HI, havnig been very nearly caught out due to a failure of the holder - holder cracked but only on start up.  I am trying to educate myself on when they should be changed. Is this a once a year or once every 3 years or once each 10000 miles etc. Is there a recommendation?  

Morning Paul

The Filter assembly on my 4.6is is original (car is 22 years old) I have not been aware of changing the Filter assembly as part of a service routine. Later today I will fire up ISTA on my garage laptop and check all the Workshop Instructions then let you know

Dave

OK checked ISTA WIS (Workshop Information System) and spoke with an ex neighbour who works for BMW 

ISTA first there is nothing to indicate the filter housing should be changed at intervals. There is a Note to say the filter should be inserted into the filter body then the housing screwed by hand into position. If the filter is inserted in the housing there is a danger it can be cross threaded and the housing damaged do not overtighten 

My ex neighbour says it was a common mistake putting the filter into the housing and tightening that is where  they were cracked

Dave

Hi Dave, that is a possibility, over tightening, but I understand the material used does have weaknesses especially when it is cold. I was lucky, the day before Im doing 85 on the motorway, no issue, the next day on start up, part failed and luckily no heat got into the engine before I realised. Hence the question. But good to know there is no actual recommendation to change at intervals.  Appreciate the research.    

Finally, I did take it the damaged part into BMW but heard nothing........