Hi,
searched but found conflicting info.
Where is access to 2005 ML 500 fuel filter, thru driver side rear wheel well OR under rear passsenger seats / from inside the vehicle??

Motor now needs to crank 2 seconds in the morning before firing--used to fire immediately. If I turn key on, turn key off, turn on a second time and then turn to start, it fires right away. Sounds like fuel delivery issue, correct?

63,000 miles so manual says replace fuel filter which also is fuel pressure regulator.
Is this the likely problem?
One post mentioned suggestion to replace fuel filter AND clean small filter that's
attached to fuel pump too. Necessary? I'm guessing that accessing fuel pump is much more labor??
Anyone with similar experience, what was it?
Thank you

 

Any fuel filter 2002 and after have the most difficult fuel lines to release. Spray the entire yellow area on each connector with canned air to remove all dirt and debris. Then spray the connector with WD40 or Liquid Wrench. Many times it is difficult to move these tabs, which was a terrible design.

Then remove all the connectors on the right side of the filter and then lastly the feed line on the left.

You can then try to remove the lines by sliding both knurled pads downward (red arrow) and then removing the filter. The problem could arise that you cannot hold both at the same time and remove the filter without someone else to help.

This is where the tool comes in. Place the ends of the tool on the upper and lower smooth pads (green arrow) and apply slight pressure and at the same time slide the tool to push both knurled pads downwards.

Do not damage or mangle the feed line connector. If you do you will have to replace the one piece line that runs the entire length of the truck, which is not easy.

 

Hi,
happy to report that new fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator fixed the issue of slow to start after sitting for several hours.

FYI---I first brought my ML to big independent shop with 15 bays. I printed out the instructions and MB tool needed etc for them. I asked if they could do this job and was told certainly. They call later to say they could not get the filter off and come pick it up.

I ended up bringing it to MB dealer which did the job and now it starts as it should!! Only issue was service writer quoted me 1.5 hours labor and they charged 2.0 so an extra $70.
Anybody know what the "book time" is for fuel flter replacement??

So, just an fyi if you are considering doing this yourself----it can be a very tricky job and I'm glad I didn't try it myself.
Bob

 

The labor time is 1.4 hrs.

 

Does anyone have a better write up/DIY on this yet?

Thanks

 

Try this DIY from Pelican Parts:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...uel_Filter.htm

 

Thank you.