Anyone installed NRW fuel filter?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by Veracity

Sounds like Deansbimmer is salty the company in question stepped on their over priced vanos covers and is attacking said products with out first hand knowledge or pointing the finger directly at the product. Using generalizations and grouping them with “shady companies” to deter others from products. Sad because I hear that they do talk highly of you and your company.

I literally stated first hand experience. We probably see more 08-13 M3 than any other shop in the southwest, plus answer even more calls and emails on various topics due to our national reputation. Yes, we have a large sample pool from which to develop our opinions. And I said Cash-Grab, not shady- there's a difference. There are plenty of vendors who use social media groups to push more of the same as new concepts.
Long-time brick and mortar shops like us pay to sponsor forums like this and contribute valuable time and tech info to help keep these ///M platforms healthy. Yes, if certain products are found to be a copycat, unnecessary, or have potential to cause undesirable complications, I'll post about it, it doesn't matter who is selling them. Reasonable individuals will receive the evidence and consider it objectively.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Veracity

Sounds like Deansbimmer is salty the company in question stepped on their over priced vanos covers and is attacking said products with out first hand knowledge or pointing the finger directly at the product. Using generalizations and grouping them with “shady companies” to deter others from products as retribution. Sad because I hear that they do talk highly of you and your company.

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

I literally stated first hand experience. We probably see more 08-13 M3 than any other shop in the southwest, plus answer even more calls and emails on various topics due to our national reputation. Yes, we have a large sample pool from which to develop our opinions. And I said Cash-Grab, not shady- there's a difference. There are plenty of vendors who use social media groups to push more of the same as new concepts.
Long-time brick and mortar shops like us pay to sponsor forums like this and contribute valuable time and tech info to help keep these ///M platforms healthy. Yes, if certain products are found to be a copycat, unnecessary, or have potential to cause undesirable complications, I'll post about it, it doesn't matter who is selling them. Reasonable individuals will receive the evidence and consider it objectively.

deansbimmer IMO you are a PROVEN, long-standing supporter, and credible resource for e9x M3Post Community.

No need for any defense due to ill-informed, 'green-horn' nay-sayers.

Your continued feedback/opinions continue to be both helpful, much appreciated...

[tdott]

Deansbimmer is well respected, but I do find it odd that he is bad mounting a company that sells a competing product without much hard evidence of anything. Leak can be due to a bad install, sure blame the product. Do they blame the rod bearings with an installer messes up?

Even if you don't agree with a product, having more options available for this platform should be a net positive. The market will decide weather there is a need for them or not.

Catch cans are not new, not required, they've been on the market long before. Not sure why you'd call them out. A supercharger adds complexity and high chance of problems. But I guess they don't make valve covers or vanos covers. (competing products)

Is anyone else making replacement grommets for valve cover bolts? I also rather like the idea of having an fuel filter on my 130k track car with original fuel pump, I'll probably replace the pump but atleast it helps me sleep better until then.

[deansbimmer]

Sigh…rarely do I ever post anything that could be received negatively because, case in point, it usually is…and I don’t have time to counter every resulting remark or provide validations that meet everyone’s satisfaction. I see the industry through a different lens than most and sometimes my opinions are unpopular ones.

I don’t make fuel filter kits. I do have plenty to say about other products though (including some superchargers)… This topic was in the right place at the right time, having recently helped customers with a split fuel line and another with a perpetually leaking catch can. I’m frequently frustrated by aftermarket products I see come through the shop installed across all platforms. I’m not trying to arbitrarily single out one particular brand, this kind of thing is just a regular occurrence and hazard of running a shop.
Anyway, I’m not here to derail a thread over unrelated back and forth. PM me if needed.

[e36mikee]

anyone had fitment issues with the airbox? the sensor touches it just slightly which is concerning, especially if replacing the sensor to the updated version with the thread adapter. i see a couple solutions i can do, like shim the box slightly at the mounting points, Dremel the box, maybe bend the NRW mount plate or slot the hole for more variability..

[BimmerMan33]

Originally Posted by e36mikee

anyone had fitment issues with the airbox? the sensor touches it just slightly which is concerning, especially if replacing the sensor to the updated version with the thread adapter. i see a couple solutions i can do, like shim the box slightly at the mounting points, Dremel the box, maybe bend the NRW mount plate or slot the hole for more variability..

The fact that there is minimal space where the fuel filter would sit & that the size of the filter is considerable, it’s not plug n play in my opinion. You may have to make adjustments/innovate to make it work.. that is what I personally did not like about it & decided to remove it after test fitting it. Some people are comfortable with how it sits with some modifications to make it work while others like myself prefer OEM like fitment.. Also keep in mind that you are dealing with a fuel line, so safety is paramount!
Not sure if this was helpful..

