Fuel filter summary - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gilly · #1 05-12-2005, 08:13 PM

Chris
I know you're just trying to be helpful, here are a few observations:

The post you replied to from G Benz was posted last year in January, so well over a year ago. Battery is dead by now if that's what it is.

Bad fuel filters can cause the exact complaint G Benz is talking about, as the fuel pressure regulator is integral to the filter. I can take several cycles before enough pressure is built up to start the truck. A battery won't normally cause a complaint quite like this.

If a battery problem did somehow cause this exact complaint, it would still be better to have the problem check out rather than throwing a part such as a battery at it. "MY truck didn't start right away because the battery was bad, so ALL ML's that start bad MUST need a new battery" is a rather crude diagnostic technique.
Gilly

JLLG · #2 07-28-2005, 01:33 AM

I have upgraded to the larger filter on my 2000 ML430. Does the arrangement of the fuel lines look acceptable? I wanted to make sure before I seal up the end cap and install the rear seat.

Also, how in the world does one change this filter without taking the end cap off. It seems this is necessary because of the location of the return fuel line. Via the wheel well, it is behind the filter. Just thought I would ask for the next filter change.

Gilly · #3 07-28-2005, 09:03 PM

Yer losin' me here. The filter runs with the attachment pipes at the front and rear, they are both accessable from the wheel well just fine, may want to take the LR wheel and fender liner off, but other than that I don't see why you would need to access the top of the fuel pump to replace the fuel filter.....

Gilly

azinn · #4 01-07-2004, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by G-Benz
Why the change? Is the old design defective in some way?

Never had any problem with mine, but have read of some problems with the old one. Might be worthwhile to check with your dealer to see if they might replace it sooner than the 60K service. My dealer did it before I got to 50K.

G-Benz · #5 08-20-2004, 10:49 AM

Since my last post, my fuel pump did finally die! I was out of town and the dealer was going to do the upgrade while he was in there...alas, parts were backordered and I wanted to get back home, so I'm stuck with the old setup.

Anyway, I'm almost due for the 60K service, so I'll get it taken care of then.

Gilly · #6 08-21-2004, 05:05 PM

Supra
You mean just to change out the filter itself (if it's already been upgraded) or to install the new long filter?
Gilly

supradupe · #7 08-22-2004, 12:25 PM

Gilly,
I still have the original old style filter. If the dealer were to install the upgraded fuel lines for free, my responsibility will be to pay for the normal (new style fuel filter) replacement and the labor cost. Just want to have some idea how much I should be expecting. I am assuming it will take 1 hour labor plus cost of the new fuel filter, i.e. roughly $200 bucks?

Gilly · #8 08-22-2004, 05:59 PM

Sounds about right, about an hour to replace the old style filter.

Gilly

jfreezn · #9 08-23-2004, 12:28 PM

Coming in late on this but read all the posts. Not mentioned is the possible use of the emmisions warranty with regard to fuel system repairs. Don't all manufacturers have to provide something like 7 years, 90,000 miles on any items that might affect emmissions?

The new filter has a pressure regulator built into it which MUST change some peformance feature of the fuel system.

slowdriver2 · #10 08-24-2004, 01:21 PM

I take my truck to the dealer tonight for the filter line upgrade. I am curious as to what I will be charged. Could be I get charged for a filter, could be I walk out being charged nothing. In any case it's sure to beat paying $900 for the same upgrade if I had waited till the service near 60K. I will post the results/costs.

Gilly,

I forgot my password during the server swap so to save time I just reregistered under a new username/password to gain access again. P.S. the new site layout looks good.

slowdriver2 · #11 08-26-2004, 01:09 PM

For what's it worth the dealer covered the total cost of the fuel filter and line upgrade on my truck yesterday under waranty. It seems to run better now. It pays to push for waranty repairs and having a copy of the TSI document was the key.

sdanville · #12 09-12-2004, 12:25 PM

I will atttempt to show the pliers I used swimmingly to remove my filter.
Bought at farm and fleet 10 years ago for a motorcycle hard to reach repair. About $12.

One of thise tools ya need every few years.

supradupe · #13 09-16-2004, 11:45 PM

I finally got my fuel system upgraded. MBZ covers the fuel lines, a new fuel pump and the labor to do all that crap. My cost is the fuel filter and the regular labor to install the fuel filter. This is for a 98 ML which was deliverd in Oct 97. Not bad for me since the truck is nearly 7 years old but with only 60k miles. It has been more reliable than when it was new. Hope to keep it for another 5 years before dumping it, will keep my fingers crossed.

sdanville · #14 09-17-2004, 08:28 AM

How'd that happen ?

Do you have a super extended warrenty ?

supradupe · #15 09-17-2004, 10:50 AM

No, I didn't buy any extended warranty. In fact, the SA from that dealership gave me some bs about the fuel filter update is not covered, etc, etc. I *****ed to MBUSA about not being able to replace the fuel filter with the old style version (out of stock, of course) and threaten to take matters to our state attorney general. The person from MBUSA called me and informed me this is not covered because the update is an improvement not recall. Whatever, he then asked me which dealer I spoke with. I promtly told him the dealership's name. 2 hours after I hung up with the MBUSA phone rep, the service mananger from the dealer called me and offered to update the fuel system as I described in my previous post.

p.s. They didn't tell me the fuel pump was part of this, but what a pleasant surprise, they replaced it as well, under warranty. I guess since I bought a BMW from this same dealr last year, they are probably trying to keep me as a long term customer.