I'm venturing to replace my fuel filters and I've noticed the pre-filters I bought from a reliable sourse are much bitter and clearm whereas the ones that are on the car are thinner and white. What gives? Prior to doing it myself, the filters were done at a Merc Service Center. Does the factory replace with different filters? Thanks in advance.

Are you talking about the inline 90 degree fuel filter ? If yes,, then it NEEDS to be clear so you can watch for Algae formation in your fuel system...

Last pre filter I got from the local MB dealership was a new style, (at least to me it was) it is a longer and narrower tube, made of a white plastic, rather then the see thru. Since I have it, I will use it, but I would have rather installed one of the "fat stumpy, see-through" variety.

Hope this helps, Cheers, Mack

I have the new thin, white variety now. I ordered new filters and the clear type came. Looking forward to the clear type, for I never had it on my car. Thanks!

I think you have your choice on FastLane. With and without brass inserts too.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

If it looks like this, (well it might be in focus!) then it is.....001.477.66.01

Cheers, Mack

Second attempt to post jpg.

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Here is a picture of the clear type.... AND you can see the start of algae.... I used algaecide about 7 months ago... need to do it again... Check for TCane's posts about how serious algae is... can KILL the ENGINE !

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To me its odd they call the filter pictured above the "primary" filter and the can filter the "secondary" filter. Must be the order in which the feel goes thru the filters, BUT if thats true, why isn't the filter in the tank called the "primary" filter.

I would call the can filter the primary filter because that is what filters out the finest dirt particles.

P E H

looks like you might be harboring a bit of dreaded alge.I have been fighting it,sort of like trying to fight Kudzu ..........
william Rogers.......