I found a few old posts regarding this matter one posted by myarmar with a photo and one that explained the procedure to change the filter.

Here's the one about changing it. Changing fuel filter - 2000 ML 430

I removed the wheel and liner just to check things out before I get another filter and change it. I do have the new filter # A 163 477 05 01 I observed the connectors that attach to lines to the filter and I'm not familiar with that type or how to remove them without screwing something up. Gilly mentioned a special tool to remove them. What is that tool's part # and where can it be obtained?

Bascially I have 3 Questions.

1-Is it really necessary to remove the access plate from inside the car to change the filter? (It seem so as I had very minimal access even when I removed the wheel and and liner.)

2-Is the special tool really needed to get those hose ends off the old filter?

3-Does the new filter come with new connectors and hoses? Or do they need to ordered separately?

Ron

If you already have the new filter setup, you don't need to remove the back seat or remove the lid from the floorpan. That's only if the mod hasn't been done yet. Because the new lines attach to the top of the fuel pump, when you replace the lines you need to access the top of the pump, which is done through the hole in the floor.

You should be able to remove the lines from the filter with a little patience and understanding. You can't just "jerk" the lines off, there are quick-connectors on the end of the plastic lines. I believe the connectors are easier to remove by hand on the newer style plastic lines. On the original style, there was a small square section which you needed the special pliers to depress far enough down so they became unlatched. This was harder on the ones with the smaller square part to depress, and especially hard on the ones on top of the pump, because they were mounted kind of down inside a "hole". The pliers made it easy. No idea what the tool # is offhand.

You won't need the new hoses if you already have the new filter, the mod is done and you'll just want a new filter only.

Gilly

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Gilly,

Thank you for your reply.

There sure didn't look to be much room to remove the hoses off the filter but once I actually try I'll be careful and patient.

I may remove the wheel and liner again tommorrow and photograph the quick connect fittings that attach to the filter; I couldn't tell how they worked. Maybe they are like some electrical connectors that require that some tabs or whatever they are called be depressed to release the connector.

Ron:
What helps somewhat is removing the clamp that holds the filter down to that metal strap. You'll need to completely loosen the clamp and remove it. On the new style hoses, they are just plastic tabs that are pressed in, again I don't believe a tool is required any more. The one small rubber line usually you can just pull off, even though there may be a small metal clamp.

I'd try getting the front and rear one off first, then on the rear of the filter there is one that is on the other side, facing the other side of the truck. With everything else removed, you should be able to get it OK, the whole job requires alot of manual dexterity.
Not to any extreme though.

Gilly

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