Jun 10, 2015, 03:08 PM
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Air Filter Replacement
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 621
Likes: 201
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
Air Filter Replacement
I replaced my air filter(s) tonight. As mentioned in several posts, replacement is more involved than the average air filter. All you need to do is lift the air filter housing up and off the top of the motor, but there isn't clearance without first removing several other things to make room. You'll need a 16 mm socket or wrench and E14 Torx socket to remove the strut tower brace, 10mm socket to remove 2 covers, and a T25 torx bit to disassemble the air filter housing. A rachetless socket drive came in useful as a couple of the 10 mm bolts on the covers don't have much clearance to swing a rachet.
Some pictures of the process. Ground zero:
First, lift the engine cover off the top of the motor (it just pops off), remove the inlet to the cabin air filter (to get clearance to remove the strut tower bolts) by popping the 2 clips with a screwdriver:
Remove 2 panels that form the "corners" of the panel in front of the firewall (3 10 mm bolts on the driver's side and 2 on the passenger's) and remove the strut tower brace:
The air filter housing can then be lifted off the motor after undoing a clip at the back of the housing and pulling the air inlets and a hose off the front of the housing :
The housing once it is off the motor:
Remove the 8 torx headed screws on the other side of the housing to get access to the filters inside. Installation is pretty much just the reverse of removal.
It really isn't that difficult, just a lot more work than replacing an air filter should be. It took ~35 minutes with hand tools stopping to take pictures along the way. FWIW, the Mann filters I put in were identical to the MB filters that came out other than the MB name and MB part number on the old filters - the old ones even had a Mann logo on them.
Some pictures of the process. Ground zero:
First, lift the engine cover off the top of the motor (it just pops off), remove the inlet to the cabin air filter (to get clearance to remove the strut tower bolts) by popping the 2 clips with a screwdriver:
Remove 2 panels that form the "corners" of the panel in front of the firewall (3 10 mm bolts on the driver's side and 2 on the passenger's) and remove the strut tower brace:
The air filter housing can then be lifted off the motor after undoing a clip at the back of the housing and pulling the air inlets and a hose off the front of the housing :
The housing once it is off the motor:
Remove the 8 torx headed screws on the other side of the housing to get access to the filters inside. Installation is pretty much just the reverse of removal.
It really isn't that difficult, just a lot more work than replacing an air filter should be. It took ~35 minutes with hand tools stopping to take pictures along the way. FWIW, the Mann filters I put in were identical to the MB filters that came out other than the MB name and MB part number on the old filters - the old ones even had a Mann logo on them.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
GL350, Porsche C2S
The process is basically the same on the 350 Diesel. All of the same items do need to be removed to create clearance to remove the air filter housings. Visually, the only difference I can see from the photos is that the air inlet on the diesels are down low compared to the 450.
45 min process for the first time. The only hard to find tool was the torx socket.
45 min process for the first time. The only hard to find tool was the torx socket.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,185
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
EWT - thanks so much for the photos and instructions. I successfully changed the air filter on our newly aquired 2010 GL550. Although I must confess I only ordered ONE K&N filter...duh. Waiting for the second one to arrive. Now I'll have a chance to do it all over again.
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
I changed the filter(s) due to the Service C required message. Additionally, we just purchased the vechile with 20,000mi and I figured it was a safe-bet the original units were never replaced.
I'm under the impression Service C includes: air filters, cabin air filters, oil filter and oil change. Additionally there are several "inspection" items.
Once the oil change is done (tomorrow probably) I'll reset the Service C reminder as specified in this forum. Unless someone describes something else to me, that's all I plan to do!
I'm under the impression Service C includes: air filters, cabin air filters, oil filter and oil change. Additionally there are several "inspection" items.
Once the oil change is done (tomorrow probably) I'll reset the Service C reminder as specified in this forum. Unless someone describes something else to me, that's all I plan to do!
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
If the engine adaptations are not reset any consequent service request will be skewed and most likely inaccurate.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
The diesel has pre and post air filter sensors. Resetting engine adaptations will result in setting a new baseline for air filter flow and efficiency based on which the next service c is calculated and requested.
If the engine adaptations are not reset any consequent service request will be skewed and most likely inaccurate.
If the engine adaptations are not reset any consequent service request will be skewed and most likely inaccurate.
Trying to understand this.
If you don't reset it, you might get a air filter needs replacing message at the wrong time?
Seems to me, as long as the filter is replaced before it was excessively clogged, I am not sure how this would happen?
