Stealership? Engine Air Intake Duct - How many of you have had to replace?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2008 GL320 CDI, 1997 528i (ret.), Lex GS350
Stealership? Engine Air Intake Duct - How many of you have had to replace?
Informal poll - wondering how many people have had to replace the Engine Air Intake duct. This part costs ~$450 and comes with the air mass sensors integrated.
This part clamps to the air filter housings on either end, and the middle section connects into the turbo. All 3 ends are flexible bellows. The driver side of my particular duct is frayed and the entire assembly needs replacement.
Since my car has always been dealer serviced, I am trying to understand if the damage is due to improper removal and re-assembly of this part. I believe it is removed in the process of air filter replacement, particularly for the diesel engines.
If most owners have not had this issue, then I have a strong position to make this claim.
Thanks in advance for your inputs.
This part clamps to the air filter housings on either end, and the middle section connects into the turbo. All 3 ends are flexible bellows. The driver side of my particular duct is frayed and the entire assembly needs replacement.
Since my car has always been dealer serviced, I am trying to understand if the damage is due to improper removal and re-assembly of this part. I believe it is removed in the process of air filter replacement, particularly for the diesel engines.
If most owners have not had this issue, then I have a strong position to make this claim.
Thanks in advance for your inputs.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
In 111000 mi the ends of the rubber on mine are in pristine shape. They have been off and on several times for oil cooler leak, M80 motor replacement, intake manifold replacement (twice) etc. IF properly handled they should NOT be frayed.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Actually, a more helpful reply...I'd suggest searching for a used version of this part in a wrecking yard. If a vehicle died early in it's life, it would likely never have been removed and won't show any wear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
It is frayed because some schmuck did not install it correctly - the driver side is harder to install as there is less room to maneuver the filter box. Once you mess it up (usually pinching the rubber sleeve/ boot) it will fray/ crack after couple thousand miles.
