aolsen

Where is the fuel filter located on the 2003 C230 Sedan, and has anyone changed theirs on this vehicle before? I searched the forum, but didn't find info on this particular model.

krisv420

Here is a website you will enjoy =D

http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...uelfilter.html

Hope this helps..

Kris

TruTaing

Thats the link I was gonna drop. I dont think that the fuel filters between the different engines on the w203 would be in any different locations.

Capt Nemo o2

Actually, the 4 cylinder does have the filter in a different location. It is located on the left side of the engine (same side as the supercharger) just off the firewall and next to the fuse box under the hood. It is a black canister with a hemispherical top with a plastic hex head on top (which I believe is 26mm). The hex head turns the entire canister to unscrew it.

The filter itself is on a shaft that pulls out of the canister once you get it out of the car. Its just snapped in place. Yank it off, then pull the filter off the shaft and replace the three O-rings and reassemble.

capt_paul

The fuel filter on the 05 C230 is just in front of left rear wheel under the long plastc panel that you have to remove to access. There are 4 lines to remove, 3 small and 1 bigger hose. Be sure to reconnect the hoses properly or you will find it hard to start the car (previous experience). It takes about 40-45 minutes total for the job.

Capt Nemo o2

LOL! Opps! my bad! I misread his post! He said FUEL not OIL! I was wrapped up in the other threads about oil changes!!!

aolsen

Ok, cool. When I had my car jacked up the other day I noticed something by the left rear tire, now I know that's the fuel filter. Thanks guys!

In order to replace it, do I just remove the hoses and replace them on the new filter? Or is there anything I have to disconnect/plug in the engine bay?

jnjrowland

You will want to remove the pressure in the fuel system before taking off any lines or you'll likely end up taking a gasoline shower. In the past I have removed the fuel pump fuse and cranked the engine to accomplish this.

C230 Sport Coup

Mercedes recommends clamping the hoses.
Thats what I did.

capt_paul

I used 4vice grips to clamp down on the lines. I replaced the stock clamps with the worm gear type clamps to be easier in the future. To relieve the fuel pressure open the fuel cap as well. You will get a little fuel spilled when you remoe the filter, so be prepared.

aolsen

Ok, so you clamped down the hoses that connect to the fuel filter, and removed the gas tank cap. Correct? Also, did you disconnect the fuel lines in the engine bay? I just want to make sure. Also, I haven't found a DIY on this for the C230k, so I may take pics along the way and post one. Thanks for your input everyone.

capt_paul

You do not disconnect any lines in the engine compartment at all. Only the four lines on the filter itself, plus the screw that holds the clamp around th filter. Once you remove the panel and look underneath, you will see what I mean.

aolsen

Ah, ok. Did you notice any change in vehicle performance or efficiency with the new filter?

capt_paul

No..just decided to replace it after 50000 miles.

aolsen

Ok. Im at 61,000 miles, so I've been doing a tune up. I've read about some people getting reduced gas mileage after changing their fuel filter. Perhaps they damaged something during the replacement, as I can't see why MPG would drop after changing it.

capt_paul

I didn't see a gain nor a decrease in mpg after I did my filter change.

Don't forget to get new brake fluid every 24 months either, since you are doing a tune-up. In the back of you maintenance book, it will show you the additional tasks that needs to be done besides oil and filter change.

aolsen

Thanks for the heads up! So far I've replaced my air filter, cam sensors, rear tires, and just got the oil and fuel filters. I was also thinking of changing the transmission fluid (manual), and coolant.

aolsen

Replaced my fuel filter today. After turning the ignition (not starting the car) I waited a bit, then started it. It sputtered for a quick second, then started up.

I let it sit for a while, then went for a drive. It started to idle roughly, and as I hit the guess I wasn't getting full power. I pulled over, parked, and saw a drip coming from underneath. I went back home, got underneath, and checked the clamps. To of them weren't snug enough ( I did not over tighten them though).

I suppose the clamps were not tight enough. But has anyone had this happen when replacing the fuel filter? Perhaps it also rough idles since its brand new and just started working.

W124W203

I had once upon a time a CLK 230 & I changed the fuel filter but it did not have what we in the UK call Jubily clips which has been suggested on this thread. The ones that were on the CLK and are on my C200K are made of stainless steel and are known as click click clamps and special pliers are needed to remove & refit the clamps which are a very tight fit because of the high pressure the petrol is under.

BF_JC230

Yes - the OEM clamps are not an easy cut off - they are an over travel snap in - you can deform them and pry them off with a hook plier...

Jacking the rear up more than the front when you are very low on fuel also helps - pull of the gas cap too as mentioned...

Do a search - I posted pictures of my clamps and the bolt I replaced with stainless...

Jake