Serndipity

Microair makes the cabin air filter.

Looked at the dealer repair order (the last time it was changed) and the MB part number they used was 2108300818.

However, there is a 2108300818 (w/o activated charcoal) and 2108300818 E (with activated charcoal).....see below. Note: the dealer P/N did not have the 'E' appended.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ollen%20Filter

Autohaus said they are physically different.

I've done a bit of homework and believe I need the one with the activated charcoal.

Can anyone confirm?

TIA,

Ed

2001, CLK320 Cabriolet

MarcusF

Either one will work. I always use the charcoal (and ignore the smell until it clears up in a day or two).

Aaron68

I replaced mine last weekend which I bought from Autohausz.com.
I got the Bosch PN: C3870 which is charcoal one, for like $17.00 or so. It seems to be great. I do not even recall it to smell at all. Changing it was like 5-10 mins tops. I also bought valve cover gaskets from them which I have not installed yet.. Its just been to hot here :-)

Cheers!

Serndipity

Thanks all.

BTW, the Bosch filter is a deal but it's on back order and they don't know when it will be back in stock.

I ordered the Micronair w/ charcoal cabin filter, PN 2108300818OE (about $7 more). This is the same Mercedes PN that my dealer has used. Also ordered a wiper blade refill which also had the same Mercedes OEM PN....of course, all for a whole lot less money. One caution on using the wiper blade refills.....make sure the blade is still the orginal factory unit (otherwise they said that is would not fit properly).

The following link has pictures of how to install a cabin air filter.

http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...bin-Filter.jpg

Serndipity

Arron68

You're a better man than I......took me one hour (getting the cover and white locks back on cabin filter bay was troublesome).

clk430convert01

I got the OEM cabin air filter at the dealership today. $50 after MBCA discount. Don't know if its the charcoal variety but smells fresh bros.....

Aaron68

Maybe I got lucky..

McGary911

You're not kidding! I was about an hour in, and making no progress with the clip closest to the firewall.

I ended up shaving off the little nibs and was able to get it on from the other direction, center toward the edge, rather than edge to center. It still wasn't fun.

fullmetaljacket

Sorry to resurrect an old thread guys but it's better than starting a new one.

Will cleaning or replacing the CABIN FILTERS increase the strength of the air coming out of my vents? My problem is even if my fan speed is on MAX (position #5 on my rotary selector switch), The air coming out of the AC vents feels like it's only #2 or #3 strength/speed Any other thing I have to clean? TIA!

MarcusF

I doubt it. As a test, remove the filter, close it back up, and then put the fan on MAX. If it still comes out slowly, it may be the regulator. That's an easy job. However, your car has rotary dials so it may differ.

fullmetaljacket

Is the regulator you are referring to the same function as the BMW FSR Final Stage Resistor? I replaced/DIyd my X5 FSR last month. They look the same - mini aluminum tubes sticking out. I will do the regulator and the filters right after new year. I hope these parts are not too expensive. Thanks Marcus!

Found another DIY article on this regulator that might help others who need more pictures...

http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...bin-Filter.jpg

Pancho

Nice to see folks using my instructionals. Encouraging.

fullmetaljacket

Thanks to guys like marcus and pancho for unselfishly sharing your knowledge and experiences FOC to the community! As they say...you are gentlemen and scholars! Happy new year- cheers!

Oh by the way, when I open the panel to access and clean the filter, the blower motor resistor/regulator is already there at arms reach so do you suggest I replace this as well? I read through the threads concerning regulator malfunction and the symptoms are all about sporadic, erratic and fickle fan speeds rather than the strength of the airflow which I am experiencing.

How do I make sure that this regulator/resistor needs to be changed already? I don't want to purchase this part just to test if its ok or not then alter you find out that everything's the same. Is there another test?

Pancho

Thanks for the good words. Nice way to start a new year.

You can do an A/B test comparing performance of the blower with the regulator and without regulator. I haven't removed the blower, but I seem to recall Marcus having mentioned this testing scheme in a previous post.

First, get a good idea of how the blower is behaving, ie. remove the passenger footwell cover to expose the regulator and blower, and listen/observe and remember the speed/sound at which it turns with fan speed set to highest level. Remove regulator, and remove blower. with alligator leads, connect blower by itself to your car battery, and compare its speed to what it did when installed in-line with the regulator. If blower runs well, then problem is probably with the regulator. If blower runs sporadic, slow, badly, then problem is probably with the blower.

PS. My blower is sporadic (Never been replaced, so it's now 12 yrs. old.) and I'll probably be doing this when I get time, about February.

Flounder

It definitely made a noticeable difference for me.

I just changed mine today with a Wix w/charcoal (24767). I just bought the car a few weeks ago and I don't know if it was ever replaced; there were leaves n sh*t.

fd3

you're instructional pics are great man, Thank you

Pancho

You are most welcomed.