Problems with Mercedes CLA Class (2013) - Black smoke, engine problems and presumably defective fuel filter heater

Hey, I had a similar problem with my Mercedes C-Class (2011). I'm not a master mechanic, but I do have some experience with cars. The problem with my car turned out to be that the wiring harness/plug for the fuel filter heater was damaged. I took the car to the garage and they did it for me. The repair cost me about 110 euros. For a more accurate diagnosis of your problem, I would need more details about your vehicle. Can you provide exact details of the fuel filter currently installed and the associated pipe? The more information you can provide, the better I may be able to help you.

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Thanks for the quick reply! So, the last service was at 132809 km and as far as I know, the fuel filter was changed at that time. Has anyone here also had a CLA-Class and can perhaps say something about it? The €1 wouldn't be a problem for me if that was the solution.

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Hey, cool, that's good information. As I said, the problem with my C-Class was the wiring harness, but it could really be the fuel filter or the fuel filter heater in your case. As a rule, if the fuel filter heater is defective, it can clog the filter and the problems you described occur regularly. However, it could also be that the fuel filter itself is dirty or clogged, which would also explain the symptoms. Especially if it's been so long since the last change. I would advise you to take the car to a garage and ask specifically about these points. As far as I know, changing the fuel filter, including installation, costs around €1 at Mercedes. It can be a little more for the fuel filter heater, the costs depend heavily on the specific work involved. A cost estimate or a diagnosis of your vehicle by a specialist workshop would be the best solution here. In any case, I hope you get the problem under control quickly. Good luck with that!

(Translated from German)

Thank you for the detailed tips and suggestions! I think I'll follow your advice and take the car to the garage tomorrow. I'll definitely have the fuel filter and heater checked, maybe that really is the problem. Your price estimate also seems realistic, I had a quick look on the internet. Thanks again, that was very helpful. I also hope that it can be solved quickly - I need the car every day. Thank you very much and have a nice day!

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