Is replacing the fuel filter worth it? I have seen many people post about replacing their fuel filter and seeing how dirty the old / original one is. And I have also seen MANY posts about people having real trouble getting the filter to seal correctly and have trouble getting the car to start after replacing the fuel filter. With all that being true...has anyone experienced significant (or even notable) performance / drive ability / mileage after replacing their fuel filter?

 

Take your time, make sure the gasket is seated correctly, and it is not too bad of a task.

I replaced mine after 135,000 miles, and the car ran noticeably better after.

 

It really isn’t that bad at all, on my R55s I did it around 150,000 and it was just as black as an oil filter. The key is to prime the pump. I acted like I got in the car for the first time, lock/unlock open/close door, and insert key and hit the start button without clutch in, 4 times. Then she started right back up.

R53 I did at 145,000 and it too was just as bad, filter being dirty. It’s pretty much the same procedure as the R55s, I just have a key I can turn to the aux position.

Both cars did seem to run better, as for mileage I can’t keep my foot off the gas 😉

 

Jason,
Does lock/unlock and open/close doors activate the fuel pump?
I can understand the insert of the key without the being clutched engaged.

 

it primes the pump. I know on my clubman when it was unlocked and door opened you could hear it. I don’t notice it as much on the r53, but I know it for sure primes with key in and in 2nd position, don’t ask.