Ron in SC

This photo shows the fuel filter on my 99 ML 320. It’s the updated one. I need to change it. The connector with the bit of green on it needs to be removed as does one on the other end.

I really can not figure out how to get it off without breaking it. There must be a certain way to get this thing off; it must snap on the fuel filter outlet and inlet some way. But how?
I have a special tool called a 163 fuel line pliers part number 163 589 00 37 00. This is the tool used to remove the connectors on the older model filters. I’ve tried to depress the tabs on the connector but so far I’ve had no success.
Has anyone removed one of these new filters or know how it’s done

scorchie

From what I can tell, when putting that new type fuel filter on, it comes with fuel lines (because additional lines are required when installing this type). After removing the old-style fuel filter, the two fuel lines that hook to the fuel pump are removed (and discarded). The new type fuel filter should come with lines.

Did you already get a new fuel filter?

-s-

Ron in SC

I did not get a new filter yet. I'll go over to the dealer and look at one to see if they come with the lines.

I looked at the invoice from when the updated pump and filter were installed and the additional fuel lines had separate part numbers.

scorchie

Sorry, the instructions I have are not very clear... it covers changing the old style filter, or replacing the old style filter with the new one with new lines. For some reason I guess instructions on replacing the new style one are not important! Let me look again...

Yeah, you're right, the new fuel lines are separate (because they are already present on newer cars). It appears that they just push on, so maybe you need to try harder when removing them (and depress the catch a little harder too). Have you tried giving it a twist?

Why are you trying to remove the fuel filter without a replacement on hand? I think if you could see the replacement it might give you some clues.

-s-

SDML320

when you go get the new filter thay will also tell you that you need a fuel line and filter part # 163-470-37-64 fuel line and P# 163-477-07-01 fuel filter the filter was $83.72 and the line was $19.11 at the stealership. The line has to pressed together at the little clips that your picture shows that the are painted the clips are 180 degrees from each other so you have to push both at the same time. Also when the new filter is installed hook the lines up before positioning the filter in the hole. Be very careful not to brake the lines they are fragile if bent too much. When you restart your vehicle you may what to cycle the key a few times to get fuel to the injectors. Mine missed for a little bit so it set off the CEL but I have a tool to reset it. Good Luck!

Ron in SC

So does this mean I need to access the fuel pump from the interior of the vehicle under the rear seat to change the filter?

SDML320

You do not need to remove the back seat. You have to remove the back wheel and the plastic innner wheel well though. It may be hard to manuver in the small space were the filter is if you have large hands. I attached a picture I hope you will see. The line you are buying is labeled #3. The new filter is larger in size and longer also the picture here is very accurate I used it to replace mine.

Ron in SC

Problem solved. Well maybe.

I went over to my dealer to have a look at the fuel lines and the connectors they sell when doing the filter upgrade. I could not depress the tabs on the connector even when the line was not fitted to a filter. The parts fellow checked with one of the technicians in the service department. He said all you do is depress the tabs with that Hazet fuel line connector tool. I certainly could not get them to move even with the fuel line connector pliers.

Well I messed around with the fuel line for a while and in doing so I think I figured out how those connectors work. I pushed both of those little tabs forward a little bit and I could easily depress both tabs. It appeared that the inside part of the connectors that must grip the nipple or whatever it’s called on the filter moved a little bit.

Maybe that’s how they work.

Thanks for the advice and help. I do have that photo from WIS and I must say the directions are not that clear in WIS at least not to me. I think they are for the update from the old filter.

I'm thinking that I should not need to buy any new hoses and the dealer said I should not need any additional hoses either; unless I break one and that is always possible. At least they have the hoses in stock.

Ron in SC

I installed my new filter and vehicle runs fine. I did get a check engine light which must be related to the install. The code, which I cleared, was P0304 cylinder 4 misfire dectected. I didn't hear any misfire. Maybe that's just the code it shows when you put in a new fuel filter.


Installing this filter is a pain. While my experience working on a lot of different cars is limited I can not help but conclude that the design and engineering that led to the decision to place the filter in its current location is to put it simply, not good.

JLLG

So did you remove your back seat for this filter change? Where did you get your pliers and for how much? Could you remove the lines without these special pliers?

