BMW E30 Fuel Filter replacement

Replacing fuel filter on BMW E30 is an easy task, and is part of scheduled maintenance - Inspection II . Depending on the car model, the main fuel filter is located below the car on the driver side by gas tank, or in the engine compartment by the firewall on the driver side and below brake master cylinder.

Depending on filter location, secure either front or rear of the car on jack-stands. It's recommended to disconnect battery negative cable, and clean any dirt around hoses. To minimize spillage, clamp fuel lines on either side of the filter. Alternatively, before any repairs are started, you can disconnect fuel pump relay and run the car until it stalls. Fuel will most likely spill anyways, so be careful and, after hose clamps are removed, be ready to catch it. Either screwdriver or socket can be used to remove hose clamps. Loosen clamping bracket that holds fuel filter in place. Either socket or wrench can be used for this.

If the filter is located in the front of the car, pull it upwards from engine compartment, since space is limited from below. Get new filter, and note direction of the arrow indicating fuel flow. Tip of the arrow should be pointing towards engine.

Place fuel filter in place, tighten central bracket and hose clamps.
In case you ever wanted to know, this is how inside of fuel filter looks like