealer for everything. When I know I can do something right (e.g., change the crankcase hoses) I will do it. When I have a general idea from DYI information from the board but do not feel confident about all the steps involved (as was the case with the fuel filter) I hesitate to work on the car.
Hopefully my knowledge and skill will increase - I certainly plan to change any O2 sensors out myself when they need it.
In any case, I would value your opinion about alternative repairs, etc.
Fuel filter analysis and help with fuel filter hose issue please
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