I have a 2000 Ml430 with 52k and am looking into changing the fuel filter myself. I believe MB states to change every 50k. I am getting misfire ODBII codes and hope this helps to resolve. The misfires usually occur at idle after the car is warm. On occasion, during slower speed driving. I am also getting a P0130 code which is an O2 sensor. As a test, I have cleaned the MAF with circuit cleaner and reset the codes but they came back on in about 300 miles. I am not totally sure how to handle all this so I think starting with the fuel filter is good since it should be replaced anyway. Any other ideas are appreciated.

Kestas

My buddy asked me to change the fuel filter in his 98 ML320, 101K. I haven't yet looked at it, but for various reasons we're assuming it's original. One web site says the following parts must be ordered to change out the original filter:

$85.26 - 163 477 07 01 - fuel filter
$21.56 - 163 470 28 64 - fuel line
$21.56 - 163 470 29 64 - fuel line
$32.83 - 163 470 37 64 - fuel line
? - 001 997 83 90 - clamp

Is it really necessary to change all three fuel lines?
What about the clamp?... is it simply a large diameter hose clamp?... I have a whole assortment of hose clamps, including 4" diam.

JLLG

If you still have the original shorter fuel filter and are changing to the longer version, you definately will need a new fuel lines. You will also need to get to the top of fuel pump to change the fuel lines. On my 2000 ML430, I had to remove the 60% seat to get access to the access panel. See this page...

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...ferrerid=11384

lennychelly

you guys are a wealth of detailed help and really enjoyed reading about the fuel filter replacement. i am thinking that i may need to change my filter. i have a ml430 (99) with 120k. my engine light is on and the code is for a fuel trim malf on banks 1 and 2. i have a bit of rough idle but the main problem is lack of kickdown or up acceleration. if i kick the pedal down the ml seems starved for enough fuel to accelerate and shift back up but if i only push a quarter or half way down on the accelerator i get some decent but not full pick up from the engine. does this sound like a clogged filter problem to anyone but me??????

Kestas

It sounds exactly like a fuel starvation problem. With a clogged fuel filter you'll lose high end performance, i.e., poor acceleration under heavy load and if you try to get past a certain speed it'll start stumbling.

JLLG

lennychelly:

If you have never changed your fuel filter and you hav 120k miles, you should definately change. I believe those should be changed every 50k. Also, the cycle on spark plugs is 4 years or 100k miles. Once all the scheduled things are complete, then you can narrow down the cause.

Taz777

I had the same symptoms as you on my 99 ML430 and cleaning the MAF fixed the problem (had already replaced the fuel filter). Based my research online, most of time the fuel trim codes are caused by a faulty MAF.

madmar0561

Can someone tell me exactly where the fuel filter is on my ML 320 2001?

lito420

Hello there
do you know of any other DIY guide for the fuel filter upgrade
the link is not working any more and I'm going to replace the fuel pump and filter to my ML320 98
any help pointing me to a good DIY guide will be greatly appreciated
thanks for all before hand!

Maj. Dundee

Here are the instructions. The part numbers for the updated fuel lines and new fuel filter are highlighted in yellow on pg. #5 of the pdf.

The old lines are very easy to remove. Just squeeze the tab and pull off the line. The new lines come with a different connector and once snapped in place are very hard to remove without the special tool. So make sure you follow the directions before you snap the new lines in place.

lito420

Thanks your awesome!!real helpful and simple!.

lito420

Hello I wanted to thank again for your help I got the job done fast and right!.
but I noticed there is a knocking sound on my ML320 98 when trying to make a soft stop from the middle or back of the car,
I was wondering if you know of any tread that can help me with this
Next thing is to service the differentials and well will be great if can tackle this problem once I'm there!
thanks again before hand for the help
any advise is greatly appreciated,
.

Maj. Dundee

Just by going on what you have described, I would say that the plastic supports in the rear of you torsion/springs are broken.

Both front wheels must be completely off the ground but no load on the lower control arm. Then follow the instructions, steps 1-3.

jumpstart38

hello i am a new member to this forum but i owned a 98 ml320 since 04,it has 240.000 miles
and still working good, had my problems and still some. From reading your post i learned how to change my fuel filter. Great advice: thanks much..

Brw4d0

What MAF stand for?

Maj. Dundee

Mass Air Flow.