PEH,

I think there is often pressure placed on the top neck when removing the fuel filter. I think the best practice is to remove the top radiator hose (engine side) so that this does not happen.

Also, it is a convenient place to lean when looking into the engine bay for other reasons. The design would probably be fine were it not for these other stresses.

__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction