Fuel filter differences

[jammy23]

Hi,

I am looking to learn more about cars and have decided to start by doing the filters and oil on my Mercedes ML250 bluetec. I don't have a huge amount of knowledge yet so my question may seem abit stupid, but is there a difference in fuel filters?

I ordered all the parts direct from Mercedes and they sent me everything I needed but when looking to swap the fuel filter I noticed the new one has a short capped off stub on the opposite side of the inlet and outlet. The one on the car has a longer one, I'm pretty sure mercedes have sent the right part but I was intrigued as to what the difference is between the two (if any). Is this just a difference in the manufacturer's or is there a reason for the extra piece of pipe?

I've attached pictures so what I put makes more sense, like I say I am new to learning about cars so may come across as a really stupid question but would be good to know for future. I have tried to get the answer online but there doesn't really seem to be anything.

Thanks.

 

[onefortheroad]

I think it's used as a water or fuel drain , the length of pipe has no real bearing on filtration.

 

[jammy23]

I think it's used as a water or fuel drain , the length of pipe has no real bearing on filtration.

Ah right, thanks for that good to know. I was a bit reluctant to just go ahead and swap it just incase there was a reason for it.

 

[ajlsl600]

Of interest. Price of fuel filter was?

 

[jammy23]

The new one was around £85 direct from Mercedes. Obviously don't know how much the one that is on was because it was on when I bought the car. Looking online though that style (long tube) seem to be around £45-£55.

 

[onefortheroad]

The new one was around £85 direct from Mercedes. Obviously don't know how much the one that is on was because it was on when I bought the car. Looking online though that style (long tube) seem to be around £45-£55.

I usually buy Bosch from partsinmotion. Take 5% off at checkout.

 

[jammy23]

Oh yes I know I will have over paid going direct to Mercedes, I just wanted to make sure the parts were correct with it being the first time I had done the work myself. I think I did look on that website, seems to be a few around that are reasonably priced and a friend of mine advised that the Bosch parts are good and well priced. I think next time I do it I'll look to source the parts myself rather than going direct again.

 

[ajlsl600]

Seen. I will try to engineer the heater into a 296 lucas housing in 24 month when I hav my engineering kit back up n running those filter prices robbery 296 around £2 quid. Or was

 

[ajlsl600]

Seehttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.rddiesels.com/product/c...EQFnoECAQQAg&usg=AOvVaw3E-OCj8J2_hxM6UyQXsyjz

Now £9!

 

[ajlsl600]

Lucas Cav296 Water Trap | Cav Watertraps | RD Diesels

Buy LUCAS CAV296 DEEP BOWL DIESEL FUEL WATER TRAP 1/2 UNF PORTS online from RD Diesels .

www.google.com

Worked well for 40 yr will buy alli housing from breaker and find a way to fit heater. F em.

 

[ajlsl600]

I have done many double 296,522 conversions on Toyota d4d in Africa prob in excess of 50.
filters are readily available, and about 1/4 or less of Toyota can filter win win. I won't be giving 50 £ because benz trying to stuff me. No reason at all why heater can't be moved from one to another filter, just like fittings are held in fuel filter on w168. O ring seal on fitting and 2 cover head screws on clamping fitting, simple and less than 15 euro.