Getting ready to talk myself into changing the fuel filter on my 04 R53. how hard is it to get the retaining ring loose and do I need a special tool? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Here is the fuel filter for the R50 R52 R53 MINI Gen 1.

Fuel Filter Kit. Part number 16146757196


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/16146757196/





The ring can be removed with constantly tapping it out. Flat head screw driver works pretty good.

Click here for a great how to thread.

Thanks

 

all it takes to get the retaining ring loose is a smallish ball peen hammer and a decent sized flat tip screw driver.

a hook pick will make removing the two little o-rings super easy.

It was very easy given the 3-4 DIY how tos around the net. I primarily used the one from billswebspace. as you will notice, he links to several others as well.

http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR50...erDIYGuide.htm

In addition to the DIYs, when you go to replace that one really large gasket, it doesn't just go on top of the tank, but fits into a groove so that part of the gasket is on the inside of the tank and part is on the outside of the tank. I had trouble putting the ring back on because i thought the big gasket just went on top. I fought with it for about 30 minutes trying to get the lock ring started until i took a break and regrouped my thoughts.

 

What is a symptom if the filter goes bad?
I have no idea when we need to replace that.

Thanks

 

Lack of power, lean condition.. Possible noisy fuel pump (since it causes cavitation..)

 

Thank you for quick answering.

 

Hi Dan, as suggested, you can carefully loosen the ring with a flat head screw driver & rubber mallet. This is the hardest part of the project but not bad just takes a little patience.

We offer Genuine MINI as well as the Vaico brand fuel filters. One note about the Vaico brand, customers have reported that the internal o-ring is slightly larger than the OEM o-ring and have reverted to reusing the original o-ring.

You can shop fuel filters for your '04 R53 here.
Great DIYs here on NAM as well as our install instructions you can view here.

Let us know what questions you have.
Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Ordered from you yesterday, looks like a weekend project coming soon.

 

It's great that Bill is one of our local customers as he does some great how to articles.
The most important thing is the large oring when you put it back on. Make sure you have it in place, if you don't the fuel pressure will leak out into the tank and the car won't start, or will run bad as it won't have enough fuel pressure.

 

Is this a routine maintenance item, or replaced only when signs indicate failure or clogging?

 

We recommend doing it at 100k or if you have signs a failure, whichever comes first.

 

Thanks, Way. Estimate on the labor time for this job?

 

It’s gonna be bad before you notice it. I’d say if you have over 75,000 miles change it. It is not hard particularly if you watch any of the videos. Make sure you are not in a rush and of course take your time. You’ll be done in under an hour and will be amazed at how black your old filter will be.

///Rich

 

This - the seal didn't seat right the first time I did mine and car would not start. Also, don't you end up with an extra seal? I remember having the o-ring and two seals but only needed one.