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Thread: Which Z3 fuel filter? Confused..

  1. #1
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    Which Z3 fuel filter? Confused..

    I've been thinking of replacing my current fuel filter, which is probably still original after almost 100k miles.

    RealOEM says the part number is 13327512019, and shows this drawing:
    Screen Shot 2018-11-20 at 10.09.56 PM.png

    And Amazon has a non-OEM part that matches the drawing:

    Screen Shot 2018-11-20 at 10.12.32 PM.png


    However, Pelican parts has a Bosch filter with the same part number, but looks different (there are two tubes at each end instead of one)
    13-32-7-512-019-M14.jpgScreen Shot 2018-11-20 at 10.16.38 PM.jpg

    There's also a youtube video of someone with the same year/model Z3, and his fuel filter looks like the Bosch one.


    So which one is it?? I'm a little confused...

    Thanks for the help.

  2. #2
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    Hi Poch333, give this site a try: https://www.realoem.com

    enter the last 7 of your vin...

    Hope that helps

  3. #3
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    Maybe your 6 takes a different filter from my 4, but I ordered PN 13 32 1 740 985 from Bavarian Auto, and they sent a Mann filter with one tube at each end. I have not looked at my present old filter for years, but I do think it has just one tube at each end.
    RealOEM has a photo of OEM which looks the same as my Mann filter.
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1739
    Z3 fuel filter.jpg
    Last edited by Vintage42; 11-21-2018 at 06:52 AM.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  4. #4
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    I would only order a fuel filter based on the VIN of your car, as there are different ones available. Follow the link in post #2, and when prompted, put in your VIN (last 7 characters, like AA12345, for example) and then search parts. You'll see several images, denoting various areas and systems on the car, choose fuel preparation (or some wording to that effect) and you'll see the components and part numbers.

    Pay no attention to the part's prices though, as they haven't been updated in years! You can then use the correct part number to search for the vendor/price that suits you.

    To just say "sell me a BMW fuel filter" would be like going to a restaurant and saying "I'd like a meal"

  5. #5
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    Thanks for the generous replies. I did just as suggested, and input my VIN into RealOEM. But that's when my confusion started, when RealOEM showed a different appearance from the ones pictured on online stores.

    This is what I've been able to learn so far: It seems that BMW changed the fuel filter throughout the Z3's run. Early Z3's had the one pictured in RealOEM, with only one input and output. They looked like this:
    Screen Shot 2018-11-21 at 7.20.52 AM.png

    Sometime later, BMW changed the filter to a newer version, with two inputs and outputs. This is the one that fits my Z3, and they look like this:

    13-32-7-512-019-M14.jpg

    However, RealOEM (or the source where they get their diagrams from) did not update the drawing for the fuel filter, even though the part number had changed. This is what caused my confusion. To add even more confusion, some online sellers posted incorrect part numbers and/or photos. I believe Pelican Parts has the correct version and photos.

    So, my plan now is to ignore RealOEM's diagram and assume that the part number is correct. And then just order the OEM brand using the part number, preferably from Pelican or some other reputable seller, and trust that they will send the correct part.


    Thanks again, you guys have built a one-of-a-kind community here.

  6. #6
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    It should be noted that MANY of the images (taken from BMW's own EPC/ETK) are generic representations, used to service many models/years of applications.

    You can't, and shouldn't, rely on those pictures for bonafide proof of what your part will look like. Close, probably, but exact, only maybe

  7. #7
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    Don't forget to write the mileage and date of when you change it on the filter itself.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by jajou318 View Post
    Don't forget to write the mileage and date of when you change it on the filter itself.
    On cue...


  9. #9
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    Randy: Thanks, lesson learned on the RealOEM diagrams.

    Great suggestion to write the dates on the filter, I'll do that. Already ordered the Kayser OEM filter, curious to see what the condition of the current filter is. It could still be the original one, for all I know.

    Also need to replace some old leaking intake boots and vacuum lines (lean condition banks 1 and 2). Looks like a busy weekend on the Z3.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by poch333 View Post
    ... curious to see what the condition of the current filter is. It could still be the original one, for all I know...
    The fuel filters are huge compared to any other car.
    This original filter at 80,000 miles looks less than half dirty:
    https://zroadster.org/threads/didnt-it-do-well.4608/
    This guy suspects his filter needs changing at 400,000 miles:
    https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=10
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  11. #11
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    Bmw considers them to be "lifetime" filters just like the "lifetime" auto tranny fluid. Our lifetime may be different than what bmw considers

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by z3forlife View Post
    Bmw considers them to be "lifetime" filters just like the "lifetime" auto tranny fluid. Our lifetime may be different than what bmw considers
    The fluid and filter lifetimes are different.
    Transmission fluid shears and thins. The lifetime is relatively short. Changing fluid that has darkened at as low as 60,000 miles can improve shifting.
    Fuel filters fill and clog with contaminates. The lifetime of the oversize Z3 fuel filter is very long. Changing a filter that is half-filled at 80,000 miles will not improve anything.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by z3forlife View Post
    Bmw considers them to be "lifetime" filters just like the "lifetime" auto tranny fluid. Our lifetime may be different than what bmw considers
    Fuel filters are effectively lifetime. They last until you get the first load of crap contaminated fuel. Then you will be changing them often. You just don't get contaminated fuel like the old days. And the plastic tanks do not generate rust debris. All of my cars still have the original filter. The baby is 160K miles, two others are pushing 300K.

    Likewise modern transmissions are lifetime fluid. Transmission design and materials, computer controls, and fluid tech make it so that if the fluid is bad, it's because the transmission failed and killed it. Yes the red dye will eventually turn brown. And yes, there are people that will insist it makes a difference. but I can tell you, having rebuilt somewhere approaching 10000 automatics that not a one of them has a fluid color sensor inside. Not one.


    /.randy

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vintage42 View Post
    The fuel filters are huge compared to any other car.
    This original filter at 80,000 miles looks less than half dirty:
    https://zroadster.org/threads/didnt-it-do-well.4608/
    This guy suspects his filter needs changing at 400,000 miles:
    https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=10

    Wow 400,000 miles.. Now I might put off changing mine, if it wouldn't improve anything.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by rf900rkw View Post
    ... Likewise modern transmissions are lifetime fluid... having rebuilt somewhere approaching 10000 automatics that not a one of them has a fluid color sensor inside..
    I did not notice that Post #11 was referring to automatic fluid.
    Is Z3 manual transmission fluid (Dexron III) lifetime? Is there a benefit to changing it at say 60,000 miles?
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  16. #16
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    Off topic, but BMW never billed Dex3 as lifetime, manual or automatic. GM did. But not BMW. LT-1 / LT-2 were meant to be lifetime. The additive package in LT-1 is what caused the shifter pin issues. I guess you could argue that the fluid outlived the trans in that case.


    /.randy

  17. #17
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    Thanks for the helpful tips. This will save me from having to replace my fuel filter, but now I'm reading threads on which manual transmission fluid to use.

    Wow, didn't know there was this much contention over it.

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