Dallas5Star

My 2014 E350 is at 19k miles so it's almost time for the B service. My question to my fellow E owners: the 2014 maintenance manual says to change the engine air filter at 40k. Do you all follow that or do you all change it earlier? I usually follow what MB says..,

aaacsdai

Dallas5Star, MB does not live in Texas and so does not know what debris is in your air. I check my air filter every 5K when I change my oil. I may or may not replace it at that time after checking for debris, large particulate buildup, or damage. Most air filters are a inexpensive requirement IMO-but I do not throw money away so most of the time I just clean my filter out using compressed air and replace when I hold it up to my shop light and cannot see through it. If you live and drive in a area with a lot of airborne debris (dirt-dust) you may want to check it more frequently.

aquinob

For an air filter, it really depends on where you live. If you live where there are lots of dirt roads, I would probably change it sooner. its easy enough to check and new ones are about 20 bucks on Amazon. The factory schedule is the minimum, you can do it sooner if you feel the need.

jahquan3

On almost every vehicle I've had, I change the air filter every other oil change. Typically within two oil changes the build up on the filter will be enough to alert you to change it or the technician will offer the option to you.

Dallas5Star

Thanks for the input. I'll do it every 20k like on my ML.

Voland

My mechanic told me that using compressed air to blow out our air filters can enlarge their micro pores thus compromising their effectiveness. Not sure how true this is, but it's prompted me to never use compressed air on them, maybe only slap them on a hard surface if I intend not to replace. Just saying.

kajtek1

Heavy engines always have Filter Minders, who monitor filter restrictions and when they give your engine optimum performance, they will save you lot of money on long run. Small cars don't have those gauges, becouse air filters used to cost $3-5, so mileage based replacement was cheaper than the gauge, but that is no longer the case.
Here is article http://filterminder.com/products/vis...h-vs-fact.html

konigstiger

Visual inspection is certainly needed depending on your locality, MB service sheet requires every 20,000 miles/2 years whichever comes first see attachment.

2011E350

If the dealer service advisor tells you that it requires replacement...ESPECIALLY DEALERS Keep them Honest. Tell them you want to see the old filter first. If they are truly honest they will bring it our for you to inspect Maybe not as bas as they say maybe it is. It is your right to have old parts presented for inspection. Trick is if you are visiting dealer for a known replacement item you might have to specify the keep old parts at check in. If you are going in for a scheduled service I personally specify each part of that to keep old parts, The only exception would be Oil, Fuel and Transmission Filters, they are going to be trashed. Cabin and Engine air filters are a good example of having them show you. If you don't say keep, they will toss and charge you. The truly bad ones will replace original and still charge you for a new one. Especially Cabin Air Filters and hope that you don't catch it until the next inspection. The odds are still in their favor for every customer that does ask to keep and inspect old parts, probably 20-30-40 or more that don't.

I just replaced my Cabin and Engine Air filter with my purchase. More of a good starting point for me that way I have a baseline of mileage and time for wear.

kajtek1

davidgavami

How often should the "cabin filter" be changed on 2006 E350?

konigstiger

I suggest following 09 sheet, see attachment.

CaliBenzDriver

It's cheap to replace and prevent more expensive issues from developing !!

Every 2 or 3 years schedule is reasonable... 5yr at the most.

Everyone forgets stupid filter until something quits: Blower, Resistor or Display!

Fliplegend

I change it yearly between spring and summer. It's free (FCP) and super easy. After pollen season, it's pretty toast.