Fuel Filter Maintenance For Mercedes Sprinter: How Often?

The fuel filter in a Mercedes Sprinter is an important part of the fuel delivery system, preventing contaminants from entering the fuel system and causing damage. Fuel filters need to be replaced regularly, and the recommended schedule for replacement can be found in the owner's manual. Typically, fuel filters are replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, and in newer models, a warning signal will appear on the dashboard to indicate when a replacement is needed. The cost of a fuel filter replacement varies depending on the model year and the specific engine type.

Fuel filter replacement cost

The fuel filter replacement cost for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter varies depending on the model year and the location of the service. On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Fuel Filter Replacement is $179, with $25 for parts and $154 for labor. The price of parts ranges from $28.99 to $241.

For a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, the service dealer price is between $239.33 and $281.67. The price decreases slightly for the 2014 model, with a range of $226.02 to $265.81. The 2015 and 2016 models have a similar price range, from $226.06 to $265.89.

The cost increases for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 L4-2.1L Turbo Diesel, with a service dealer price of $351.75 to $466.98. The 2016 model year sees a significant jump in price, with a range of $271.41 to $321.06.

The average cost for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Fuel Filter Replacement is higher, ranging from $274 to $352. Labor costs are estimated between $88 and $111, while parts are priced between $186 and $241.

It is important to note that these estimates may not include taxes and fees, and the actual cost may vary based on location and specific vehicle characteristics.

Some owners of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have reported lower costs for fuel filter replacement. One owner of a 2018 ERA on a Sprinter chassis was quoted $230 for parts and $280 for labor by their Mercedes dealer. Another owner of a 2017 ERA paid $195 for the fuel filter part and $200 for labor at their local Mercedes dealer.

It is recommended to refer to the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended schedule for fuel filter replacement, which is typically every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.

Symptoms of a bad fuel filter

The fuel filter in a Mercedes Sprinter plays a crucial role in the fuel delivery system, trapping contaminants from the fuel tank and preventing them from entering the rest of the fuel system. It is typically mounted to the undercarriage, on the main fuel line after the fuel pump. While fuel filters are designed to last for a long time, they will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. The recommended replacement interval for fuel filters in the Mercedes Sprinter is generally between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, but this may vary depending on the model year and usage conditions.

• Reduced Engine Power: When the fuel filter becomes clogged, the engine experiences fuel starvation, resulting in a significant loss of power.
• Misfiring: In addition to reduced power, a clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to misfire. This may be intermittent or constant and tend to worsen over time.
• Stalling: As the issue progresses, the engine may stall immediately after starting, or even fail to start at all.
• Hesitation under Throttle: The vehicle may hesitate or stutter when trying to accelerate, especially when going uphill.
• Stalling at Specific Angles on Hills: In some cases, the engine may stall when the vehicle is at particular angles on hills.
• Poor Fuel Economy: A bad fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, leading to decreased fuel efficiency.
• Sudden Stalling: The vehicle may suddenly stall while driving, indicating a potential issue with the fuel filter.
• Unpredictable Acceleration: In addition to stalling, the vehicle may experience unpredictable acceleration due to fuel starvation.

It is important to note that driving with a clogged fuel filter is not advised, as it can be hazardous and may cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to consult a certified mechanic or refer to the owner's manual for guidance on fuel filter replacement.

Fuel filter replacement procedure

Fuel filters are typically mounted to the undercarriage, on the main fuel line after the fuel pump. They prevent contaminants from entering the fuel system and causing damage.

It is important to replace your fuel filter regularly to maintain engine efficiency and performance. Fuel filters are usually replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. However, it is recommended to refer to the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended schedule for replacement.

Step 1: Remove the air filter housing

• Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop up the air vent on the two plastic connectors.
• Disconnect the black plastic air hose on the driver's side.
• Remove the cable on the driver's side by sliding it upwards.
• Loosen the clamp on the passenger side and remove the air hose.
• Remove the two electrical connectors from the passenger side.
• Do not turn the ignition without reconnecting these two electrical connectors, as this will trigger a check engine light.

