Britrover

I found the DIY on benzworld.org to replace the cabin filters but the instructions really don’t address if I need to anything or be careful with regards to the SRS bag while pulling out the parts and installing the new cabin filter. Anyone here done this that can explain if I need to anything special while pulling out the parts to replace the filters? How long does this project take? I am planning on replacing the cabin filter and the charcoal filter as well

blueC230K

I might be wrong but I thought the cabin filter is inside the glove box. There are 4-6 screws that you need to unscrew and the filter sits right behind that.

Ohlord can vouch this.....

raymond g-

first time changing filters - lots of time lip diddling.. 30 mins

subsequent changes - < 5 mins, now that you know how/where to pull, # of
screws, etc.

no need to concern yourself with the airbag system. protected and far enough
away from the filters, screws, glove box activity areas.

ohlord

pay attention to Rays tip on the tabs.
autohausaz.com add on an air filter and oil filter to get over 50 bucks and shipping is free.

"GOT CODES"

mistertonyn

I have done the cabin filters...not too bad to tackle.
My next task will be the carbon filters...is it similar to do or a little more challenging?

1999 E320

raymond g-

I have 99 E320 also. similar degree of difficulty - not bad at all. first time may
take 20-30 mins of poking around. thereafter, 5-10 mins. that filter is a bit
more expensive

TMAllison

Pull off the trim panel above passenger foot space and change. 15 minutes.

mistertonyn

I hardly ever use the carbon filter mode...so I figure they should still be good if I don't activate it (pushing the button on the dash). Thus, it is not a priority right now.
The car is 9 years old already and the originals are still in there..is my logic valid....if the carbon filter mode is hardly used than it should be ok to replace at a much later time.???? Or should it be replaced sooner regardless of usage???

Musikmann

I seldom activate mine either so I think later is fine. I had a "B" service at about 60,000 and the tech replaced it. I bought the car with 53,000 and do not kow how long it had been since the last change so I'm glad they did it. I'll probably never have it changed again.

victorylap

i just replaced the cabin filter yesterday - 15 minute job (if that) - you'll need a stubby screwdriver - there's two screws inside top of the glove box that i found difficult to remove; otherwise, once you tackle those two screws, just pull out the glove box (it may require a little force), but, not too hard as you will also need to unplug the cord that connects to the interior light for the glove box - once you get in, there is a white tab lever where you simply slide down which will open to replace the old cabin filters (there are two cabin filters) - good luck!

mistertonyn

I will do it more often...probably around every 30k or so ....it really gets dirty...and I read that the blower has to work harder if it is dirty and thus will not last as long. It is a better investment to replace the filters....instead of a new blower.


The other big question is...would dirty Charcoal Filters also cause the blower to work harder as well? I have not replace them that is why I don't exactly how they are position in regards to the blower.

bmcgin

When replacing the cabin filters it took me much longer disassembling then reassembling….trying to remove the two screws beside the glove box latch was a bear because I could not see them.

When replacing the carbon filters it took much longer reassembling then disassembling…reinstalling the clips that hold the carbon filters in place was tough while hanging upside down and juggle a flashlight in the dark.

Now after doing it once, the whole process will take just a few minutes.

raymond g-

i refuse to pay the kind of money they're asking for the charcoal filter. after
looking at one, I just made my own. activated charcoal is an easily sourced
item. i gutted an old filter and re-enclosed it with wiring, mesh, foam...and
dumped in a pound or two of charcoal. cost me $10 for 10# of charcoal,
plus an hour + of labor to fabricate the carrier/enclosure.

now, i don't need to be so cheap about pressing the button.

mistertonyn

pictures next time you do them? Maybe I'll do the same.

BoS7463

mind posting up a DIY of this? im sure this could help a few of us out

benznyc

pics??

raymond g-

i posted a DIY of sorts several months ago....either on this forum or over
on Benzworld's 210 forum. it generated some laughs and discussion over
the merits of such a ghetto solution. can't find the post at the moment.

raymond g-

okay, so I procrastinate a little...