Hydraulic System Sediment Filter?? - Benzworld.org

RichardM98 · 03-11-2008, 05:26 PM

I set out this weekend to change this filter. I have a 98 E320 with ESP so I have the self-leveling rear suspension.

I did my homework searching every forum on the major MB websites as well as googling the entire Internet. Only references I found were for some sediment filters on diesels. I emailed a certified MB Master Mechanic and he didn't know. There is nothing in the owners manual on this system.

The filter is on the underside of the cap on the reservoir in the left front of the engine bay. It is somehow held in place by a coil spring. I'm guessing the spring must somehow be manipulated to release the filter.

Has anyone changed this filter? It must be replaceable since I bought one to put on.

TIA for any advice, suggestions, etc.

Kajtek1 · 03-11-2008, 07:23 PM

What da heck is ESP having to do with leveling system?
I did own 2 MB wagons with leveling system and none of them had a filter in it.

RichardM98 · 03-12-2008, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the reply, Kajtek1 -

According to the STAR W210 Service Manual Library DVD, the ESP (Option 472) includes self-leveling. And this appears to be true since I have the large reservoir not the smaller PS reservoir not to mention the self leveling shocks on the rear. As I understand it, ESP uses the self-leveling to maintain better wheel contact in turns. If you check any of the online OEM parts sites you'll see a hydraulic system filter (cylindrical metal reinforced paper) available and it matches exactly the filter under the cap.

Maybe a image will help will jog someone's memory.

Kajtek1 · 03-12-2008, 10:05 AM

Maybe your car has leveling option, but this is the first time I heard it is connected with ESP. There are tens of thousands of Mercedes cars, that have ESP, but no leveling system. Coming to the filter -never have seen one like it. My 99 wagon had the 5-liter fluid reservoir for leveling system, but I never checked what is inside. I did take apart the system on 83 wagon, because the hose rotten and am pretty sure there was no filter in it.

lkchris · 03-12-2008, 10:22 AM

Of course the original question is how is the filter removed/replaced.

I'd like to know, too, as it isn't obvious.

RichardM98 · 03-12-2008, 12:31 PM

Thanks for chiming in Kent. I was feeling pretty embarassed as I thought this was going to be a 5 min job.

I've tried twisting, pulling and compressing the spring with no luck. I still think that the end of the spring which turns north and enters the center hole of the filter is the secret but so far no amount of compression and twisting has worked.

Bansai · 03-12-2008, 02:37 PM

I did this job in last fall. Take a look at attached picture.

RichardM98 · 03-12-2008, 04:38 PM

Thanks a lot, Bansai. I see I was on the right track. I tried compressing the spring to 'unhook' it but when it didn't come easily I quit. Now that I see the shape of the hook, I'll give it another try -- or two.

Thanks again.

RANA_1 · 09-27-2008, 09:39 AM

Hi How do you go about changing the hydraulic fluid ?