johnand

So, I was finally getting around to changing the fuel filter in my 07 C230, and pulled the drivers side under cover, and was shocked to see no fuel filter where they normally reside between the tank and swaybar

So, I fired up WIS.net, and sure enough the latest WIS document for my car, shows the filter in the tank. It appears like you have to replace the whole assembly.

Anyone replace the fuel filter on their 07 yet? I am going to take it to the dealer and see what they say on Monday. It appears you have to completely pump all the fuel out of the tank to replace it, and the part is expensive a hell as you need to buy the whole assembly. I'll go snap some pics and post the WIS documents in a little bit.

So, I wonder if the 65K change interval applies to these in tank filters?

I know my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee went from external filters to in tank from 1997 to the 1998 model year. That has NO change interval, which I don't care for.

Edit: Attached are the WIS documents for filter change and sending unit removal for 07's.

Here is a pic of where the filter used to be before 07:

pcy

I also discovered recently that the fuel filter on my '07 C280 is also in the fuel tank (integrated with drivers side fuel level sending unit). I called MB dealer and they said $280 for the fuel filter (along with fuel level sending unit). I didn't even want to ask how much they would charge to replace the fuel filter.

I removed the rear seat and the drivers side access panel. Removing and replacing the fuel filter and the fuel level sending unit shouldn't be that bad... we'll need the ring nut removing tool.

johnand

That sucks! The sending unit/filter is $193 online, and the tool to remove the ring is $90. Also, WIS says the sending units MUST be replaced in pairs. The other sending unit is $187.20. So after all is said an done you are looking at almost $500 DIY

Why the hell did they do this? I suspect it was just another cost cutting measure that us 07 guys have to deal with.

Glyn M Ruck

I was unaware of this change. Real dumb idea. Filter has to clog sooner or later. Benz have always recommended replacing both level sensors. In the past - pump side & non pump side. Everyone I know ignores this.

johnand

Glyn, what possible consequences are there for not replacing in pairs? I don't think I am ready to fork out almost 5 bills for a damn fuel filter. Though just under $200 for the 1 is still asinine, but tolerable. I know I really should replace it because of the heavy ethanol use.

Glyn M Ruck

The only consequence is an inaccurate fuel gauge one day in the distant future if one side fails. Address that problem when & if it happens.

johnand

Thanks Glyn, that is what I suspected. Once I get some spare time with my tank REALLY empty, I'll go ahead and replace the damn thing.

LILBENZ230

So the 01-05 cars aren't like this? I would think the 06-07 would be identical in that regard because they are the same drivetrain.

DrgnflyZ28

Wonderful! Just another wallet gouging necessity brought to you by the folks of German Engineering.
I won’t even describe how easy it is to change the filter on the Z28…
Hey, considering this is an MB forum, can we get an emoticon like this guy -> but with a sign that says DAMN STEALERSHIPS!! Just asking...

johnand

Matt, no here is a pic from mtnman82's DIY fuel filter thread:



That is where the filter is on 01-06 cars. Like I said earlier, it appears to be another in the large string of cost cutting measures of the 07.

SeaCoupe

Hey John, you buy the tool, I'd rent it from you.

I have a faulty fuel gauge sender. My tank reads empty when I actually have a 1/4 left. Plus, when full, it never reads full, but 7/8th full.

So, yes, do buy the tool and rent it out.

Ed

johnand

NO CLAW TOOL NEEDED FOR US CARS to remove sending unit rings. See attachment in this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/4228037-post7.html

johnand

Just went and talked to my dealer about this. I was quoted $792 to replace BOTH the sending units/filter/pump.

Then I talked to the shop foreman/lead tech. He stated the change interval for the in the tank filters is 12 year/156,000 miles. He stated the filters in the tank have a lot more filtering capability. I guess I can live with the price considering the interval.

Glyn M Ruck

John - I was ruminating about this change today. There might be a positive here.

