On a Mercedes ML V8 (W163). Had to remove the left rear seat, carpet, left rear tire and mud guard to access the bloody thing, and the location was still pretty tight in terms of space. Did I mention you need a heat gun as well to remove a sealed cover on top of the wiring connections? Or how much care is needed not to snap any fragile trim pieces?
Suppose sealing the cover on top of the connection was cheaper for them than to put a clip or bolt onto it. Had I taken it somewhere for the job, they would have typically attempted to pry the cover off, scratching everything in the process. Inevitably, they would have bent the cover as well. Why couldn't they have made it more practical to remove on a $60,000+ truck?!
Since the fuel filter is located under the vehicle, it would have made sense to place all the wires under the vehicle - instead of under the left rear passenger seat! The filter has a regulator built into it, so there are several connections...but why the wiring couldn't have been located in a decent position underneath the vehicle is beyond me. Such a strategically, well placed location for something that needs changing every 25,000 miles. You need about 3 hours to change it, with beer break in between (whilst swearing like there's no tomorrow).
Never had much 'pleasure' in servicing or repairing newer German cars...they seem to love over-complicating things. Could have been worse though...new VWs seem to be a real PITA to do anything on. But working on something like a Mercedes W115 or W123 is much more straightforward. In fact, give me a W123 over a new Mercedes any day of the week!
Easiest fuel filter replacement I did was on a '01 Camry...took less than 5 minutes. On my Montero it's pretty straight forward as well, but it's a hassle to go under the truck. Was the same with my Grand Marquis. Probably best paying someone next time round, but I'm worried about that cover that is sealed in place. Nobody would care as much, and think because it isn't immediately visible, it won't matter if its scratched or bent.
Since the fuel filter is located under the vehicle, it would have made sense to place all the wires under the vehicle - instead of under the left rear passenger seat! The filter has a regulator built into it, so there are several connections...but why the wiring couldn't have been located in a decent position underneath the vehicle is beyond me. Such a strategically, well placed location for something that needs changing every 25,000 miles. You need about 3 hours to change it, with beer break in between (whilst swearing like there's no tomorrow).
Never had much 'pleasure' in servicing or repairing newer German cars...they seem to love over-complicating things. Could have been worse though...new VWs seem to be a real PITA to do anything on. But working on something like a Mercedes W115 or W123 is much more straightforward. In fact, give me a W123 over a new Mercedes any day of the week!
Easiest fuel filter replacement I did was on a '01 Camry...took less than 5 minutes. On my Montero it's pretty straight forward as well, but it's a hassle to go under the truck. Was the same with my Grand Marquis. Probably best paying someone next time round, but I'm worried about that cover that is sealed in place. Nobody would care as much, and think because it isn't immediately visible, it won't matter if its scratched or bent.