Hello everyone...i have a 1998 ML 320 i have the fuel pump relay burn each and every time, i change it 4 time and still when i turn the car on the fuel pump relay overheat to a temperature that you can not touch it.
Can any one help me what are the causes for this issue and how can i solve it.

i appreciate if someone can help about the cause of burning fuel pump relay in my ML 320 model 1998.
what is the cause and how can i solve it.

Change out your fuel pump. It's probably worn and drawing too many amps.

thanks paul

Paul can you please advise if a fuel filter can also make this problem of relay burning?

It's possible, but highly unlikely. It would have to be completely plugged which would result in absolutely no fuel pressure. That would mean that you would've had stalling problems way before your relay stated heating up. I've replaced tons of these pumps on the w163. A few for the exact same issue that you're having. I would replace the pump AND the filter. The fuel pump was a weak point on the early 163s. If you wanted to be 100% sure that it's the pump before spending any money, you would need to measure the amp draw off the pump. That would be a little difficult since the pump has a plug instead of wiring that you can bypass.

hi Paul, i replaced the fuel pump with a new one. The Relay keeps on heating up to a high temperature.
Is there any thing else to do? please help.