In this new configuration is the filter finally ahead of the pump? Pump failure in the past has been 99% due to the pump seeing all the dirt prior to the fuel being filtered. Especially metallic particles of rust which try to hang onto the pump magnets & finally seize it.

memorylanetoys

Hello, John. Did you do the pump/filter change? I have the "fuel smell" issue on my '07 C230 when the tank is full and I pulled the back seat yesterday to have a peek at it. I haven't filled it up yet to see where it's leaking (I have only filled it about 3/4 tank for the almost 3 years I've owned the car but I'm thinking about selling it so I want to fix this. I know, I know...)
Anyway, I viewed both of your PDFs but I still don't understand how to remove the sender/pump/etc. Does the large ring just unscrew? I see a worm-drive clamp down there but don't see how to access it without dropping the tank. What am I missing? I didn't use to be this dense...
Until you're better paid, thank you for all you do.

johnand

I just changed the sender/pump, not the sender/filter.

Yes, it is just a worm gear clamp. Use a small 1/4" rachet and if I remember correctly it is an 8mm socket. Really is very easy to do once the rear seat cushion is removed.

c280 owner

Had to drain bad gas from my C280. Best way to do this was to loosen the sending units on both tanks by loosening the threaded o-ring retainers (I had read elsewhere of a guy who said he used a punch to loosen them, that didn't work for me). I hate buying tools I rarely use so I made my own. This one was cheap and easy: Buy a one foot long piece of perforated angle (pictured) and run two 1 1/2" L x 1/4 inch threaded bolts at the correct distance (about 5 inches apart on one end) and tighten them down. Worked like a champ and saved me 90 bucks.

wvadam

That is an excellent idea. Really anyone can make this even with a length of wood sitting around and drill 2 holes in it and used the bolts like you are saying. Easy $90 saved for a one time use tool.

c280 owner

That would work too.

johnbell8407

Ethanol has no residue. It is gasoline that leaves residue after burning. Watch the movie Pump available on Netflix. It is a big push by the Giants in Oil to demonize the use of Ethanol, because this moonshine is clean burning an a solution to the all popular problem of pollution and price jacking since there is no other fuel to compete with gas. I am disgusted at the disinformation, because years ago my father in-law mentioned how ethanol made from corn was not good for motors. This is ridiculous given that high grade alcohol burn clean!! I am stupified that I did not think rationally and took his word for fact.

sporta

So does anyone have a reliable link for where to get the in fuel filter online? napapartsonline.com, rockauto.com, partsgeek.com and mbpartsonline.com all show an external type of filter....

sporta

Bumping this topic up again...checked the date of manufacture on the car plate and it was built 11-06 (2007 model year). The Haynes service manual we purchased still states that the 2007 model year has the filter is external to the sending unit and is located infront of the rear driver side door under the plastic over and all the above referenced sites show an external filter as well..... does anyone have a reliable link to find the part online???? ....not trying to beat a dead horse but am really confused and cannot afford to have dad get the parts he needs from the stealership....all he wants to be able to do is again lol.

Thanks again.

sporta

Update...its been several months now that the C230 has been a lawn ornament...we finally replaced both the fuel pump and sending unit but the blasted car will not start. The CPS has been changed and we have good pressure at the fuel rail. Before we did not...We finally broke down and took it to our mechanic that has the really fancy diagnostic tool and he is saying the CAN (SAM?) is not getting the signal to fire the injectors. He believes that it was caused by applying the battery charger while the key was in and on and we may have smoked the CAN (SAM). I just called the dealership and was quoted $404.82 for the Front SAM and $497.70 for the Rear SAM. Is there a way to determine where the front SAM is (if there is one)? Again this being the flex fuel car from hell I don't trust the online part sites...Both Pelican and PartsGeek.com only list a Rear SAM


SAM part listing from www.pelicanparts.com

When I called the dealership the parts department listed 2 SAM units Front part # 203 906 0005 and Rear 203 545 4701 and when I spoke with Service they quoted me $ 180 each to reprogram...any help out there on this, does this blasted car have both or just the rear? Trying to save this damn car for my dad...mom calls it his midlife crisis mobile...I say what ever makes him happy but we are at a point where we need to know if we should pour more $$ into this beast or CraigsList it and find him a new toy.

Thanks again for your help.

jocaho

Went to change fuel filter like every video I’ve seen and I go to do it and it’s a black box no sight of the filter now I know why!
so do I or should I change out the fuel pump would that help ? Or would still need me filter as well ????

slammer111

My understanding is that MY2007 has the fuel filter attached to the fuel pump as a single unit.

If the unit is rated for 250k km like others are saying, then no need to change unless the pump has failed. Might as well save yourself a few bucks.