AC Smell Filtration
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Joined: Oct 2011
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'97 E200, '06 E350 & '23 E350
AC Smell Filtration
Hello!
Having recently acquired a '23 E350 (with the 48V Mild Hybrid system and thus outside North America), I find myself in a conflicting argument where I can smell a mild amount of exhaust fumes when in a traffic jam or if a car is driving in front of me. To my understanding, the two-stage filtering along with the combi activated charcoal should eliminate this specific occurence.
My W210 that I used as a daily for over 15 years had an exceptionally good A/C filtration system, the car being equipped with option code 581, the Charcoal filters coupled with upgraded Bosch HEPA filters instead of dust and pollen filters made sure the air was superb, not one smell or fume ever got in the cabin. Couldn't be more pleased than this.
My W211 had the regular two-zone A/C, option code 580 and thus only had a combi filter with activated charcoal but not dedicated filters, the filtration was also quite fantastic and only failed under extremely harsh situation (diesel truck blasting its exhaust right into you like a storm).
The W213 is a CPO with 15K miles that was serviced just before I took reception of it, it is equipped with the 3-Zone system and thus option code 581. However, this does not affect filtration at this point as all W213s had the dust & pollen filter in the engine bay and the combi filter under the dash based on what I've seen. I have raised the issue and was told filters were brand new and that no exhaust leaks are apparent, and to basically just use the recirculate when fumes are smelled.
I have compared the three cars and the W213 is much less capable of filtering, would love to hear your feedback or experience with this.
Cheers!
Having recently acquired a '23 E350 (with the 48V Mild Hybrid system and thus outside North America), I find myself in a conflicting argument where I can smell a mild amount of exhaust fumes when in a traffic jam or if a car is driving in front of me. To my understanding, the two-stage filtering along with the combi activated charcoal should eliminate this specific occurence.
My W210 that I used as a daily for over 15 years had an exceptionally good A/C filtration system, the car being equipped with option code 581, the Charcoal filters coupled with upgraded Bosch HEPA filters instead of dust and pollen filters made sure the air was superb, not one smell or fume ever got in the cabin. Couldn't be more pleased than this.
My W211 had the regular two-zone A/C, option code 580 and thus only had a combi filter with activated charcoal but not dedicated filters, the filtration was also quite fantastic and only failed under extremely harsh situation (diesel truck blasting its exhaust right into you like a storm).
The W213 is a CPO with 15K miles that was serviced just before I took reception of it, it is equipped with the 3-Zone system and thus option code 581. However, this does not affect filtration at this point as all W213s had the dust & pollen filter in the engine bay and the combi filter under the dash based on what I've seen. I have raised the issue and was told filters were brand new and that no exhaust leaks are apparent, and to basically just use the recirculate when fumes are smelled.
I have compared the three cars and the W213 is much less capable of filtering, would love to hear your feedback or experience with this.
Cheers!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 310
Likes: 57
e300
Same issue here. I live in a city with cars parked on the street. Last week a car started and pulled in front of me, i could smell the exhaust in my car. I turned off my heat and cracked the windows.
the filters wont do much. The first filter is more of a dirt and leaf filter. It sits above the battery on the passenger side. The cabin filter id expect more, but its not much thicker or bigger.
a solution might be to hit the recirculation button if your near a gassy car. You just gotta be proactive tho.
the filters wont do much. The first filter is more of a dirt and leaf filter. It sits above the battery on the passenger side. The cabin filter id expect more, but its not much thicker or bigger.
a solution might be to hit the recirculation button if your near a gassy car. You just gotta be proactive tho.
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