Fuel Filter Replacement Complications

I used this DIY (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=265683) to replace my fuel filter. I have a 2000 328i which happens to take a simple 1 inlet/1 outlet filter. The DIY went nicely until the end when I tried to start the car back up with the new filter in place.
The darn thing refuses to start. I can hear the pump working in key position #2. But when I go to start the engine I hear a clapping sound and see lights flashing. I tried several times but no success. My gas tank is depressurized and has about 1 gallon of gas.

Any ideas what this could be?

Note: I already made sure the filter was installed with the arrow in the correct direction. No leakages either. I'm out of ideas

You did put fuel pump fuse back in?

Atleast i read some instruction to turn key to position #2 3-4 times before trying to start the car. (pump collecting pressure back?) And after that i was able to start the car. It still took about twice longer than normal before car fired up, but it started and worked normally since then.

Mine is 2000 also so shouldn't be difference about that.

Yes I did put the fuse back in. And I did try key to position #2 at least a dozen times (each time I let the pump build the pressure). I wonder if it is due to the depressurized and nearly empty gas tank. I'm going to fill the tank and give it another try. Hope that does it.

when u turn the key to position 2, leave it there for 10-15 sec, then go back to position 0. repeat 2-3 times then let her rip, should fire up with no trouble.
no offense or anything, just double check the right fuse is back in the right place

I had maybe about 1/4 of fuel when doing mine.

what brand fuel filter did you buy? I think some have a regulator on them

Check connections to the filter and make sure you have not reversed the two hoses that plug into one end. Then consider putting in a little more gas. You mentioned the car making clapping noise when you start. So it's not cranking? If its not then the fuel filter is not the issue. I would check the battery and starter instead. Try jumping it and see if the starter engages. It may be as simple as your battery being low.

Originally Posted by hhariri

... But when I go to start the engine I hear a clapping sound and see lights flashing. ...

I think that you and everyone else is hung up on the fuel filter change, but this sounds unrelated. I think that you have a bad battery and that priming the fuel pump was the last straw for it. How old is your battery? Have you tried a jump start?

Originally Posted by scarede46er

Check connections to the filter and make sure you have not reversed the two hoses that plug into one end..

Hoses reversed is not uncommon. Give serious consideration to this.

Originally Posted by GoForthFast

Hoses reversed is not uncommon. Give serious consideration to this.

Well ya, but OP is not even getting a crank. I think battery is gone.

I'm not getting that from reading his post. Sounds like the engine is spinning without starting.
I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by GoForthFast

I'm not getting that from reading his post. Sounds like the engine is spinning without starting.
I could be wrong.

This is why I think it's a battery problem " But when I go to start the engine I hear a clapping sound and see lights flashing."