Disclosed is a filter element (86) with multi-stage cleaning, and a fuel filter (84) having such a filter element (86). The filter element (86) has a particle filter medium, a coalescer medium, a sediment gap (98) and a final separator screen. The filter housing has a filter housing body (110) and a cover (106) screwed onto the filter housing body (110). When the cover (106) is unscrewed from the filter housing body (110), at least one bayonet projection (112) of the filter element (86) engages behind a corresponding bayonet receptacle (114), such that the cover (106) can be removed together with the filter element (86) arranged thereon by way of the bayonet connection.