store237

Changed the cabin air filter on my 2008gl 320 today. $ 22.00 for the set, shipping included. OEM # 1648300218. Filter access is under the hood, passenger's side. Pry open the 2 clips with a flat head screwdriver, then simply lift the airbox and remove it from the engine compartment. Reach in and pull the first filter up on the right corner, pull filter out. Then slide the second filter to the right, and remove the same way as the first filter. Direction of air flow points down when installing the 2 new filters. Install the first filter into the right side of the housing, slide it to the left side, then install the second filter to the right side. To ensure both filters fit snugly in the cavity, with no gaps, simply use your fingers to ensure they are up aginst all 4 sides of the cavity, and laying flat. I had to bend the filter(s) slightly to remove, and then simply did the reverse to install the new ones very easily. The filters are made of a flexible type membrane. The dealership's quote to do this was $125.00 plus tax, which I suggested to leave until the next time I was in for service. The filters were plugged solid, so will plan to replace yearly going forward, as the vehicle has just rolled past 68000 miles. It took me 5 minutes to complete this change, easy DIY.

luv2sleep

Too bad you couldn't help the dealer pay for their fancy latte machines. Good post!

crazygordon

Thanks glad to know. Maybe next time you can post pictures for dummies like me. BTW is your driving in the city? Wondering when I should change the filters.

chastylr

I'm surprised that you could replace it from under the hood. I have a 2007 GL450 and have to remove the glove box to replace the cabin filters. I have attached the instructions.

Max Blast

Ditto. I could not get the second filter out the front without resorting to violence and my bratwurst fingers weren't nimble enough to slide one in from the front. Removing the glovebox was not a big hassle at all.

Powerguy

Just replaced the cabin filters thru the front as described. Getting the second filter in is a little tricky. The trick is to squeeze the back of the filter just slightly to get it down next to the first filter that you put in. One the back of the filter is in the rest of the filter easily slides back and down. A 5 minute job.

alx

Yes. Done through the front under the hood. Maneuver the second filter to the position of the first and proceed. Some squeezing is required.

RCorney17

I just did mine last night and it was a easy. instructions say 30 minutes. I did it in less than that and that included looking around at my iPod interface.
The alternative of going from the hood looked more intimidating due to the cross bar needing to be removed. Cleaner too. The only complaint is it felt a little like I was working under my sink.
My filters were pretty dirty and looked full, so I'm glad I did it. I bought the OEM filters.

alx

No need to remove the crossbar. With some spatial awareness the filters can be pulled without removing anything but the plastic lid covering them.

2010GL550

Yep, just did mine last night. Thanks to this forum, it took less than ten minutes (from under the hood). I did NOT remove and/or loosen the crossbar.

I love DIY, especially when you save so much $$ over taking it to the Dealership.

tahir

alright guys i need some help here. i looked at the attachment but still cant get to open the glove box compartment to have the filters replaced :S could anyone provide a 'Changing air filter for dummies' instructions to me? thanks

alx

Which part of "it is done through the engine bay" you would like clarification on?

tahir

lol. i opened the PDF folder with instruction pictures and cant get that glove box to open up :/ ... for a GL2007 .. is it done through the glove box or through the hood (bonnet) ?

alx

Access is from the bonnet/ hood. There are two clips on the top. Undo them and slide the cover up and towards the front of the vehicle. Once you remove the lid the rest will be self- explanatory.

tahir

thanks a lot

tahir

got it and it is an easy 10 mins job thank you!

alx

Excellent

Rumjahn

Anyone have a recommendation for good place to get these filters? Besides the dealership?

alx

parts.com is your source for oem filters.

alternatively- ebay.

EWT

Amazon sells Mann which are the same filters other than the MB logo.

tahir

I am getting 2 (pair) of air filters from Mann from a local german parts shop for $35.

AmoMB

Hi, I replaced mine last week £24, make sure you place them correct with the airflow arrow pointing down. Right one out first and then left, give them a pinch to remove/install

boltonblue

Went in through the glove box, 13 minutes start to finish. including finding the right tools
easey peasey.

2inTrbo

Honestly guys, I am not quite sure why anyone would go from the glove box side, but to each his own. I didn't even have to use any tools and it took me longer to open the package that the new cabin filters came in than to actually replace them.

A picture really is worth a thousand words...best I can guess is the MB tech that replaces these and charges 1/2 - 3/4 hour for the job probably does it from the front under the hood to save himself the time and the hassle.

On another note, I took my vehicle in today to have routine service and they replaced the engine air filter (not cabin filter) without asking my consent (likely because I had already said no to swapping the cabin filter since I had already replaced them myself)...a $126 engine air filter , an oil change, multi-point and fluid top-off and I was back on the road. (Total was $568.00)

dagentooboy

I did them from under the hood on my R320 before I saw this (haven't needed to on the GL yet but I think they are the same). The dealer told me "you are supposed to take out the glove box to change them but it's a lot easier from under the hood" I paid $50ish for the filters at the dealer but I needed them right away.

After you slide the first one over I found pushing the filter all the way back then get the right side in and squeeze the left side from back to front while pushing it down. Took me a couple tries but it was 110deg out and I was frustrated with it. I think I could change another set in less than 5min from under the hood. Including finding the tools ( screwdriver works well a set of keys will work if you are desperate).