SL/R230: Changing the fuel filter
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin, CA
2003 SL55, 2006 CLK500, 1998 Vette
Changing the fuel filter
Good day guys. I am doing an oil change soon and I am looking at changing out the fuel filter on my SL55 as well. Does anyone know where it is and how to change it. Any steps would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
2005 SL500
I'm not familiar with the SL's fuel filter placement, but my research on the ML320's fuel filter is that it is located on top of the fuel tank and it is a bear to replace. I'm sure it's not quite in the same spot on SL's as you'd have to remove the rear suspension to get to the gas tank, but I'd guess it's near there somewhere. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Rook
Rook
Last edited by Rook3300; Feb 3, 2009 at 02:04 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
It is relatively accessible. I will take a look on my service disc and see if I can put up a picture and some directions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I was able to look on the service disc, but it would not allow me to save the page with the info that you are looking for. However, I believe that it is located under the car on the passenger side, and is fairly visible and obvious when you get under there. Sorry I couldn't post the exact page.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
2007 S550 2009 SL550
Yep, that looks like a Mercedes Benz fuel filter. I recall the first time I decided to replace a Mercedes-Benz fuel filter. I was expecting to find a little plastic tube stuck in the middle of a fuel line with a couple of hose clamps. Was I ever surprised. That was my first experience with cars that are "engineered like no other cars in the world".
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 437
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From: Rocklin, CA
2003 SL55, 2006 CLK500, 1998 Vette
Thank you very much for the info. I am going to be doing the oil change and fuel filter change next week. I will be draining the oil and replacing the drain plugs and washers. Does anyone know how many lbs the plugs should be torqued too?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: New Jersey
03 SL55, 07 Acura MDX
Hey Mig, I know this is a few years later but I was curious to know how the fuel filter replacement went, were you successful? If so, what was the procedure you used? I'm currently doing maintenance on my SL, and right now the Fuel Filter is a PITA!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: New Jersey
03 SL55, 07 Acura MDX
I'm in the process of changing out my Fuel filter and I have the vehicle lifted off the ground and trust me, it's not making a difference. As you said it's a PITA to get to, and from the looks of things it's starting to look like the rear suspension might need to be lowered just to gain access to the damn thing. It's just insane in you ask me. So far i've been able to break off the two clamps that hold the hoses in place, unbolt the plastic nuts that hold the filter housing in place, but there's no clear way of removing the filter housing, or the actual fuel filter. There just isn't much space in there. I'll let everyone know by Thursday or Friday what i've come up with so far. Plus i'm hoping to order the MB service dvd and have it in by thursday so I can have a better idea of what's the "official" way of doing things.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 6
2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT
I replaced mine a month ago. Its tight but not impossible. Take off the 2 nuts you see in the picture then the three? nuts that hold the bracket to the car. now you have to figure out like a puzzle how to get the bracket out. had my car on ramps I bought at harbor freight. you don't need to remove the suspension or drive axles. if you need more room you might be able to jack the car and support it with jack stands and let the wheels drop, wear safety glasses because you might get a face full of gas!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: New Jersey
03 SL55, 07 Acura MDX
I actually took a break on the vehicle and will continue on thursday, i removed all the bolts and the filter bracket is loose, and as you said it's like a puzzle, so I was trying to maneuver the bracket at different angles. Thanks for the idea as far as letting the suspension drop down. I had the vehicle on jack stands but also had the tires removed, I'll make sure to add the tire on and i'm sure it'll help drop it just a bit to give me a little extra room to get the filter out. Thanks groves73
