I've done a number of searches, and so far have come up with bupkis on this.
Has anyone found directions on changing out the fuel filter on our cars(R53)? I've seen references to it, despite the fact that the filter is an integral part of the pump assy.
My '02 just turned 30,000 miles, and it's probably a good idea.
Thanks,
Hegira

 

Haynes doesn't touch it ....

no mention of this as a maintenance item .... nor a procedure to change it.

There is a section on changing the fuel pump .... which is integral with the tank level sensors. Not something I'd be inclined to mess with just for fun.

Of course, if we're not to trust MINI/BMW for the recommendeed oil change interval then surely this should be changed annually.....

 

The shocker here being it's not serviced. Just like the PCV valve. Some trucks are like this, too. The only filter is a sock around the pump itself.

 

Bently does not touch it either

 

You take out your back seats. Then you see 2 black covers, you have to unbolt/take off the one on the passengers side and there it is! Pretty self explanatory after that! Just pop off the cover holding the fuel filter in and install the new one!
Hope that gets you there!

 

Thanks. Sounds pretty simple. Have you done it yet?

 

It's not the most enjoyable job. This filter also holds the information for your gas gauge. If your gas gauge is not wrong, the chances of your filter being clogged, is slim and none. This is an entire assembly [lines, gas gauge, and filter] that goes in the vehicle from under the backseats. This is not a cheap part, and there is no service recommended change, unless you notice that the gas gauge is constantly wrong. Both black covers under the rear seats have to be removed, due to the wiring INSIDE the tank for the passenger side filter and gauge assembly.

 

Would you care to go into detail on how to "pop off the cover" without breaking it?

 

The covers he is referring will come off with a little forceful nudge. Once you remove them it is fairly straightforward. You may find it easier to have your tank near empty when you do the filter change. Just don't smoke when you are doing it..
The reason the Bentley and Haynes does not cover the filter is because at the time of there writing it was considered a NSP. None serviceable part.

 

I found this, which, to me, indicates the filter element can be changed out.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...07&hg=16&fg=15
I'm inclined to try changing it, when I've got the time (in short supply these days).
Completely off-topic, some S.O.B./P.O.S. hit my car Sunday morning, right after I posted it for sale. And of course left no note. I think I can buff out most of the damage, but it just pisses me off when people show so little respect for other's property.
Ya know what I mean?

 

Page 020-25 of Bentely Mini Cooper Service Manual. (2 ninches thick)

"The Fuel Filter, located in the fuel tank, is intergrated with the right side fuel tank sensor assembly. No Service or replacement interval is specified for the fuel filter"

 

I'll probably give mine a go too here soon. Never changing your fuel filter is like never changing your transmission oil or changing your oil every 15,000 miles or changing your coolant every 4 years or changing your spark plugs every 100,000 miles

Sorry to hear about the bump and run...I had the same happen to me last week...not buffable

 

Yes as I said at the time of its printing.

You can service it now. The filter can be removed from the pump and replaced.

 

supposedly BMW considers this a "lifetime" part and shouldnt need replaced under normal conditions. ill probably do mine at 100k along with the fuel pump but ill probably upgrade the fuel pump seeing as its only 50$ more than OEM. the filter is supposedly part of the fuel pump which i believe is on the right side ( i could be wrong )

 

I am a technician at European Auto in Whitehouse/Tyler, Tx.

I had to change the fuel filter in a couple of MINI's the other day and thought I would take some pics of the process for you guys.

Here we go....

 

Awesome! Thanks, dude.

 

Thanks very much. Excellent presentation, great pictures and script!
I bet we'll be seeing an increase in filter sales at the local MINI/BMW dealerships.

 

Can anyone provide a list of the part numbers required for this job so we have a proper parts list of what to get?

I guess I would want to make sure I get all the proper o-rings and gaskets and such as well as the filter. I would rather replace all gaskets to be safe considering that they can't cost that much.

 

Bentley does indeed cover removing the fuel sending units, and thus, getting at the filter. They HIGHLY recommend draining the tank first. Might have to do with volatile fumes, static electricity, BOOM, that kind of thing.

 

As shown above:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...07&hg=16&fg=15

Key #2
Part # 16146757196
Element kit comes with o-rings.

Great write-up and thanks for the photos.
One other caution. Be careful when disconnecting fuel line. There may be a bit of fuel under pressure present.

Jim

 

Excellent How-to, thank you.

But I can still smoke while I do this, right?

 

Oh Yeah!! And you might want to light a few candles for extra light, too.
Jim

 

Out of curiosity, how many miles were on that MINI with the filter looking like that?

 

Likewise, when you examined the old filter, is that dirt/sludge/particulate accumulation we see, or was the filter simply discoloured?

 

HELP i replaced the filter , put it all back in . turn the key and i hear the pump doing its job..... but the car will not start.
took it apart again to see if its got fuel in the new filter, its full to the top . but it is not going into the fuel line. what did i do wrong ?
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got it running.... you need about 1/3 tank of fuel before the pump will circulate the fuel .