[pirategenes]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

The fact that there is minimal space where the fuel filter would sit & that the size of the filter is considerable, it’s not plug n play in my opinion. You may have to make adjustments/innovate to make it work.. that is what I personally did not like about it & decided to remove it after test fitting it. Some people are comfortable with how it sits with some modifications to make it work while others like myself prefer OEM like fitment.. Also keep in mind that you are dealing with a fuel line, so safety is paramount!
Not sure if this was helpful..

Same experience here. I installed this and then promptly removed it after I discovered a leak. Way too risky in my opinion, but I understand the allure of possibly preventing a stuck injector. In the end, I just replaced all injectors and fuel pumps (that have integrated filters). That's more expensive, but I was not at all comfortable with having observed a fuel leak right at the NRW filter above the exhaust manifold. Since removing that NRW part, the fuel system has been 100% good with zero leaks. I also now monitor fuel pressure all the time as one of the items on my digital gauge.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

The fact that there is minimal space where the fuel filter would sit & that the size of the filter is considerable, it’s not plug n play in my opinion. You may have to make adjustments/innovate to make it work.. that is what I personally did not like about it & decided to remove it after test fitting it. Some people are comfortable with how it sits with some modifications to make it work while others like myself prefer OEM like fitment.. Also keep in mind that you are dealing with a fuel line, so safety is paramount!
Not sure if this was helpful..

Originally Posted by pirategenes

Same experience here. I installed this and then promptly removed it after I discovered a leak. Way too risky in my opinion, but I understand the allure of possibly preventing a stuck injector. In the end, I just replaced all injectors and fuel pumps (that have integrated filters). That's more expensive, but I was not at all comfortable with having observed a fuel leak right at the NRW filter above the exhaust manifold. Since removing that NRW part, the fuel system has been 100% good with zero leaks. I also now monitor fuel pressure all the time as one of the items on my digital gauge.

Running NRW fuel filter ~2yrs, ~12K mls

==> Zero issues with leaks or fitment

PM'd fuel filter; removed & replaced after ~10K mls use...no leaks
Been installed with both OE & Infinity Design airboxes...fitment good-to-go [shown]

It's certainly a tight fit.
Zero cutting or other mods req'd.
Works well, as advertised.

> IMO - Risks, issues noted more likely attributable to 'installer error', fuel system condition [ie aged components].

[pirategenes]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

Running NRW fuel filter ~2yrs, ~12K mls

==> Zero issues with leaks or fitment

Thanks for sharing your experience. Great that it's working for you.

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

> IMO - Risks, issues noted more likely attributable to 'installer error', fuel system condition [ie aged components].

That's certainly one opinion.

Note that multiple folks on this forum have reported similar fuel leak problems and one very reputable shop has reported seeing repeated issues from these types of filters. With these observation, anyone can interpret however they see fit.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by pirategenes

Thanks for sharing your experience. Great that it's working for you.

That's certainly one opinion.

Note that multiple folks on this forum have reported similar fuel leak problems and one very reputable shop has reported seeing repeated issues from these types of filters. With these observation, anyone can interpret however they see fit.

Fourm inputs and feedback are invaluable. On many occasions, individual difficulties with products or processes are sometimes mischaracterized.
That's the rebuttal point...not intended to be argumentative or personal.

I can 100% assure, my NRW fuel filter experience is NOT UNIQUE or conjecture.
Know several S65 guys with success using NRW fuel filter; on this forum and personally...as stated "more likely attributable to 'installer error', fuel system condition [ie aged components]".

To be precise, the reputable shop reference speaks to 'general' AM outcomes most likely from many half-baked fuel filter products.
NRW fuel filter is not one of those specifically referenced... that coupled with an assertion which again goes to install competency as well:

Originally Posted by deansbimmer
"The main issue we see repeatedly with these type of kits are leaks. Installations we've seen have also resulted in hoses chaffing against other things because the original components weren't meant to interface with a bulky assembly here..."

Even though this is a 6/10 difficulty to install, requires care and patience...not a PnP.
Observation...many DIY'ers have AM issues which have nothing to do with product or engineering.
Rather, typically related to => knowledge, skill, tools, wanting to-do on the cheap etc.
All DIY 'experience' is not equal for every 'project'...on occasion, recognition of ones limitations yields best results.

