Diesel fuel filter

[andym3]

Has anyone on here changed a x5 diesel fuel filter? If so can you do some DIY instructions please?

[Sim0x]

You could try following this one:

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=104151

[andym3]

[quote="Sim0x"]
You could try following this one:

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=104151
[/quote]
Thanks! 

Didn't realise how much of a pain this seems to be to change! Ok will have to allow myself a good few hours I recon!  )

[andym3]

Noticed this when doing the levels on my X5 today. Isn't it the diesel fuel filter?

[andym3]

Yes my engine bay needs a good clean! lol

[fenj66]

i think the pre-facelift diesels had the fuel filter near the webasto heater in the engine bay, 
facelift models had it moved to under the plastic tray under the passenger side of car. 

[babylon x5]

[quote="andym3"]
Noticed this when doing the levels on my X5 today. Isn't it the diesel fuel filter?
[/quote]

That's the one -dead easy, did my own a few weeks ago.  You may have the crimps on the pipes which have to be cut off, but just need a couple of small jubilees to put them back.
Top Tip - write the date and mileage on the side of the can with a felt tip pen before you fit it - just for the record. 

B X5

[andym3]

Brilliant! 
Once filter has been changed does it need bleeding etc? If so how is this done?  :-[

[babylon x5]

[quote="andym3"]
Brilliant! 
Once filter has been changed does it need bleeding etc? If so how is this done?  :-[
[/quote]

I had air in the see-thru pipe (nearest in picture) but it cleared immediately when it was started up.
I also topped up the new one with diesel when I fitted it.

B X5

[andym3]

How do you top up the new one?  :-[

[babylon x5]

[quote="andym3"]
How do you top up the new one?  :-[
[/quote]
You can clamp it in place and have a small funnel in the centre hole 

B X5

[andym3]

Did you use the diesel from the old filter?  :-[

[babylon x5]

[quote="andym3"]
Did you use the diesel from the old filter?  :-[
[/quote]

No, I wasn't sure which was the 'dirty' side so used a can of new stuff. 
I have a can of dirty diesel for cleaning so drained the old one in there.,
One or two of the 'old codgers', I mean experts, on here might be able to enlighten us as to whether that practice is Ok or not.

B X5

[X5Sport]

AFAIK the system is self bleeding.  It does sometimes need a couple of starts to fully clear the air out though.

Richard

[andym3]

[quote="X5Sport"]
AFAIK the system is self bleeding.  It does sometimes need a couple of starts to fully clear the air out though.

Richard
[/quote]
Excellent just what I wanted to hear! The X5 has had in the past couple months gearbox oil & filter changed, engine oil & filter changed, also the airfilter and camshaft breather filter. So the fuel filter is the last filter to be changed!