I think I'll try the aftermarket. Or straight pipes.

 

Not trying to get in the last word, honest. But you might PM ohlord when you're ready. I think he has a good source for the universals that work AND pass state smog tests.

 

just looked at my invoice. they suggested changing the fuel filter not the fuel pump. I think he said around $350 so I assumed that was for a fuel pump. $350 to change the filter?

 

Yeah, dealers can be high. A Mahle or Bosch filter (OEM) is about $35-$40 from a 3rd party supplier like autohausaz.

Haven't done mine but speaking from what I've read: Remove cover panel under rocker just in front of left rear wheel. Pinch off supply lines with some form of clamp, undo hose clamps (4), exchange filter, tighten new hose clamps, release clamps on supply lines and replace cover. Maybe 1/2 hr.

 

No smog testing in Nebraska.

 

i was going to say that they probably said the fuel filter...

anyways, $350 is still high. My dealership, the price is about $120 for a filter, plus 4 hose clamps. about an hour labor. all in all, that price is still high by about $100-150

 

Are you getting misfiring codes??? If not I'd tell the stealership to "Octothorpe Silicone" == # Si == pound sand....

 

Jeeesh,
Back to the original question at last. $350 for a filter change is steep, but check to see if it doesn't require some new up date mod like the early MLs. 100K is when I would change the plugs, and I wouldn't go much further to reduce the risk of the plugs seizing in the heads. Anyone replacing their own plugs had best use anti seize on the threads or getting them out next time may require pulling the heads.

 

Bosch plugs now have a special coating which acts like anti-seize compound so none is necessary.