DIY: Service E Cabin Air Filter Replacement

slk350ncls63 · 05-26-2008

Well my Service E was overdue since I reset the reminder at 26,000 miles. I have been
procrastinating to getting this done, i'm actually glad I didn't do it earlier since the Air
Filter was only about 20% dirty, could have gone another 10,000 miles easy.

Nevertheless, I decided to do a write-up since there wasn't a good one yet...

Step1:
Tools Needed, Torx Screwdriver T-20.
Supplies: Mann Air Combination Filter (purchased from autowarehouseparts.com)
edit: Filter cost around $50, and free shipping
here's a link to the filter direct... its a genuine mb replacement part...
http://b.tinyurl.com/4k9zmf
don't worry about the pic they display on their site, they send you the correct one...

Step2:
The instructions supplied (pictures only) with the filter are pretty good, but the following
ones should help even more..

Step3:
Best way to have enough room to dive in there, is get the top down and open the passenger
door all the way.

Step4:
Remove the three torx screws using your nifty torx-20 screwdriver.

Step5:
Pull back the padding in the footwell like in the picture below:

Step6:
There is tab holding the left part of the plastic piece, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop

it out.

Step7:
Disconnect the light connector, and the cigarette lighter connection (this is a weird pull
down clip type plug, took some futzing to get it out)

Step8:
Once the plastic piece is out, you will see a large white box, the filter is inside this
box. There are two yellow clips that need to be slided to the left/right. The box then pops
out from below and the folded-filter will fall right out.

Pic of the old filter, as you can see its pretty clean after 30,000 miles:

Step9:
Make sure you remember the way the filter was (directionally).

Step10:
That's the base of the filter box, take some time to clean it as well since you have access

it to it right now...

Step11:
Once you put the new filter in and put the under-part of the white box back on, you have to
be very careful to make sure it fits snugly. I read in other member's posts that they had to
remove and replace 2-3 times to ensure a snug fit with no air leaks. I had the exact same
thing happen to me!! You have to turn the A/C on, and then check for leaks with your hand
placed at several sides of the box.

Look at the diagram below to see the points to check.

Step12: Thats it, once you make sure the lower box is snugly fit, you're done!

Total Time : 1 hour , Supplies Cost: $50.00

**etyu** · 05-26-2008

Thank you for the pix and narration, slk350ncls63.

This post deserves to be "stickied" IMHO.

**-1-** · 05-26-2008

Hey, thanks for the info. I had no idea where it was located. What was the cost? MB dealer charges around $185. THANKS!

**etyu** · 05-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

Hey, thanks for the info. I had no idea where it was located. What was the cost? MB dealer charges around $185. THANKS!

I believe he said $50 (last line on the 1st post, it's easily missed).

mtiede · 05-26-2008

Okay, I'm guessing the filter actually came from www.autopartswarehouse.com ?

slk350ncls63 · 05-27-2008

wow you guys reply fast... was watching a movie...
yes the filter cost around $50, and free shipping
here's a link to the filter direct... its a genuine mb replacement part...

http://tinyurl.com/4k9zmf

don't worry about the pic they display on their site, they send you the correct one...

wow $185 huh ? 185-50 = $135/hr is my new labor rate !!

mtiede · 05-27-2008

I want to say the MB price of the filter is $120 so their labor rate may not be quite so bad.

HERSLK · 05-27-2008

My filter was over 2 years old and the car was asking for a D service. Filter cost at an MB dealer $167.00 . Was also asking plugs to be changed, I don't think so buddy. I found out during a short visit to the U.S.A. Advance Auto Parts sell the combination fllter. Thanx for the instructions

**ir-ops** · 05-27-2008

thank you slk350ncls63,

to mods reading: suggest this thread be anchored.

brgds
ir-ops

**etyu** · 05-27-2008

Question: do you have to close and engage the lower cover to the cabin air filter before checking for leaks? or can you check for leaks as depicted in the photo (cover not fully closed).