Nothing special, custom about my or others successful install. Done carefully NRW fuel filter works as designed....that plain-n-simple.
If in doubt or unable to make it work as designed...when all else 'fails', consider a professional install

[pirategenes]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

Fourm inputs and feedback are invaluable. On many occasions, individual difficulties with products or processes are sometimes mischaracterized.
That's the rebuttal point...not intended to be argumentative or personal.

I can 100% assure, my NRW fuel filter experience is NOT UNIQUE or conjecture.
Know several S65 guys with success using NRW fuel filter; on this forum and personally...as stated "more likely attributable to 'installer error', fuel system condition [ie aged components]".

To be precise, the reputable shop reference speaks to 'general' AM outcomes most likely from many half-baked fuel filter products.
NRW fuel filter is not one of those specifically referenced... that coupled with an assertion which again goes to install competency as well:

Originally Posted by deansbimmer
"The main issue we see repeatedly with these type of kits are leaks. Installations we've seen have also resulted in hoses chaffing against other things because the original components weren't meant to interface with a bulky assembly here..."

Even though this is a 6/10 difficulty to install, requires care and patience...not a PnP.
Observation...many DIY'ers have AM issues which have nothing to do with product or engineering.
Rather, typically related to => knowledge, skill, tools, wanting to-do on the cheap etc.
All DIY 'experience' is not equal for every 'project'...on occasion, recognition of ones limitations yields best results.

Nothing special, custom about my or others successful install. Done carefully NRW fuel filter works as designed....that plain-n-simple.
If in doubt or unable to make it work as designed...when all else 'fails', consider a professional install

Appreciate the perspective. That's great it has worked well for you, and agree install care matters on this one.

But I don't think installer error covers everything in this thread. The bending load on the quick-connects got flagged by several of us independently, and that kind of pattern doesn't come from one-off install mistakes. I had a leak on mine too that went away when I pulled the kit. Worth noting the hose also got updated at some point - shorter, different material, and per the person who reported it, doesn't have "the load" the old one did. Take that for what it's worth.

The bigger picture is the area itself. It's tight, cumbersome, and not really designed to accept an assembly this bulky. That sharp turn in the line isn't something a careful install fixes - it's a fundamental property of how the kit has to route through that space. To me that's a design property and not a skill gap.

On deansbimmer - that perspective is not DIY guys in driveways. That's a high-volume well-respected shop.

The kit can clearly work - yours does, and tdott's track record speaks for itself. Just don't think every issue in this thread lands on the installer when this much points to the product design too.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by pirategenes

Appreciate the perspective. That's great it has worked well for you, and agree install care matters on this one.

But I don't think installer error covers everything in this thread. The bending load on the quick-connects got flagged by several of us independently, and that kind of pattern doesn't come from one-off install mistakes. I had a leak on mine too that went away when I pulled the kit. Worth noting the hose also got updated at some point - shorter, different material, and per the person who reported it, doesn't have "the load" the old one did. Take that for what it's worth.

The bigger picture is the area itself. It's tight, cumbersome, and not really designed to accept an assembly this bulky. That sharp turn in the line isn't something a careful install fixes - it's a fundamental property of how the kit has to route through that space. To me that's a design property and not a skill gap.

On deansbimmer - that perspective is not DIY guys in driveways. That's a high-volume well-respected shop.

The kit can clearly work - yours does, and tdott's track record speaks for itself. Just don't think every issue in this thread lands on the installer when this much points to the product design too.

Fair points...
I cannot speak to 'kit' engineering changes. Those undoubtedly may influence overall outcomes particularly impacting install, performance.

If so inclined, suggest reaching out with feedback/questions to Neil or Alex at NRW [owners/partners]. Since I was an early adapter at the time, had several questions including fitment points noted as well. Neil was very responsive; conducted direct convos and correspondense.

As previously mentioned, did a '2nd install' [remove & replace ]for fuel filter PM w/o issues

GL sorting issues!
A close-up which may assist for comparison purposes; no hose kink, rubbing, sensor-airbox interference.

[e36mikee]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

The fact that there is minimal space where the fuel filter would sit & that the size of the filter is considerable, it’s not plug n play in my opinion. You may have to make adjustments/innovate to make it work.. that is what I personally did not like about it & decided to remove it after test fitting it. Some people are comfortable with how it sits with some modifications to make it work while others like myself prefer OEM like fitment.. Also keep in mind that you are dealing with a fuel line, so safety is paramount!
Not sure if this was helpful..

Ya i was able to play with it a bit to make it fit better. It needs a slightly longer hose IMO. But really it just needs a U shaped steel line. I may upgrade it to that one day. The other brand out there incorporates that so a little buyers remorse on not going with that one.

