Hi,
As bmussatti said, 6 yrs. or 60k mi., but only for '97-'01 Cars. Beginning in '02, Porsche switched to an intergral Filter which lives in the Fuel Tank, due to the changes in the Fuel System (non-return system), and less volume through the filter, Porsche specs it as
LifeTime. Should it ever go on a later model Car, you're replacing the Fuelpump, Sender Unit and Filter as it's all one unit.
For the earlier Cars, the Fuel Filter is external and mounted under the plastic underside cover, approx. just behind and between the seats. The Filter is PN # 996.110.253.01 and goes for between $20 & $30.
To change it, you need to:
- Raise the Car safely
Loosen the Fuel Cap
Remove the Underside Panel
Disconnect the Ground Wire to the Filter (8mm?)
Disconnect the Front Hose - Worm Clamp (Fuel is under pressure, so wrap Hose in a Towel to prevent being sprayed and have a catch container for any dripping fuel)
Disconnect Rear Hose by squeezing the retaining collar and pulling straight back.
Undo Mounting strap and remove Filter.
Replace New Filter, taking care to orient it in the direction of the Arrow painted on the Filter.
Remount Filter
Reconnect Front/Rear Hoses
Re-attach Ground Wire
Replace Underside Panel
Lower Car
Tighten Filler Cap
Personally, I would also disconnect the Battery before doing the swap to eliminate any possibility of creating a spark when the system is open, but this is not in the procedure, just me - Safety First! Hope this helps...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99