The car has 42000 miles on BUT I believe it should have been done earlier, maybe 24 or 36000. As for the pipes, they are easy, theres 3, 1 on the top fuel out, 2 on the side, fuel in and return from the injectors, all of the connectors are simple push fit, you push the fitting in and pull the pipe connector at the same time and hey presto it pops off. to remove the filter body from the car, it simply slides up out of a holder, once off you can clamp it in a vice and carefully unscrew the top with a very large pair of stilsons or monkey grips, I tried an oil filter strap, but it didnt generate enough pressure to undo.
My filter was absolutley black, the car used to suffer from a bit of lag when you put your foot down, I put this down to the turbo, but its much better now, feels like a different car.
Fiat wanted 23 + vat for a filter, I got one for 10 + vat from ggbs italian car specialist in bradford, they do mail order I think, if you quote your reg no, they will make sure you get exactly the right filter their no is 01274 733727.
hope this helps