BMW 330i 325i E46 Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement (M54 engine) DIY

See how to replace the combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator on an E46 BMW with an M54 engine. This would be the 325i or 330i models with the 2.5L and 3.0L engines that used a returnless type fuel system. The older 323/328i models had the M52TU engine and those used a return type fuel system. I will cover those models in a future video.

[RashardHarvey]

Just did this repair today. Took forever without a lift but was definitely do able. The fuel lines were a pain in the butt to get off lol. Love your content and bc of it I’ve been diving in head first with fixing all types of stuff and have a ton of confidence!

[ravinbis]

When I first bought my E46, my CEL was on for P0171 & P0174. I fixed multiple vacuum leaks and replaced multiple vacuum lines but that still wasn’t the cause. After doing some more research and digging around, I gave this fuel filter / pressure regulator a shot since it wasn’t very difficult to replace. My CEL finally went off and the codes went inactive. I would’ve never imagined this fuel filter was the culprit but it makes sense. I guess my filter was so dirty and clogged up that it was causing an restriction creating a lean mixture. I guess sometimes you just gotta stick to the basic maintenance stuff.

[HighDefinitionVideo]

I just did this yesterday on my 325ci. The convertible is a little different taking the back seat out but very straight forward.Thank you very much for posting this! I changed out all the fuel hoses, vacuum line and OEM BMW hose clamps as well.

[beyondrepair]

To minimize the fuel spilling out I shoved a golf tee in each line as soon as it was removed from the filter. Worked great but a small amount of fuel coming out is a given however I didn't need a pan to collect the few drops.

[Bonkatronicks]

Thanks for the videos changed mine today :). Just a littel side tip if you want no fuel to come out of the lines you can run your car to a quarter tank "maybe even half" jack the car from the front as high as you can so the fuel stays at the back of your car. leave your car like this for a couple hours "i left mine for 24hrs" There should only be abit of fuel left in the fuel filter that you will need to worry about.

[VincentMMoore]

Vintage 50sKid, still informing audiences years later! Thank you so much!

[TabbyTheTank]

Hey man I just wanna say your videos have been a MASSIVE help with working on my e46 much appreciated

[Salty_Legionnaire]

The line connected to the pressure regulator is not a vacuum line. It is attached to the F connector on the intake boot just after the MAF.
It basically just needs atmospheric pressure not vacuum.

[skoobie]

Thank you Sir! My wife's 2004 325i had exact same symptoms : fuel pressure not quite 50psi (key to 2nd position & engine not running), Loss of pressure when key turned off, and pressure fluctuation of less than 50psi when engine idling. I changed filter last night and engine sounds as it should this morning--a slight beautiful hum!

[troyturbett]

@50skid the head of the worm gear clamps are 5.5mm.

[ritamccormick]

Might want to consider not using your power driver when gas is present. Brushes make sparks make fire.

[raybonds]

bad vacuum line to the fuel filter caused a 174 code on my 2004 bmw 325i. service engine light was on a year. drove me crazy. fuel pump went out and while replacing it and the fuel pump he found the bad vacuum line at the filter. code free no light now.

[skunkedagain]

You’re so clear and educational. Thank you

[MrCuckoobox]

Thanks for FYI....When replacing hose clamps -fuel, vacuum, coolant etc. I try to use the "Pressed" OEM Style "Worm" Clamps such as Oetiker (OEM) or Norma/Gemi (They have pressed threads) The clamps that you installed have the "cut holes" for the threads. A BMW Mechanic explained that those type clamps(with the holes for threads) damage the hoses because they cut into the hose. As the hose ages it is more likely to fail sooner. I presume that is why BMW uses them. They can be found if you look for them. I know that AutohausAZ carries them.

[David-jkyb]

also I hear the airport but it also sounds like someone's cutting grass haa. Thanks man. I just bought a 2000 328i also and love it so far, it has 150k and runs really good and the exterior is in excellent condition for a 15 year old car. I want to get it back to stock power at the LEAST.

[Loosapher]

May the Gods bless you with riches beyond your wonder. Thanks Brotha!

[mateodominguez]

what code did you have if any? or what were the symptoms of bad fuel filter, I have a p0174 on mine, 2001 bmw 325i

[ferraripure]

but on a serious note. You could use some Xtra clamps or a vice grip set to clamp the hoses near the fuel filter, That would keep the gasoline from pouring out

[hjd]

Hi, your videos are a great help for the M54 owners(including me).
I have a situation now, and I'm really curious about your opinion about it.

Let's start with the start.
More than a year ago I discovered that I couldn't empty my fuel tank more than 1/8th of the meter. When the warning light came on, my car died(with a left range of 80-90km). It happened 2 times before I knew I had to fuel earlier, and the problem was 'solved'.

Half a year ago, the engine check light came sometimes on. It was not always there, but just sometimes. It was throwing the codes P0174 and p0171. At first, i was looking for a vacuum leak somewhere. I changed the DISA gasket, the valve cover gasket(including new vanos), and the two Rubber boots at the intake. It was still coming back. I changed my MAF sensor, but this also not helps, and the last days its getting worse. After i fuelled the car completely up, it was really worse. At cold starts, its dieing directly 2 or 3 times. After that its shuddering and on 5-cilinders. It throws codes P1085, P1083, P0174 and 0171.
Also sometimes the car is giving a whistling noise, coming from behind, that differs on the revs.

After long thinking I will change my fuel pump and filter(regulator). I guess thats the only logically left thing, except of a closed/contaminated catalysator. What do you think?

[renealvarado]

Thanks again for the detailed intel. Really appreciate it. One question, that vacuum hose should that little piece be replaced or the whole line? Not sure where that line ends.