[e36mikee]

anyone with a filter installed checked there fuel pressures? i wish i had done a before and after. noticed a few random 2.85-2.95 bar pressure for 5-10 seconds in my logs when target is 3, and as low as 2.76 bar. not sure if just random noise and nothing serious as its very quick intermittent drops when its targeting 3bar or if its related to filter or possibly something else in the fuel system. going to be doing some better logging as i just noticed on a quick little run checking other things.

[THRSTYM3]

I wasn't impressed with mine. took it right out.. Will sell for $100 if anyone wants its. Brand new Didn't even leave the garage with it

[pirategenes]

Originally Posted by THRSTYM3

I wasn't impressed with mine. took it right out.. Will sell for $100 if anyone wants its. Brand new Didn't even leave the garage with it

Same.

Also happy to sell for $100 to anyone who wants it (after ThirstyM3 sells first, of course; don't want to jump the queue...).

[narkotic]

Mine is being returned. I think this is just another wannabe OEM+ thing vendors do after a car gains age. I was getting fuel pressure issues as well (and I replaced all fuel system components $$$). Once I removed this, the car felt better and no more codes (i bet people running these have no idea of the lurking codes that don't throw a CEL). This isn't an engine you want to starve, esp. if you're FI.

[e36mikee]

Originally Posted by narkotic

Mine is being returned. I think this is just another wannabe OEM+ thing vendors do after a car gains age. I was getting fuel pressure issues as well (and I replaced all fuel system components $$$). Once I removed this, the car felt better and no more codes (i bet people running these have no idea of the lurking codes that don't throw a CEL). This isn't an engine you want to starve, esp. if you're FI.

I replied in other thread but curious did you see actual dips/readings of low fuel pressure? As i said in other thread i now believe mine is related to a failing regulator and possibly the filter shined the light on that component going bad. Will know more when i get to replacing the regulator. I havent seen those codes again yet, pretty sure they were related to cranking with no fuel pump fuse but will know more on a while.

[smokinjoe64]

Fuel restriction is certainly a potential cause for findings noted; however, in-line filter also exaggerates other possible system weaknesses, especially for original fuel system related components.

Based on symptoms and codes shared, other important contributing factors:

• Replace LPFP if original/high mileage

  > Weak pump often maintains near-target pressure at idle
  > Falls slightly below target intermittently, recovers slowly, worsens over time
  > A 5–10 second duration is very characteristic of a pump beginning to lose volumetric efficiency

• EKP module + connector - Jumps of 75–95%

That said, recent real-time readings well after NRW filter install [circa mid 2025 while diagnosing a separate issue] yielded nominal values for fuel pressure/flow, idle trim, no fuel system related codes.

Not to minimize issues shared - - seemingly after numerous NRW filter installs, tens-of-thousands street/track miles, ~3yrs in-service...there'd be a hella uproar of defect claims, cases, etc...jus sayin'
In many cases, 'symptoms' mask actual root causes...particularly with less than stellar maintained, higher mileage, original parts [ie > ~70K mls]

[BimmerMan33]

As above posts mentioned, I too believe that NRW might unmask preexisting fuel system issues which are mostly age related…
Personally, I’ll be replacing the in tank fuel pump/regulator & filter, then replace the injectors. Once done, should be good for 10 yrs & no need for in-line fuel filter..

I test fitted the NRW filter but was not happy with how it sat.. would’ve been different if it were smaller in size! It’s sitting on the bench for the past year.

On a different, I’m noticing some hesitation while accelerating in 1st/2nd gear for a few seconds if I drive away without warming up for 20-30 seconds after a morning cold start.. anyone else experiencing something similar?

[narkotic]

As I said in my other thread - I replaced EVERY COMPONENT in my fuel system with OEM parts. That was not a cheap endeavor. I was down about 1 bar of pressure with this fuel filter. Not a ton but it was enough to piss off the computers. I even used the OEM fuel pressure sensor (not the "aftermarket one" for $100 less). Both sides of the fuel tank, injectors. fuel rail. everything.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by narkotic

As I said in my other thread - I replaced EVERY COMPONENT in my fuel system with OEM parts. That was not a cheap endeavor. I was down about 1 bar of pressure with this fuel filter. Not a ton but it was enough to piss off the computers. I even used the OEM fuel pressure sensor (not the "aftermarket one" for $100 less). Both sides of the fuel tank, injectors. fuel rail. everything.

LPFP replaced too?
Damn shame didn't work out