How to Replace a Fuel Filter on a 560 SEL


1. Drive the Mercedes Benz 560 to a safe and well-ventilated work area that has a level surface. Make sure to set the emergency brake.
2. Remove the fuel cap from the fill tube of the fuel tank. Removing the cap will remove pressure from the fuel filter without having to remove any fuses.
3. Jack up the passenger-side rear of the Mercedes Benz 560 and set the safety stand under the frame directly in front of the rear, passenger-side wheel. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the safety stand. Leave the jack up as a extra safety precaution.
4. Locate the fuel filter behind the passenger-side rear axle. The fuel filter is a round canister with a fuel line attached to each end. Set the drip pan on the ground under the area of the fuel filter.
5. Remove the fuel lines from the fuel filter by unscrewing the fuel filter nuts with the metric wrenches. One of the fuel lines has a male end and the other fuel line has a female end. Turn both fuel lines counterclockwise to loosen and remove them.
6. Wait for the small amount of fuel to drip out of the fuel filter and fuel lines before you finish unscrewing the fuel lines from the fuel filter. Then, remove the bracket bolts from the fuel filter bracket with a metric wrench.
7. Pull the old fuel filter out and set it in the drip pan. Place the new fuel filter into the bracket. There is an arrow stamped onto the fuel filter that represents the direction of fuel flow. Make sure that the fuel filter is positioned inside the bracket with the arrow pointing towards the fuel line that carries the fuel to the engine and away from the fuel line that comes from the gas tank.
8. Screw both fuel lines onto the ends of the fuel filter. Tighten each fuel line clockwise with the metric wrenches until the lines are tight. Then, reattach the bracket and screw the bracket bolts in place. Tighten the bracket bolts with a metric wrench.
9. Pull the drip pan out and put the fuel cap back on the fill tube of the fuel tank. Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks.
10. Turn the ignition key to the accessory position for five seconds and then back off again. Turn the ignition on and off for five seconds three different times. This will cause the fuel pump to fill the new filter up with fresh fuel and remove the air from the fuel system. Then, crank the engine and let it run while inspecting the new filter for leaks. Turn the engine off.
11. Jack the passenger rear of the Mercedes Benz 560 back up and remove the safety stand out from under the frame. Lower the Benz to the ground and remove the jack.