Recommended replacement interval for the part category Fuel filter : 12 month / 15000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change fuel filter BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Fuel Filter for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models

Fuel filter

        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (231 hp)
      
        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (170 hp)
      
        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (192 hp)
      
        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (143 hp)
      
        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Fuel filter for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (136 hp)

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you might need:

                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Round-nose pliers
                      
                        Fluid container
                      
                        Drive socket # 7 
                      
                        Drive socket # 10 
                      
                        Ratchet wrench

Buy tools

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:

Ensure adequate ventilation of the workplace. Fuel vapors are poisonous.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Open the fuel door.
Step 2

Unscrew the fuel filler cap.
Step 3

Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
Step 4

Treat the fasteners attaching the tubes to the fuel filter. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 5

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 6

Loosen the fastening clamps of the fuel filter pipes. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Detach the tubes from the fuel filter. Use round-nose pliers.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Be careful! Fuel may leak from the filter housing and hoses.
Step 8

Loosen the fuel filter mounting. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9

Remove the fuel filter fastening bracket.
Step 10

Detach the tubes from the fuel filter. Use round-nose pliers.
Step 11

Remove the fuel filter. Put the old filter cartridge in the container.
Step 12

Install a new fuel filter.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
Make sure that the fuel filter is positioned correctly. Consider the fuel flow direction mark.During installation, take care to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the fuel filter housing.BMW E46 convertible – It's important to only use high-quality filters.
Step 13

Attach the tubes to the fuel filter.
Step 14

Tighten the fastening clamps of the fuel filter pipes. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Install the fuel filter fastening bracket.
Step 16

Tighten the fuel filter fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17

Take the fluid container away from under the fuel filter.
Step 18

Lower the car.
Step 19

Tighten the fuel filler cap.
Step 20

Close the fuel door.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
Before starting off, switch the ignition on and off several times. This should be done to activate the fuel pump to make it pump fuel through the fuel system.
Step 21

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.
Step 22

Shut off the engine.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
To protect the environment from pollution, be sure to dispose of the used filters at special collection points.

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