Ok, i think i'm close. So is 16 x1.5 a common size for spin on fuel filters? Wix makes some decent looking heads as well but I need to decided on the size first.
The stock spin on has 14x1.5, is that right? I don't think wix makes one that big.

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1983 300D TurboDiesel

The M16x1.5 threaded filters are common to the extent that they were used on the older VW Rabbit and other VW vehicles that used the same Engine.
However, the stock VW Fuel filters have the same 10 nominal Micron Rating as the stock Mercedes Filter but the Filter is double the size and it has a screwed drain at the bottom of the Filter.
WIX (I used the the NAPAP virsion) makes their version of it and that is the one I used to use on my Volvo Diesel.

The Baldwin Filter I was speaking of is not so common. You would have to get it at a Baldwin Filter shop or if you live somewhere where they have Tractors and Farm Machinery they ma sell it. But that would give you the lower 5 Micron filtration.

Below is a pic of a VW Rabbit Filter and Housing. The Outlet in the middle top of the Filter uses a Banjo Bolt and Banjo as does the Inlet that you can see in the Pic. I could not find the Banjos and Banjo Bolts before I took the pic.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel