Is it possible to open the center part of the air box on these cars? I know each side has its own filter that is accessible but for the life of me cant find anything on opening the center part of it.. Thanks!!

 

i'm pretty sure they aren't designed to be opened, there are plastic clips somewhere i'm guessing. Just curious, why do you want to open up the center part?

 

I have this bad habit of getting bored and taking things apart is the honest answer to that! HA! I actually wanted to get in there to see if there was anymore baffling or other obstructions I could remove. I know the air box mod has been beat to death on these forums between it making a difference or not. I had a CLK 430 that i gutted the air box on and the ole' butt dyno noticed a difference without a doubt. Iv'e honestly been really disappointed in the 500 compared to the 430. That 430 sounded way gnarlier and had much better throttle response with the same mods as I now have on my 500. Not to mention the 430 had 225k on it when I got it to my 500's 69k. Theres no issue with the 500 as it runs oh so well and gives me 25-26 mpg on the highway.... the fun factor is just way down now.

 

I've read here that you can remove the two philips screws on the underside of the airbox and the two halves slide to come apart. Haven't tried it yet myself.

 

Reopening this thread, hopefully, someone could shed some light on this in 2023

Have you managed to find a solution for opening it? I proceeded to remove both screws and found it super difficult in opening it. Specifically, on the intake section where the MAF sensor connects with the airbox, there is a noticeable groove where the top and bottom halves meet. My initial attempt involved using a plastic trim remover to detach it, but it appears to be firmly stuck. I am concerned that applying any additional force may result in damaging the plastic retaining clips mentioned earlier in the thread. I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions."

 

I just replaced the air filters and repainted my airbox on my 04 CLK500, and it looks to be a molded piece not designed to be split. It had some dirt in it, but I just hosed it out with water and blew dry it with a leaf blower. I see no reason to open the unit, and there are no instructions in my Haynes manual to disassemble the airbox. May I ask why you want to split it? There really isn't anything internal to service on the unit itself.