**WhiteRabbit** · 05-27-2008

To check for leaks, the cover has to be fully closed and the latches set. You need to set the blower on high and try all the ventilation positions (dash, windshield, floor) while feeling all around the filter casing for any air coming out. As stated above it usually takes a 2 -3 trys to get the casing cover seated correctly.

slk350ncls63 · 05-27-2008

It has to be closed I think, I didn't get a picture after it was closed so I reused another picture to show where to check for leaks.... the tricky part is getting all the notches (the rim) to line up properly.

**DansSlk** · 05-27-2008

You can also use a rubber or foam strip around the rim to give you some tolerance in aligning them, some of the covers leak from the factory and not much can be done about it.

**etyu** · 05-27-2008

Looks like the filter is inserted as a V.

Dan, thank you for the tip about using a foam weatherstrip. This is readily available at the local hardware store (in different widths and thickness) with an adhesive on one side.

**DansSlk** · 05-27-2008

Thats the stuff Eddy.

Best way to get that filter in (because the grooves in the removable tray are not enough to hold it stable) is to get some mid strength double sided sticky tape and stick the filter to the roof of the airbox then simply insert the tray below it.

**-1-** · 05-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

To check for leaks, the cover has to be fully closed and the latches set. You need to set the blower on high and try all the ventilation positions (dash, windshield, floor) while feeling all around the filter casing for any air coming out. As stated above it usually takes a 2 -3 trys to get the casing cover seated correctly.

I wonder how thorough (if any) the dealer leak check is?

**WhiteRabbit** · 05-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

I wonder how thorough (if any) the dealer leak check is?

I'd bet that there are many leaking air after a filter replacment.

**WhiteRabbit** · 05-28-2008

I tried to 'Thank' One of Dan's replies and it does not work for me. The 'Thanks' icon just disappears. Anyone else have that problem today?

**DansSlk** · 05-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I tried to 'Thank' One of Dan's replies and it does not work for me. The 'Thanks' icon just disappears. Anyone else have that problem today?

Not sure what's going on there mate

05-26-2008	#1 (permalink)
slk350ncls63 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver \| 2007 CLS 63 AMG Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	DIY: Service E Cabin Air Filter Replacement Well my Service E was overdue since I reset the reminder at 26,000 miles. I have been procrastinating to getting this done, i'm actually glad I didn't do it earlier since the Air Filter was only about 20% dirty, could have gone another 10,000 miles easy. Nevertheless, I decided to do a write-up since there wasn't a good one yet... Step1: Tools Needed, Torx Screwdriver T-20. Supplies: Mann Air Combination Filter (purchased from autowarehouseparts.com) edit: Filter cost around $50, and free shipping here's a link to the filter direct... its a genuine mb replacement part... http://b.tinyurl.com/4k9zmf don't worry about the pic they display on their site, they send you the correct one... Step2: The instructions supplied (pictures only) with the filter are pretty good, but the following ones should help even more.. Step3: Best way to have enough room to dive in there, is get the top down and open the passenger door all the way. Step4: Remove the three torx screws using your nifty torx-20 screwdriver. Step5: Pull back the padding in the footwell like in the picture below: Step6: There is tab holding the left part of the plastic piece, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop it out. Step7: Disconnect the light connector, and the cigarette lighter connection (this is a weird pull down clip type plug, took some futzing to get it out) Step8: Once the plastic piece is out, you will see a large white box, the filter is inside this box. There are two yellow clips that need to be slided to the left/right. The box then pops out from below and the folded-filter will fall right out. Pic of the old filter, as you can see its pretty clean after 30,000 miles: Step9: Make sure you remember the way the filter was (directionally). Step10: That's the base of the filter box, take some time to clean it as well since you have access it to it right now... Step11: Once you put the new filter in and put the under-part of the white box back on, you have to be very careful to make sure it fits snugly. I read in other member's posts that they had to remove and replace 2-3 times to ensure a snug fit with no air leaks. I had the exact same thing happen to me!! You have to turn the A/C on, and then check for leaks with your hand placed at several sides of the box. Look at the diagram below to see the points to check. Step12: Thats it, once you make sure the lower box is snugly fit, you're done! Total Time : 1 hour , Supplies Cost: $50.00 Last edited by slk350ncls63; 05-27-2008 at 12:11 PM. Reason: added more information
	http://www.slkworld.com/

