. Good post!
Cabin Air Filter
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2008 GL 320
Cabin Air Filter
Changed the cabin air filter on my 2008gl 320 today. $ 22.00 for the set, shipping included. OEM # 1648300218. Filter access is under the hood, passenger's side. Pry open the 2 clips with a flat head screwdriver, then simply lift the airbox and remove it from the engine compartment. Reach in and pull the first filter up on the right corner, pull filter out. Then slide the second filter to the right, and remove the same way as the first filter. Direction of air flow points down when installing the 2 new filters. Install the first filter into the right side of the housing, slide it to the left side, then install the second filter to the right side. To ensure both filters fit snugly in the cavity, with no gaps, simply use your fingers to ensure they are up aginst all 4 sides of the cavity, and laying flat. I had to bend the filter(s) slightly to remove, and then simply did the reverse to install the new ones very easily. The filters are made of a flexible type membrane. The dealership's quote to do this was $125.00 plus tax, which I suggested to leave until the next time I was in for service. The filters were plugged solid, so will plan to replace yearly going forward, as the vehicle has just rolled past 68000 miles. It took me 5 minutes to complete this change, easy DIY.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 6
From: Houston, TX
2015 GL63; 2012 750Li; 2016 Nissan Titan XD; 1989 F150
I'm surprised that you could replace it from under the hood. I have a 2007 GL450 and have to remove the glove box to replace the cabin filters. I have attached the instructions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Ditto. I could not get the second filter out the front without resorting to violence and my bratwurst fingers weren't nimble enough to slide one in from the front. Removing the glovebox was not a big hassle at all.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
GL450
Just replaced the cabin filters thru the front as described. Getting the second filter in is a little tricky. The trick is to squeeze the back of the filter just slightly to get it down next to the first filter that you put in. One the back of the filter is in the rest of the filter easily slides back and down. A 5 minute job.
Last edited by Powerguy; Mar 29, 2011 at 11:50 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 68
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From: Salinas, Ca
2007 GL450, 2003 BMW 325i
The alternative of going from the hood looked more intimidating due to the cross bar needing to be removed. Cleaner too. The only complaint is it felt a little like I was working under my sink.
My filters were pretty dirty and looked full, so I'm glad I did it. I bought the OEM filters.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
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Likes: 253
I just did mine last night and it was a easy. instructions say 30 minutes. I did it in less than that and that included looking around at my iPod interface.
The alternative of going from the hood looked more intimidating due to the cross bar needing to be removed. Cleaner too. The only complaint is it felt a little like I was working under my sink.
My filters were pretty dirty and looked full, so I'm glad I did it. I bought the OEM filters.
The alternative of going from the hood looked more intimidating due to the cross bar needing to be removed. Cleaner too. The only complaint is it felt a little like I was working under my sink.
My filters were pretty dirty and looked full, so I'm glad I did it. I bought the OEM filters.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
Yep, just did mine last night. Thanks to this forum, it took less than ten minutes (from under the hood). I did NOT remove and/or loosen the crossbar.
I love DIY, especially when you save so much $$ over taking it to the Dealership.
I love DIY, especially when you save so much $$ over taking it to the Dealership.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2007 GL 450
Replacing Air filters
alright guys i need some help here. i looked at the attachment but still cant get to open the glove box compartment to have the filters replaced :S could anyone provide a 'Changing air filter for dummies' instructions to me? thanks
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
GL550
Go from the hood side...seriously, takes less than 5 minutes.
A picture really is worth a thousand words...best I can guess is the MB tech that replaces these and charges 1/2 - 3/4 hour for the job probably does it from the front under the hood to save himself the time and the hassle.
On another note, I took my vehicle in today to have routine service and they replaced the engine air filter (not cabin filter) without asking my consent (likely because I had already said no to swapping the cabin filter since I had already replaced them myself)...a $126 engine air filter
, an oil change, multi-point and fluid top-off and I was back on the road. 
(Total was $568.00)
Last edited by 2inTrbo; Aug 26, 2014 at 11:16 PM. Reason: forgot to add, that they also greased the moon roof, now I feel much better about the $560 service...smh.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
2008 GL320
I did them from under the hood on my R320 before I saw this (haven't needed to on the GL yet but I think they are the same). The dealer told me "you are supposed to take out the glove box to change them but it's a lot easier from under the hood" I paid $50ish for the filters at the dealer but I needed them right away.
After you slide the first one over I found pushing the filter all the way back then get the right side in and squeeze the left side from back to front while pushing it down. Took me a couple tries but it was 110deg out and I was frustrated with it. I think I could change another set in less than 5min from under the hood. Including finding the tools ( screwdriver works well a set of keys will work if you are desperate).
After you slide the first one over I found pushing the filter all the way back then get the right side in and squeeze the left side from back to front while pushing it down. Took me a couple tries but it was 110deg out and I was frustrated with it. I think I could change another set in less than 5min from under the hood. Including finding the tools ( screwdriver works well a set of keys will work if you are desperate).
