fuel filter replacement

Could someone tell me where the fuel filter is on a '86 560 SL so I can replace it? Also where is the place to jack up the front and rear with a floor jack.
Thank yopu.

[Max J. Sandler]

The fuel filter is located on the passenger side of the car just behind the rear axle, and is partially covered by a rubber boot. You can use either use a floor jack under the rear differential housing to raise the car up and lower it onto jack stands (a bit tricky), or back the car up onto ramps (which I prefer). After that, you have to remove the boot (three 10mm screws),pinch off the life from the tank (unless you like bathing in gasoline), and then disconnect the fuel filter (fitting at either end, filter held in place by a clamp). Please note that there are hex-shaped fittings on either end of the filter to hold it in place while you undo the fittings, otherwise you can damage the lines. It's actually a straightforward job as long as you have a decent set of metric tools.

[maheath]

Funny, I just did this today on my '88 560SL. I put the jackstand under the right rear suspension arm. I also replaced most of the rubber fuel lines at the same time, so I drained the tank by clamping and removing the fuel line from the elbow fitting to the fuel accumulator and then removing the clamp once the end of the hose was inside a gas can. I had already siphoned the tank until there was about 5 gallons left.

I found it much easier to loosen the inside end of the fuel filter if the hose between the elbow fitting and the fuel pump was removed. The banjo bolt on the outside end can be removed fairly easily. You'll need either two 17mm wrenches or one 17mm and one 19mm wrench, depending on the brand of fuel filter you buy. Mine had a Mahle filter installed and I put in a Bosch.

I removed the entire assembly by loosening the fuel hose on the inside end of the fuel filter and the hose between the fuel tank and the elbow fitting. The tank has to be empty to do this. You'll also have to remove the electrical connections (disconnect the battery first) from the fuel pumps. Then there's four nuts to remove and the whole assembly will come right off.

Don't forget to use all new seal rings.

Thanks for the help! I changed the filter and the car seems to run PERFECT! I replaced it with a new Bosch and seals and it is an absolute joy to drive once the slight miss has been eliminated. Thanks for the jacking tips also.