How Do I Replace the Fuel Filter on a 2001 BMW 330i?

1. Open the glove box. Open the fuse box by turning the two white tabs on either side of it. Remove the #54 fuse, which controls the fuel pump. Remove the gas cap. Start the engine and let it run until it stalls from lack of fuel.
2. Raise the BMW with a floor jack. Lower it onto jack stands at all four corners. Remove the fuel filter protective panel, which is located under the car just to the front of the driver's seat. The panel is held on with four screws that are removed with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Remove the metal clamp that holds the fuel filter in place using your hand. Loosen the six hose clamps that fasten the fuel lines to the fuel filter. Place a container under the filter to catch spilled fuel. Pull the hoses off of the filter. You may need to twist the hoses with pliers to get them off of the filter.
4. Drain the excess fuel from the filter into the container. Discard the filter. Install the new fuel filter in the same orientation as the old one. Slide the fuel lines onto the new filter. It is recommended to replace the BMW hose clamps with conventional hose clamps that can be tightened with a screwdriver, as the original clamps require a special tool to tighten easily. You can also use a pair of pliers to tighten the original hose clamps a little at a time.
5. Reinstall the clamp that holds the filter in place. Reinstall the oil filter protective panel. Lower the car back to the ground. Reinstall the #54 fuse. Put the fuel cap back on. Start the car and check for leaks.