My 1996 E230 has a problem,when I try to accelerate from zero it takes time to pick up.As I pump the gas it sort of fights back and only moves smoothly when I softly,partially release the accelerator.Could it be that the fuel filter needs changing?And if so how do I go about locating it and changing it.It has not given me problems since I bought it.The only major thing I had to do was to replace the coils and the leads recently.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

 

filter is underneath the car, forward of rear axle.

you also may have an airmass sensor problem.

 

Thanks sleepwalker,just one more question,does the air mass sensor problem cause a funny brrrr brrrrr brrrrr sound to come out of the exhaust,like air is being forced out.

 

it can cause misfire. mostly from intake.

if from exhaust, maybe your catalyst is also clogged. but fuel starvation can most likely be the cause.

 

I agree with Sleepwalker on all points, including the cat. I had bad cats (2) on a Audi I once owned. Around 100K the drivability starting to get bad. I had the cats replaced and the car drove fine. I bought the cars aftermarket and saved hundreds of dollars over the dealer's price. Also, this is a pollution item and should be covered under the extended pollution controls warranty, check with your dealer first. Replacing them might not cost anything, if that is what the problem is? Fuel starvation sounds more likely, as cats are designed to go the distance, unless you put in some leaded fuel or an additive the cars didn't like.

I done't know if you car has the fuel filter and fuel pump mounted next to each other. Both look almost the same. I ran into this when I changed the fuel filter on my 450SLC. Good thing I had the shop manual and Mercedes marks the fuel filter as at first glance I didn't know which was which. But my 450SLC is a 79.

My 99 C Class has the fuel filter ahead of the axle also, so you shouldn;t have a problem telling the difference.

 

LOL, Jongwe, You must have crossed the 40k Engine-life mile mark.
It's done, get a new one.

B

 

Thanks for the info,been to my dealer and they said its most definately the fuel filter and the airmass sensor so thanks a lot Sleepwalker and C280 wizard.You been a great help.