Step 2: Remove the heat shield

• Use a Torx bit to remove the heat shield.
• There are five spring-loaded screws that turn 90 degrees to detach.
• Pull out the metal piece and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the old fuel filter

• Open the clamp on the backside of the filter cage using a 5mm hex bit.
• Loosen the clamps on the two high-pressure hoses attached to the filter and pull them off.
• Disconnect the electrical connector by pulling it out.
• Lift the fuel filter out of its housing.

Step 4: Prepare the new fuel filter

• Remove the two Torx screws and the plastic screw on top of the old filter.
• Twist and pull out the black plastic insert that sits in the filter.
• Remove the two rubber O-rings attached to the plastic insert.
• Lubricate the new O-rings with old engine oil and replace them.
• Put the insert into the new filter, reattach the two Torx screws, and put the black plastic screw back on.

Step 5: Install the new fuel filter

• Put the new fuel filter back into its casing in the engine compartment.
• Reattach the high-pressure hoses and tighten the clamps.
• Attach the electrical connector.
• Tighten the clamp on the housing.

Step 6: Reattach the heat shield and air filter housing

• Reattach the heat shield plate by sliding it into the two pins in the back and securing it with the five Torx screws.
• Put the air filter housing back on by hooking it in on the rear side.
• Reconnect the five things from Step 1.

Fuel filter replacement frequency

The fuel filter in a Mercedes Sprinter should be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This is backed up by several Sprinter owners, who recommend replacement at around 20,000 miles. However, some owners have stated that they have gone up to 100,000 miles without replacing the fuel filter.

The fuel filter is an important part of the fuel delivery system, preventing contaminants from entering the fuel system and causing damage. When the fuel filter becomes clogged, the engine suffers from fuel starvation, leading to a reduction in power and potential engine stall.

In newer models, a warning signal will appear on the dashboard to indicate the need for a fuel filter replacement. However, it is recommended to replace the fuel filter according to the service schedule, rather than waiting for a problem to occur.

The cost of a fuel filter replacement can vary, with OEM filters available at Mercedes dealerships for around $50, and potentially cheaper options available online. The labour cost for replacement can range from $120 to $280, depending on the dealership or service centre.

It is also possible to replace the fuel filter yourself, with several online guides and YouTube videos providing step-by-step instructions. This can be a more cost-effective option, as the filter itself is relatively inexpensive.

Some owners have recommended replacing the fuel filter every "B" service, which occurs at different intervals depending on the model year of the Sprinter. For example, the MY2014 model calls for a fuel filter replacement every 30,000 miles, while the MY2015 model recommends replacement at 20,000 miles.

It is worth noting that the fuel filter replacement frequency may be influenced by the quality of diesel fuel used, especially when travelling in regions with dubious fuel quality. In such cases, it may be beneficial to carry spare fuel filters and replace them more frequently as a precaution.

Fuel filter location

The fuel filter on a Mercedes Sprinter sits underneath a heat shield, below the air filter housing, in the centre of the engine compartment. It is not in a very convenient spot, and there are some hot parts around it, including the filter itself, so it is recommended to let the engine cool off a bit before attempting to change it.

To access the fuel filter, you will first need to remove the air filter housing. This requires five steps:

• Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop up the air vent on the two plastic connectors.
• Disconnect the black plastic air hose on the driver's side (it snaps off easily).
• Remove the cable on the driver's side by sliding it upwards.
• Loosen the clamp on the passenger side and remove the air hose.
• Remove the two electrical connectors from the passenger side.

Important: Do not turn the ignition without reconnecting these two electrical connectors, or you will get a check engine light. After these five steps, you can pull out the air filter housing and put it to one side.

Next, remove the heat shield with a Torx bit. There are five spring-loaded screws that turn 90 degrees to detach. You can then pull out the metal piece and put it to the side.

Now, the fuel filter is accessible. To remove it:

• Open the clamp on the back side of the filter cage using a 5mm hex bit.
• Loosen the clamps on the two high-pressure hoses attached to the filter and pull them off.
• Disconnect the electrical connector by pulling it out.

You should now be able to lift the fuel filter out of its housing.

Frequently asked questions