labguy

Sorry if this has been discussed here. I did a search and could not find the answer to my questions. What I did find was a bit of confusion over location and need to replace the fuel filter. I called my Savannah dealer and without asking my model - only model year the SA I spoke to said that they do not typically replace the fuel filter since mine is located inside the gas tank. I told him that I thought my manual says to do it every 60k/6 years. He then said that if mine were external then it would be $65 in labor.

So my question is, is it necessary and where is it located on my 2008 CLK350?

Thanks!

Plutoe

Sorry for the confusion, however post your VIN and I will find the location!!

labguy

Thanks Plutoe for your willingness to help.

My VIN is : WDBTJ56H68F237930

Plutoe

Well the good news if you want to call it that, is the tank mounted fliter(USA models) is intergrated with the fuel delivery unit that also includes the level sensor.

The bad news is the cost is approx 425 USD(209 470 13 94) plus labor.

You may want to read the manual again!!

labguy

Thanks for all your help Plutoe. I will check my manual again, but am quite sure the maintenance booklet says to change it every 60k or so.

What exactly are you saying about the manual?

Plutoe

Biff, the manual comment was a joke as I assumed you could read---lighten up!!

sailorben

Is the fuel filter not in the engine bay? On both my diesels and other cars I have worked on; they've always been under the bonnet, such filters are the ones that may need changing after 60k. I usually change it, along with the other filters on mine, whenever I purchase it. Least I know they can't be at fault.

labguy

Never assume!!

Plutoe

I suggest that you read post 4 and pay specific attention to the first sentence!!

sailorben

I had read that. And noticed you mentioned USA and tank mounted. I just struggle to see why Mercedes would go through the hassle of having two different fuel supply systems; for different markets. I then questioned perhaps there is a tank filter in addition to one at the engine bay, though not sure of the efficacy of a filter in series, perhaps to catch smaller particles.

My only point being the filter that we are recommended to replace at such intervals in the UK, is in fact one that is found in the engine bay, and perhaps the manual the OP has isn't specific to the car's US origin. Idk.

Rudeney

Even with the filter located in the sender, the maintenance interval is the same. Yes it;s expensive. The biggest problem is that the sender has hoses that connect to the pump on the right side of the tank, and often, you end up breaking the connection points on the pump because they become very brittle. So now you need a pump AND sender. My advice, just leave it alone unless you have issues.

labguy

I believe this will be the advice I take. I called 2 area MB dealers and the first one said that it was in the tank and that they don't usually replace them. The second dealer I spoke to said they would do the job for $609 ($421 parts and 1.5 hours labor) - no thanks.

What issues might I be on the look out for that would indicate that I need to bite the bullet and replace the filter?

ALFAitalia

If it was so blocked as to affect performance it would make her run lean and flat feeling under load.....and ages before you noticed that the ECU would notice to leanness and probably throw a code to warn you.