Why you should change your fuel filter - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Jon@TheMShop · 25th August 2006, 00:47

M5Board member, Up, came to us for an inspection II. We removed his fuel filter and dark dirty fuel came out from the inlet side of the filter. Clean fuel came out from the outlet side.

We poured the rest of the dirty fuel to a plastic tray and let the fuel evaporate. Car had 78,XXX miles.

We drained some fuel from the tank and it too came out clean. Up bought the M5 recently so a previous owner might have put in a bad tank of gas.

shadowman · 25th August 2006, 01:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon@TheMShop

M5Board member, Up, came to us for an inspection II. We removed his fuel filter and dark dirty fuel came out from the inlet side of the filter. Clean fuel came out from the outlet side.

We poured the rest of the dirty fuel to a plastic tray and let the fuel evaporate. Car had 78,XXX miles.

We drained some fuel from the tank and it too came out clean. Up bought the M5 recently so a previous owner might have put in a bad tank of gas.

A very good suggestion and an item often over looked whether at the dealer or by home mechanic until there is an issue.

Good post

Shadowman

mottati · 25th August 2006, 01:47

i changed my fuel filter after doing a mafs test. I got a reading of 166L/h peak, in second gear (this was maybe 18mos ago) and thought man, that is a lot of fuel running thru there. After 60k miles, there must be some junk in there causing a bit of potential restriction. Easy and cheap enough to do, and it was part of the service procedure before bmw's became free to maintain!
Mike

TiSiBeast · 25th August 2006, 01:47

Wow - thats suprising how dirty that is. Can I get the filter from you guys at D/A?

ard · 25th August 2006, 03:16

So, lets post the correct part numbers.

Is it:
Fuel Filter: 13321407299
GASKET RING: 07119963129

??? I assume a new o ring with the new filter. Anything else?

Jon@TheMShop · 25th August 2006, 03:21

The O-ring is just a copper washer. It is recommend to get a new one because you have to remove the fuel pressure regulator from the filter assembly and bolt it onto the new filter.

M5inGA · 25th August 2006, 04:04

Jon, doesn't BMW feel that these are good to 100K? So I can assume that mine with 82K has not been changed. Looks to be a pretty straightforward procedure, right?

Jon@TheMShop · 25th August 2006, 04:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5inGA

Jon, doesn't BMW feel that these are good to 100K? So I can assume that mine with 82K has not been changed. Looks to be a pretty straightforward procedure, right?

I have no idea why BMW says 100,000 miles or on every inspection II. They don't know how many gallons of fuel passes through the filter. However, I think there is way to determine how many gallons of fuel a vehicle has used during its lifetime.

If you have not replaced your fuel filter yet and you're over 50,000 miles, then yes I do recommend replacing it. You might even notice a big difference in how the M5 accelerates.

Up · 25th August 2006, 05:35

I was disgusted at all the dirt coming out of my filter!

I did notice a difference in response and overall power in the car - probably due to the combination of oil change, spark plugs (extremely overdue replacement), and fuel filter. The car feels and sounds healthier.

That much resistance in the filter couldn't have been helping the cars' acceleration!

Next up - MAF's....I feel if previous owner didn't replace plugs and fuel filter, what's the chance of the maf's being replaced! I'm hoping to find more lost power.

Good day!

Up.

ard · 25th August 2006, 06:16

Up. Pre Cat O2s made a noptceable improvement in mine at 50k.

Folks don't understand that the BMW recommended maintenance is NOT designed to keep your Ultimate Driving Machine in tip-top, race ready shape. It is designed to avoid lawsuits and to reach the end of the warranty period without too many claims.