Fuel filter summary
 

What years are affected by the change in filter design?

Since the filter is a consumable item and not covered under warranty, does the owner have to pay the expense for the change over to new version if vehicle is still under warranty?

Seems like to me that if the manufacturer changes a consumable item that causes the vehicle to be modified, the manufacturer should pick up the modification cost.

Had my early model year 2000 ML430 done before the warranty ran out. Along with MAF sensor & plugs. Guess I've got a good dealer. Also had the window switches, sunroof upgrade, wiring harness for the aux fans and fuse #44 upgrade along with the harmonic balancer upgrade. Don't know how much longer I can take this Mercedes Experience. :D

The filter was modified in 2001, so all 1998 -2000 need the fuel filter up-date. Also SOME 2001 cars will also need that up-date.
MB will pick-up the expense IF & only IF a dealer is performing a 60K maint service at the same time.

I was told that the fuel filter update will be done under warranty if the job is being done on-schedule (as Doc said) AND if the truck is owned by the original owner.

Gilly

PS There's no such thing as a 60K service on an ML, it's A or B service only, however the it is correct to say that the air and fuel filters are due every 60,000 miles. The filters should be replaced at the A or B service closest to 60,000 miles.

Gentlemen,
Any way you can tell if the fuel filter is the upgraded one or not? I've got a 1999 ML 430 and I purchased it used with 32K on it. Right now I have around 52K, and in the spring I want to change the fuel filter, air filter etc, can you notice this "upgraded" filter? Also, how much is it to purchase the upgraded setup. Thanks Again!!

No "easy" way to tell. Well, maybe there is. Assuming it was done under warranty, the dealer can run a VMI on the VIN number and see if it was done.

To physically check is tougher. You'd almost need to raise it on a hoist and remove the left rear wheel and look at it to tell. A trained eye could tell you easily if it's the new filter or an old one.

Hope this helps.

Gilly

Thanks Gilly, I'll run the VIN and see if it's been done under warranty. In the spring I'll let you know how I make out!

Regards,

According to some info available somewhere on http://www.startekinfo.com the new larger fuel filter was installed starting March 26, 2001.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/mb_lane.jpg
On Mercedes Lane.

Easy way to check if you car has old or new filter:
If line 3 not present and line 4 goes directly to the left end of the filter -- you have old filter.
To update to the new filter you need a new filter and fuel lines 1, 2, and 3.
Mike

I agree with that. I stand by what I said in regards to it being difficult to check this out without at least raising the truck in the air, and probably you'd need to remove the left rear wheel to be able to check out if the long filter is installed (someone familiar with the modification can probably just tell right away if the newer filter is installed) and/or if the #3 "loop" was present.

Gilly

Gilly, one can also use a digital camera behind the wheel and with the truck on the ground. This is how the old filter looks on a 5 year old ML320. It does take a few tries to get a nice shot since the filter is well tucked in on top of the frame, as you indicated.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/fuel_filter_163.jpg

It almost looks like the splash shield has been removed to get that photo.

Gilly

Thanks for all of the ways to tell which filter I have, should make it a little easier come spring....thanks again

Why the change? Is the old design defective in some way? :confused:

Based on my current mileage consumption, I'm due for a 60K service by the end of this year.

And lately on occasion, I've noticed that it takes a couple more starter cycles to fire up the ML. A couple of days ago, I actually had to crank it several times before it finally DID start, as if it wasn't getting any fuel. Only did that once, but I suspect it will only get worse.

Is this a symptom of a bad fuel filter?

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. ;)