some routine maintenance

[ArthurPE]

installed a K&N filter (only one I've seen with good dyno eval, 7-8 HP, but I did it for cost and ecology as much as anything)
lubed the airbox flap, sanded down the edges a bit, less binding, lubed exhaust flaps
cleaned the MAF sensor
new fuel filter (had 37k miles on it)
replaced the license bulbs, cleaned the lenses and contacts, a good bit brighter, the old were blackened a bit from heat (greased the gaskets)
disinfected the HVAC coills/ducts and new charcoal cabin filter

not sure, but the car feels a bit 'snappier', less throttle lag, probably placebo
a bit more induction noise, but only noticable with radio off, again, just a bit

the more I drive the car, the more I appreciate it

[sakimano]

arthur, the fuel filter is a key piece of maintenance on these cars. When my B7 S4 had about 50.000 kms on it, I logged the car 3k-7k, changed the fuel filter, then logged the car 3k-7k, and there was a legitimate gap. Not crazy, but certainly a gain.

Air filter is another thing...helps just a little bit, but enough that it matters.

I've often thought about a K&N myself for the same reasons as you. Not really for power...but to stop having to load a $30 OEM filter in ever 2 years which then ends up in the bin/landfill. Mine was replaced recently on audicare, however next time I'll throw in a K&N. What is it like $70?

[ArthurPE]

got it for $50 US at NAPA

my car has 67k and I had changed it once at 30k, funny thing I don't think the fuel filter is even on the maintenance schedule
I did the plugs about 5k ago, and they make a difference, I don;t know if worn, but they seem to work loose from the high rev'ing nature of the engine
just re-tightening them every 25k might not be a bad idea and replace every fifty

[sonny]

You have been busy. I changed my fuel filter at 25k

[aligod78]

Quick question, would that be a K&N panel filter.

[mmdr7qam]

There is no sign of a fuel filter change in the maintenance schedule. Is this a straight forward DIY job?

[adsgreen]

Yes I believe so - iirc it's under the car on the right side under the b pillar

[ArthurPE]

Quick question, would that be a K&N panel filter.

yep, just the drop in panel filter

[ArthurPE]

There is no sign of a fuel filter change in the maintenance schedule. Is this a straight forward DIY job?

yes, easy but messy
in front of the right side rear wheel
ramps or jack stands will do, lift would be great(be SAFE make sure the car is stable/secure!)
open gas cap (vent some pressure)
panel is held on by 3 plastic nuts (10 mm?), 2 torx screws, 1 plastic expanding rivet
the filter is in a clamp, torx screw, same size as the cover
3 hoses, 2 on the rear one on the front
loosen clamp (do not remove the screw, slide filter forward an inch or 2 to get a little room to remove the rear hoses, retighten
might be easier removing the front hose first, then slide filter forward to get clearance
the hoses have a quick release, I used a small set of channel locks, adjusted to the diameter of the fitting
wrapped a rag around the fitting and squeezed the fat part (you'll see what I mean when you look at it) GENTLY while wiggling the fitting, pops off
do all 3 being careful to not bend. kink or damage the hoses, leave them in place once removed
once the hoses are off loosen clamp, pull filter, install new one and snap the hoses on, no tool, just push until they 'click'
use the caps on the new filter as you remove each hose off the old one to minimize spillage
have a pan/rags/newspaper under the filter. WATCH YOUR EYES
after the filter is in, before you put the plastic cover on, put some fresh paper under the filter, close gas cap and start the car and check for leaks, let it run for a minute, inspect it while running, be sure no leaks, and no drops on paper, repeat one more time
button it back up and done
1/2 hour job

[Teutonic Tuner]

I did the fuel filter on my E46 M3 last year which had done 60k miles. Sounds like a very similar job and took about 1/2hr as well. Well worth doing, when I tipped the filter up to let the petrol drain out of the inlet the petrol was a dirty brown colour!

[ArthurPE]

I did the fuel filter on my E46 M3 last year which had done 60k miles. Sounds like a very similar job and took about 1/2hr as well. Well worth doing, when I tipped the filter up to let the petrol drain out of the inlet the petrol was a dirty brown colour!

very similar, I had an e46 for 140k miles
the BMW is easier, has only 1 hose and the filter screws into a regulator (don't forget the little crush washer, lol)
almost under the left side front seat

[sakimano]

Quick question, would that be a K&N panel filter.

yup

Here's a great DIY.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthrea ... ilter-scam

[stu]

Quick question, would that be a K&N panel filter.

yup

Here's a great DIY.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthrea ... ilter-scam

PhilT needs to make this a sticky.

[brn7y]

Excellent!

[ArthurPE]

Quick question, would that be a K&N panel filter.

yup

Here's a great DIY.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthrea ... ilter-scam

PhilT needs to make this a sticky.

did you look at it?
lol