Fuel Filter

[tico481]

How can I check if my fuel filter needs to be changed out? And where is it under the hood when I check?

[dutchbmw]

I think you cannot check it, and it's not expensive, so it doesn't hurt to change it. I don't know for sure where it is located, but probably near the fuel tank underside the car. (the e30 has it there)

[tico481]

would a dirty fuel filter be the cause of a hesitant start when I floor it?

[Kevin325i]

Fuel filter isn't on the driver side of the engine, you can see it from up top if you look very hard, but it's quite easy to see from underneath. There's a FAQ about how to change it.

Kevin

P.S. What kind of hesitation? Is it like a stutter or just slow pick up in the engine (but no funny sounds)

[TeeUp]

it should be located near the catalytic converter covered by a steel plate on the driver side.

try autopartsworld.com - it is where i got mine....

not so difficult to change it yourself if you're comfortable getting dirty. just make sure though that you depressurize your fuel to minimize the risk of accident or injury.

[TeeUp]

the filter is completely sealed so there's no way to check it. i changed it as part of my regular inspection II.

if clogged up, this may result in rough idling and power loss when accelarating. you'll hate it when that happens.

[tico481]

its a slow pick-up, with no funny sounds