Are air filters only needed with "Service C"? How often do they normally need to be replaced on the 320 CDI?
(Obviously the system will tell you when they are clogged, but what is the typical lifespan?)
(I have a coupon with Pelican Parts and are trying to figure out what to stock up on)
Last edited by N_Jay; Jan 6, 2014 at 12:06 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2011 GL450
Fitting air filter housing back on
I replaced my filters the other day and then started getting a CEL. Scanner says P0172 and P0175. Basically running rich. The isle is very rough, and it had cut off on one occasion in a drive thru.
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
I replaced my filters the other day and then started getting a CEL. Scanner says P0172 and P0175. Basically running rich. The isle is very rough, and it had cut off on one occasion in a drive thru.
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
If you can't get the m clip fastened, that's what will be causing your car to run rough.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
I replaced my filters the other day and then started getting a CEL. Scanner says P0172 and P0175. Basically running rich. The isle is very rough, and it had cut off on one occasion in a drive thru.
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
sorry. had to
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
The reset is done through the instrument cluster. Can't remember how exactly, but there is a service menu and you can pick what service numbers were completed. If you pick the one for air filter, it resets that adaptation. I know instructions are out there because I google it every time I need to do it.
Think about it this way.. a new air filter and used air filter pass different amounts of air. The system adapts based on how old the air filter is. If you don't reset it, you can put a brand new air filter on and the system will think it is very old.
Best to reset it each air filter change. BMW's do the same thing in the 7 series batteries by the way..the computer is told that a new battery is installed, and charging of the battery is done differently (volts & amps are modified as presumably a new battery will charge faster and hold a larger charge... which then tapers off as it gets older either by mileage or time)
Think about it this way.. a new air filter and used air filter pass different amounts of air. The system adapts based on how old the air filter is. If you don't reset it, you can put a brand new air filter on and the system will think it is very old.
Best to reset it each air filter change. BMW's do the same thing in the 7 series batteries by the way..the computer is told that a new battery is installed, and charging of the battery is done differently (volts & amps are modified as presumably a new battery will charge faster and hold a larger charge... which then tapers off as it gets older either by mileage or time)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
The reset is done through the instrument cluster. Can't remember how exactly, but there is a service menu and you can pick what service numbers were completed. If you pick the one for air filter, it resets that adaptation. I know instructions are out there because I google it every time I need to do it.
Think about it this way.. a new air filter and used air filter pass different amounts of air. The system adapts based on how old the air filter is. If you don't reset it, you can put a brand new air filter on and the system will think it is very old.
Best to reset it each air filter change. BMW's do the same thing in the 7 series batteries by the way..the computer is told that a new battery is installed, and charging of the battery is done differently (volts & amps are modified as presumably a new battery will charge faster and hold a larger charge... which then tapers off as it gets older either by mileage or time)
Think about it this way.. a new air filter and used air filter pass different amounts of air. The system adapts based on how old the air filter is. If you don't reset it, you can put a brand new air filter on and the system will think it is very old.
Best to reset it each air filter change. BMW's do the same thing in the 7 series batteries by the way..the computer is told that a new battery is installed, and charging of the battery is done differently (volts & amps are modified as presumably a new battery will charge faster and hold a larger charge... which then tapers off as it gets older either by mileage or time)
also on bluetec setups with scr the air filter adaption reset does a urea heater descaling. it can be actually heard- there is a very audible gurgling in the **** tank once you hit the "reset" button in the star/ das tool.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 241
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
I replaced my filters the other day and then started getting a CEL. Scanner says P0172 and P0175. Basically running rich. The isle is very rough, and it had cut off on one occasion in a drive thru.
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
I assumed i had the housing for the filters misaligned, so I disassembled everything again to start over. I am having trouble getting all four clips on the stubs. And the M clip at the back doesn't seem to lock in place no matter how much I fiddle with it.
I have done this several times with no issues. Had anyone else had similar trouble?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 302
Likes: 43
From: Saint Louis
2010 GL550 | 2020 S560
EWT - thanks so much for the photos and instructions. I successfully changed the air filter on our newly aquired 2010 GL550. Although I must confess I only ordered ONE K&N filter...duh. Waiting for the second one to arrive. Now I'll have a chance to do it all over again.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee'ish, WI
2014 GL350
I'll be doing mine along with cabin air filter and oil/filter change for the first time on my 2014 GL350 this weekend as long as all my parts show up on time. They're coming to my shop via UPS vs USPS so I should be in pretty good shape.
