As you all know, well, mosy of you, I purchased a 2003 E500 from a private owner. So buyer beware, I am tryin to see what was done to this car and what was not done. Car fax states select few things changed, so I am unaware if all things have been done. Well, o na search I decided to see about the cabin filters, and then realized there are also charcoal filters. I ordered a cabon filter for $26 dollars but not the charcoal filters. I examined them and they look brand new. But then again I would not know what brand new ones woiuld look like. Even the Dust filter looks newer.. does anyone have any pictures of what dirty Dust and Charcoal filters look like?

Thers is a switch for the charcoal filter on the dash. Unless the switch is on, the charcoal filter will not function. The previous owners probably did not use it often. I very seldom use it unless there is some odor I want to eliminate when it's too hot/cold outside to open the windows.

The charcoal filter will still go bad if not used. I changed mine when the FSS called it out. We started to get a musty odor in the car. I changed the filters and with the duct open sprayed atomized lysol in the ducts about 5 yrs ago. No odor since.

What do new charcoal filters look like? The ones looked brand spanking new and have no smell or odor to them

I have some pictures, I'll find them and post in a couple hours. There is a huge difference. I couldn't tell how dirty it was till it was side by side with the new one.

HUH???

Are you talking about the recirculate switch? That does not draw air through the filter, it bypasses it. The charcoal filter is used to filter the outside air that's drawn into the air system.

Thank you kind soul

There is a switch on vehicles produced prior to 05 that turns on the charcoal filter filtering the air that comes in from the outside (or inside if you have the recirculation button selected also) It was designed so that when you drive behind a bus spewing exhaust or encounter something smelly on the road, such as a dead skunk, you can turn it on and relieve the cabin from smelling.

Perhaps the previous owner has changed it not long ago.

Hey guys, calm down! What's all this anxiety about a cabin filter? What are we are we talking about here? $30?

relinuca

Sorry... this post has nothing to do about the cost... it has to do with the knowledge of what these filters look like new vs dirty. I didn't pick up any anxiety from anyone either. Besides a dust filter is 30 bucks... and the charcoal filters are about 100... to some it would make a difference.