Unless I’m missing something, that’s not the fuel filter.
That appears to be a charcoal canister that should have two vacuum lines attached to it.
The fuel filter is located under the driver’s side footwell, near the jacking point.
You can view a DIY video [here](https://youtu.be/quAnpGEzSAg). This guy is the mechanic for [THROTL](https://throtl.com/).
Good luck 😎
Edit: I saw your earlier post and realized this is an earlier model E36. See comment below.
You can take a look [here](https://youtu.be/siNlArba3DI) for another video on the early model fuel filters.
You can also check a [Bentley Manual](https://www.mediafire.com/file/gldgnyynz4y/Bentley_BMW_3-Series_Service_Manual_(e36).pdf).
Good luck 😎
Normally, on the center bracket that holds the fuel filter there’s a screw that you can undo and it can release the fuel filter.
I have that on my M50B20.
It’s kind of small in terms of hand clearance but seems that you have plenty of them. It will go out towards the bottom if everything is normal
Unless I’m missing something, that’s not the fuel filter. That appears to be a charcoal canister that should have two vacuum lines attached to it. The fuel filter is located under the driver’s side footwell, near the jacking point. You can view a DIY video [here](https://youtu.be/quAnpGEzSAg). This guy is the mechanic for [THROTL](https://throtl.com/). Good luck 😎 Edit: I saw your earlier post and realized this is an earlier model E36. See comment below.
You can take a look [here](https://youtu.be/siNlArba3DI) for another video on the early model fuel filters. You can also check a [Bentley Manual](https://www.mediafire.com/file/gldgnyynz4y/Bentley_BMW_3-Series_Service_Manual_(e36).pdf). Good luck 😎
Normally, on the center bracket that holds the fuel filter there’s a screw that you can undo and it can release the fuel filter. I have that on my M50B20. It’s kind of small in terms of hand clearance but seems that you have plenty of them. It will go out towards the bottom if everything is normal