To change Fuel filter... Disconnect the battery???

[e34.535i.sport]

I ran a search for what i want to know but couldn't find it sorry (posted a few thrads this week!)

I need to know when changing the fuel filter do you need to disconnect the battery? (Mine is located behind the rear wheel). I dont really want to disconnect it if i dont have to due to the radio being aftermarket and not having the code. However i dont want to get electrified either...

I think i have the method for changing it down now but any hints/tricks that may make my life easier = much appreciated.

[pingu]

I thought the usual advice was to unplug the fuel relay and run the engine till it cuts out (in order to minimise the pressure in the fuel hose). I think Dave M has recently posted pictures of the fuel relay in the DME box.

[Jon K]

Right - unplug the fuel pump relay or fuse and run the car til it sputters out. Then, I unplug the battery. I unplug it for most things because its stupid not to. Who knows what kind of bizarre **** could turn your fuel filter change into a push-burning-car-out-of-garage routine.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

I just look forward to the splash of fuel in my eyes, as I pull the first hose.

Just pull the fuel pump relay and try to start the car to release the stored pressure.

The battery part is for the chronically paranoid delusional mechanics.

[bmwrp8]

just replaced mine 2times this past week.I didn't take out the battery nor the fuel pump relay.Just jacked up the car and changed it.,And oh yeah wear goggles hehehe when you first take the fuel lines out get ready to be splashed by fuel:D better do it while smoking then...KABOOMM:D

[Jon K]

The battery part is for the chronically paranoid delusional mechanics.


Or for people who know why batteries have vent tubes :)

[brosher]

Or for people who know why batteries have vent tubes :)

I thought that was an emergency roadside oxygen supply? :(

[txp135]

I opened the fuel door and clamped the fuel line before I removed the old filter. When I pulled the 2nd filter out I know to tilt it with the arrow down. And I think changing 1 filter at a time will prevent some spilage. I lost a bout 2 cups of fuel on my first attempt.

[e34.535i.sport]

Fuel filter got delayed when i got underneath and found a corroded fuel pipe leaking! :(

Sorted that now thankfully: it wasn't easy but got some rubber fuel pipe and extended it over the bit of fuel line i broke off while inspecting it. Difficult when fuel is pouring out of it i can tell you but it got done.

Feel much more confident about my car DIY'ing these days, done a few different jobs now!

Thanks everyone. I dont think i'll bother with disconnecting the battery - less hassle than its worth i suppose.

Will replace all the fuel lines when i get time, think thats gonna be a bi*ch!!!!

[repenttokyo]

your confiedence will grow and grow with each job, it's one of the best feelings that comes with owning a car you wrench on yourself.

[attack eagle]

just replaced mine 2times this past week.I didn't take out the battery nor the fuel pump relay.Just jacked up the car and changed it.,And oh yeah wear goggles hehehe when you first take the fuel lines out get ready to be splashed by fuel:D better do it while smoking then...KABOOMM:D
Done a bunch while smoking.

Used to throw lit cigarettes into a 5 gallon pail of old gas to scare off customers that ignored the old " due to insurance reasons, no customers past this point" sign... It was funny :D

[e34.535i.sport]

Your not wrong there, I got the car with the intention of fixing things myself and i love it... Enough to annoy the missus thats for sure. :D

First thing i done was the service inc plugs etc - felt like a mechanic afterwards. I think people got sick of hearing about it! :p

Fuel filter getting done tonight - wish me luck!

[e34.535i.sport]

If you dont take out the fuel relay when you take the hoses off will they spurt for a while and then stop or just keep going? I'v got half a tank of fuel and it aint cheap at the moment - the beast is thirsty enough as it is! :p

[bmwrp8]

Your not wrong there, I got the car with the intention of fixing things myself and i love it... Enough to annoy the missus thats for sure. :D

First thing i done was the service inc plugs etc - felt like a mechanic afterwards. I think people got sick of hearing about it! :p

Fuel filter getting done tonight - wish me luck!


don't forget to do it while smoking:D :p

[e34.535i.sport]

Looks like this is gonna be another mammoth job for me! First timei went to do fuel filter (sat) i found a leak in one of the pipes and changed that... Second ime i go to do it the two hoseclamps are rusted to f*ck and the head crumbled on me... Time to think of a solution...