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

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change fuel filter BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Alternative products

Fuel filter

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. Tools you might need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      All-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      Fluid container
                    
                      Drive socket # 5.5 
                    
                      Drive socket # 8 
                    
                      Drive socket # 10 
                    
                      HEX bit No.H5.
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Clip removal tool
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

Ensure adequate ventilation of the workplace. Fuel vapors are poisonous.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW E39 – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the fuel door.

Step 2

Unscrew the fuel filler cap.

Step 3

Open the bonnet.
Step 4

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 5

Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
Step 6

Unscrew the fasteners of the underbody cover panel. Use a drive socket #10. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Remove the clips of the underbody cover panel. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 8

Remove the underbody cover panel.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. Tip:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 9

Clean the fasteners of the fuel supply lines. Use a nylon cleaning brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 10

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 11

Unscrew the fastener attaching the fuel supply line to the fuel filter housing. Use a drive socket #5.5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 12

Disconnect the fuel supply lines from the fuel filter.
Step 13

Clean the fuel filter mounting bracket. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 14

Loosen the fuel filter mounting. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Remove the fuel filter.
Step 16

Install a new fuel filter.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC:
Remember, it is important not to mix up the input and output of the filter. Arrows on the filter indicate the direction of fuel flow.During installation, take care to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the fuel filter housing.BMW E39 – It's important to only use high-quality filters.
Step 17

Connect the fuel supply lines to the fuel filter.
Step 18

Screw in the fuel filter mounting bracket. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 19

Screw the fastener attaching the fuel supply line to the fuel filter housing. Use a drive socket #5.5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 20

Take the fluid container away from under the fuel filter.
Step 21

Put the underbody cover panel back in place.
Step 22

Screw in the fasteners of the underbody cover panel. Use a drive socket #8. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 23

Install the clips of the underbody cover panel.
Step 24

Lower the car.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. Professionals recommend:
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 25

Tighten the fuel filler cap.

Step 26

Close the fuel door.

Step 27

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.
Step 28

Shut off the engine.

Step 29

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 30

Close the hood.

Replacement: fuel filter – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
To protect the environment from pollution, be sure to dispose of the used filters at special collection points.

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