Water removal/fuel filter replacement (BMW 5 Series E39)

The fuel filter must be replaced in petrol engines every 80,000 km, and in diesel engines every 40,000 km. As part of maintenance, the diesel engine must regularly remove water from the fuel filter.

Gasoline engine

Replacing the fuel filter

To complete the job you will need the following tool:

• Jack and support sawhorses.
• 2 small clamps for compressing hoses.
• A container for catching leaking gasoline.

The following parts need to be purchased as replacements:

• Fuel filter for the corresponding engine.
• You may need 2 clamps to secure the fuel lines.

The fuel filter is located at the left longitudinal beam, in the area under the driver. Access to the filter is only possible from below.

Removal

Warning: No open flame, fire hazard! Always ensure proper ventilation of the workplace. Gasoline vapors are harmful to health!

Raise the vehicle. Remove the lower engine compartment cover, see page 10.



Loosen the fastening of the lining in the filter area.

Clamp the fuel hoses before and after the fuel pump.

Loosen clamps -1- and "3", remove the hoses from the filter.

Release clamp "2" of the filter, loosen it slightly and pull out the filter.

Caution: Collect any leaking gasoline in a suitable container to avoid contamination of the environment.

Installation

Insert the filter and tighten it with a clamp. Pay attention to the correct installation position of the filter. Arrow "2" on the filter body points in the direction of fuel flow, i.e. to the engine.

Place the fuel hoses on the fittings -1- and "3" of the filter and secure with clamps.

Remove the compression clamps from the fuel hoses.

Set the gear shift lever to neutral, apply the handbrake, start the engine and check the fuel line connections for leaks.

Secure the trim and lower the car.

Diesel engine 525tds

Removal water from the fuel filter

Water from the fuel filter must be removed every 10,000 km or at least once a year, and the filter must be replaced every 40,000 km. The filter is located in the engine compartment on the left side. A suitable vessel is required to drain the settled water.

Caution: Any leaking diesel fuel must be wiped off immediately, especially from rubber parts (cooling system hoses), otherwise, over time, the rubber parts will deteriorate.

Removal water

Attach a suitable hose to the drain nipple, diameter 8 mm. Place a suitable container underneath for drainage.



Release the valve for removing the "2" from the bottom of the filter by hand for several turns. If the valve does not release, use a pipe wrench with leather or paper gaskets.

Drain approximately 200 cm³ of the settled water until clean diesel fuel starts to flow out. Tighten the water drain valve by hand.



Press the wire clamp and remove the fuel line to the fuel pump from the top of the filter. Have an assistant crank the engine until fuel begins to flow out of the filter, then stop cranking. This operation allows air to be removed from the fuel system more quickly.

Caution: Collect any leaking diesel fuel in a suitable container.

Connect the fuel line, replace the damaged gasket, use technical petroleum jelly to facilitate installation. Start the engine. After pressing the accelerator pedal several times, the fuel should flow to the high-pressure fuel pump through a transparent fuel line without air bubbles, while the tightness of the fuel system should be ensured.

Filter replacement

Drain all liquid from the fuel filter using the same steps as draining water.



Unscrew the fuel filter from the flange by hand. If it is seated very tightly, unscrew it with a standard wrench with a clamping clamp, for example, HAZET 2170.



If you don't have such a key at hand, unscrew the 2 bolts in the upper part of the filter and remove the filter together with the flange. Remove the inlet and outlet fuel lines, having previously clamped them with clamps. In addition, disconnect the plug of the filter flange heating system. Clamp the flange in a vice.

Fill the new filter to the brim with diesel fuel and screw it onto the flange by hand.

Note: Do not tighten the filter too much. When the sealing gasket is on the filter flange, tighten the filter another ½ turn. Pay attention to the instructions on the filter housing.

Install the flange together with the filter and connect the plug and fuel supply hose. Replace the damaged gasket, use technical petroleum jelly to facilitate installation.

Ask an assistant to start the engine until fuel begins to flow out of the filter, then stop starting. This operation allows air to be removed from the fuel system more quickly.

Caution: Collect any leaking diesel fuel in a suitable container.

Connect the wire going to the fuel pump to the fuel filter. Replace the damaged gasket, use technical petroleum jelly to facilitate installation.

Start the engine. After pressing the accelerator pedal several times, fuel should flow to the high-pressure fuel pump through a transparent fuel line without air bubbles, while the fuel system should be sealed.

Diesel engine 520d, 530d

Replacing the fuel filter

Removal

Turn off the ignition.

Note: If fuel comes out, collect it with a thick cloth.

When working with oil, coolant or fuel circulation systems, it is necessary to close the generator to avoid contamination. If liquid gets into the generator, it may subsequently cause its failure.





Press down the locking springs -1-.

Disconnect the fuel lines.

Loosen nuts-2-.

Remove fuel filter unit "3".

Note: Do not remove fuel cooler "4".



Unscrew filter "1" from fuel filter unit "2".

Note: If fuel filter "1" is very tightly seated, use a standard wrench with a band clamp or the special BMW tool 114650 to loosen it.

Installation

Screw the fuel filter onto the fuel filter assembly. The tightening torque is indicated by the embossing on the filter housing.

Insert and tighten the fuel filter assembly.

Press in the retaining springs and connect the fuel lines.

Removal air from the fuel filter

Turn on the ignition for about one minute. During this time, the fuel pump fills the filter with fuel, causing the air to be removed from the filter.