When to replace the Fuel Filter on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Fuel filter : 12 month / 15000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 325 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Tools
Replacement: fuel filter – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tools you might need:
WD-40 spray
Round-nose pliers
Fluid container
Drive socket # 7
Drive socket # 10
Ratchet wrench
Replacement: fuel filter – BMW 3 Compact (E46). 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 3 Compact (E46). Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Fuel Filter on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the fuel door.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 2002 Fuel Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the fuel filler cap.
  3. Step 3
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 4
    BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320td 2.0 2003 Fuel Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Treat the fasteners attaching the tubes to the fuel filter. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Fuel Filter on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318ti 2.0 2004 by yourself
    Prepare a container for fluids.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318td 2.0 2005 Fuel Filter - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the fastening clamps of the fuel filter pipes. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Fuel Filter on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Detach the tubes from the fuel filter. Use round-nose pliers.
    Replacement: fuel filter – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Be careful! Fuel may leak from the filter housing and hoses.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Fuel Filter replacement on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318Ti 2.0 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Loosen the fuel filter mounting. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Fuel Filter on BMW 3 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the fuel filter fastening bracket.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Fuel Filter on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Detach the tubes from the fuel filter. Use round-nose pliers.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 3 SERIES 316ti 1.8 Fuel Filter replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the fuel filter. Put the old filter cartridge in the container.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Fuel Filter on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 316ti 1.8 by yourself
    Install a new fuel filter.
    Replacement: fuel filter – BMW 3 Compact (E46). 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 3 Compact (E46) – It's important to only use high-quality filters.
  12. Step 13
    3 Compact (E46) 318td 2.0 2002 Fuel Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Attach the tubes to the fuel filter.
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DIY BMW 3 Compact (E46) Fuel Filter replacement - online guide
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