thefisch

So I just had my 8y/80k service done at a local dealer that included the B service, brake and ATF change. When dropping it off, I went over each item with the service advisor and I know we discussed changing the cabin filter because he pushed the AC cleaning service (foam in a can) for $150. I told him just change the filter and we'll see if that doesn't help an occasional musty odor at startup. I figured if it didn't I can get a can for less than $20 and do it myself. Besides, back when I lysoled the filter a few months ago, I took video of the evaporator from the filter side with my phone and it looked clean.

However, going over the invoice the day after getting the car back, I don't see the combination filter on there.

It was listed as a part for the B service I got 2 years ago but it's not there this time. I decided to pull and check the filter and it looks pretty dirty to me.


So it appears that they forgot to change the filter or it's no longer part of the B service. Has this happened to anyone else?

I know I could get another and change it myself but this was the last interval of my prepaid maintenance so they're paying for it, not me.

Normally I wouldn't bother pulling the cabin filter as part of my normal post-service checks. I normally check the oil level and color to make sure it's golden brown and eyeball the oil filter to see if it looks new. On my other cars, it is easy to spot a new oil filter since they are mounted under the engine and the old ones are pretty dirty. Since the MB filter is mounted on top under the engine cover, the old ones don't get too dirty anyway. This new oil filter already looks a little dusty but that could be from the cover. And they listed a new oil filter on the invoice so I've got to trust them

AmgSeahawker

Cabin filter should have been replaced. Every 2yrs or 20,000 miles it's required under prepaid maintenance.

thefisch

That's what I thought. Now I've got to waste my time calling them and taking it up there again. Ugh.

beejAMG

did you mean AIR filter?

cabin filter should be included in the B service.

thefisch

In that part, I meant oil filter. One of my post service rituals is to spot check what they did. Since the B includes an oil filter change (in addition to the cabin air filter), I was looking at the oil filter housing to see if it look new (clean as opposed to an old one would look dirty on the outside).

Called the dealer today and they confirmed cabin air filter should have been done but my specific SA wasn't there. So I have to wait for call back after they do through the records.

thefisch

SA called today apologizing about the oversight. They want to schedule one of their techs to come to my home or work to replace the filter there, so I don't need to come by. Nice touch and reduces the inconvenience.

E430_4MATIC

Good catch but I have to say this thread really bothers me. While it may have been an honest mistake, a clogged filter can put an extra strain on your blower motor which would cost you big bucks to replace. I don't think the dealer would be paying for that!

thefisch

I agree. And I doubt a typical customer would bother checking to see if they replaced it. They would just go on with their life and then probably complain about an AC smell after a while and then pay them again for a new filter plus an AC service to boot.