05-26-2008	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,860 Country: Thanks: 289 Thanked 198 Times in 98 Posts	Thank you for the pix and narration, slk350ncls63. This post deserves to be "stickied" IMHO. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

05-26-2008	#3 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,156 Country: Thanks: 47 Thanked 41 Times in 29 Posts	Hey, thanks for the info. I had no idea where it was located. What was the cost? MB dealer charges around $185. THANKS! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *-----------------1-----------------* ---------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- TOP D0WN-URGE 2 DRIVE GOES UP

05-27-2008	#8 (permalink)
HERSLK SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Canada Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 Other Toys: 2007 B class, 2007 E350 4matic sport, 2004 Maxima SE Posts: 5 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Just got mine changed My filter was over 2 years old and the car was asking for a D service. Filter cost at an MB dealer $167.00 . Was also asking plugs to be changed, I don't think so buddy. I found out during a short visit to the U.S.A. Advance Auto Parts sell the combination fllter. Thanx for the instructions

05-27-2008	#10 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,860 Country: Thanks: 289 Thanked 198 Times in 98 Posts	Question: do you have to close and engage the lower cover to the cabin air filter before checking for leaks? or can you check for leaks as depicted in the photo (cover not fully closed). __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

05-26-2008	#5 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 54 Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts	Okay, I'm guessing the filter actually came from www.autopartswarehouse.com ?

05-27-2008	#6 (permalink)
slk350ncls63 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver \| 2007 CLS 63 AMG Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	wow you guys reply fast... was watching a movie... yes the filter cost around $50, and free shipping here's a link to the filter direct... its a genuine mb replacement part... http://tinyurl.com/4k9zmf don't worry about the pic they display on their site, they send you the correct one... wow $185 huh ? 185-50 = $135/hr is my new labor rate !!

05-27-2008	#7 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 54 Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts	I want to say the MB price of the filter is $120 so their labor rate may not be quite so bad.

05-27-2008	#9 (permalink)
ir-ops Lifetime SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Athens, Greece Vehicle: happy owner of a black on black R171 200K Sport since 07 July 08 Posts: 540 Country: Thanks: 149 Thanked 57 Times in 34 Posts	thank you slk350ncls63, to mods reading: suggest this thread be anchored. brgds ir-ops

05-27-2008	#11 (permalink)
WhiteRabbit Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2009 SLK 350 Posts: 305 Country: Thanks: 55 Thanked 24 Times in 13 Posts	To check for leaks, the cover has to be fully closed and the latches set. You need to set the blower on high and try all the ventilation positions (dash, windshield, floor) while feeling all around the filter casing for any air coming out. As stated above it usually takes a 2 -3 trys to get the casing cover seated correctly. __________________ 2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.

05-27-2008	#12 (permalink)
slk350ncls63 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver \| 2007 CLS 63 AMG Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It has to be closed I think, I didn't get a picture after it was closed so I reused another picture to show where to check for leaks.... the tricky part is getting all the notches (the rim) to line up properly.

05-27-2008	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,384 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 121 Times in 95 Posts	You can also use a rubber or foam strip around the rim to give you some tolerance in aligning them, some of the covers leak from the factory and not much can be done about it. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-27-2008	#14 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,860 Country: Thanks: 289 Thanked 198 Times in 98 Posts	Looks like the filter is inserted as a V. Dan, thank you for the tip about using a foam weatherstrip. This is readily available at the local hardware store (in different widths and thickness) with an adhesive on one side. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

05-27-2008	#15 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,384 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 121 Times in 95 Posts	Thats the stuff Eddy. Best way to get that filter in (because the grooves in the removable tray are not enough to hold it stable) is to get some mid strength double sided sticky tape and stick the filter to the roof of the airbox then simply insert the tray below it. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-28-2008	#18 (permalink)
WhiteRabbit Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2009 SLK 350 Posts: 305 Country: Thanks: 55 Thanked 24 Times in 13 Posts	I tried to 'Thank' One of Dan's replies and it does not work for me. The 'Thanks' icon just disappears. Anyone else have that problem today? __________________ 2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.