w201/m103 fuel filter replacement
 

1993 190E 2.6

Bought a Mahle filter and it didn't come w/ the crush washers. So, I annealed the old ones with a butane torch and lapped them with 600 grit on plate glass. Best I could come up with. It would make me feel a whole lot better if somebody else would post that they had done the same thing and it worked fine. So far no leaks. I was extra careful with the fittings and hard pipe as well, knowing they break if hamfisted.
In the future, what filters actually do come with the crush washers so I don't have to bite my nails off worrying about leaky washers? Also what are the dimensions of the old ones and where do you have to get them? Don't see it in the Fastlane which is where I like to buy parts. Dealer item?
And while I was under there, I noticed I had no plastic bellypan underneath the engine, which is what I thought came on these cars. Am I wrong? Fuel pump area had the plastic cover intact. I don't think from the looks of it that anyone has ever touched that area.

German filters probably come with the washers, but that does not mean Bosch, which aren't.

bosch filters I think come with crush washers but you can buy them at ******** az for cheap when your order the fuel filter.
i ve reused crush washers and it didnt leak

Well this one is Mahle/Knecht which I assume is German; the old one was Bosch made in Spain. Anyway no leaks so I guess I'm good.

I use all sorts of brands of filters, sometimes the washers are there and others are not (in all brands from what I have seen). I would just order a spare pair each time just to have on hand.

Also, I have reused the washer on oil drain pans for a long time without issue. Just keep an eye on the filter for a few miles and if no leaks, motor on.