JonathanGLE

Looking to buy a Cabin Air Filter for my 16' GLE350.... How and where would I replace it?

I also have a bad smell coming from the ac when ever I turn it on!
Thanks!

Rpl84

I have the same issue! Smells funky when the AC turns on.

JonathanGLE

I'm thinking it should be the Air filter but I've also heard it sometimes is the condenser

AmBaker

Smells like feet doesn't it? I was told to make sure my ac is set to auto. That helped a lot.

JonathanGLE

Yea it does! Just got an Oil Change at the dealership on Saturday July 16th and it said that they replaced the Cabin Air filter but it still smells slightly!

Red G8R

Seems to be a common problem with Mercedes. None of my other make of cars experienced this.

Jnstansbury

Did you resolve where the smell came from?
having the same prob

Leo17

I have the same issue. 1 year old with about 10k miles so far. I try drying out the moisture by blasting heat for 5 min everyday for the last few days. so far it did help a little. Seem like a common issue. I heard best way to prevent it is to run a few minute of air after tuning off AC.

Strafzettel

bad smell is probably caused by bacteria. Mercedes has a spray that you spray in the air intakes while you blast the fan. if you guys turn off the AC, that could be the reason for the issue... you should never turn off the AC because it's not good for the compressor besides the AC system regulates the humidity in your car and not just the temperature

nvsocr7

it's "normal"/standard for MB. I had the techs completely clean my hvac system, smell went away but the following spring/summer it's back. I've heard you can spray that lysol stuff into some intake, I just don't know where that is (it's in the engine compartment from what I remember, not inside the car).

nvsocr7

For this AC thing, do you have any technical info? I'm curious to see the science behind it as I leave mine on now just to keep the smell at bay

ItalianJoe1

There is a bulletin on this for the 166 trucks, there's new software for the A/C module that changes the drying function for the evaporator to come on sooner, which helps. You usually have to run a disinfectant through the evaporator to actually kill the smell, then new dust and cabin filters, then the update and coding changes.

Good news is, it's all covered under warranty, even the filters, as part of the smell fix. Assuming you're still under factory warranty that is.

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...lower-air.html
^^ More info and linked the LI there.

Delagle

Hello all
the funny smell appears on my gle when the car stops by the auto stop function. The engine is stopped but mainly everything else is working, obviously something on the AC systems stops and the smell appears. After the auto stop starts the engine, it takes a few seconds to disappear that smell. Amazing Mercedes-Benz!

ItalianJoe1

Possibly your outside filter. I believe the car switches from recirc to fresh air when its in eco stop, so you notice a difference. Try cycling them back and forth and see if you notice the same change. Either way, if you can duplicate it consistently, take it to the dealer, or at least mention it at your next service.

Strafzettel

I went through a 3 year mechanic training at Mercedes in Germany in the early 90's. I remember them getting mad at customers when they said that they would turn off the AC when it's not needed. That's how I know not to turn it off, I think the manual says that too but who reads that, right ;-)

The bacteria thing is my theory because I once had an air purifier in the house which smelled like sh*#t. I googled it and people said that they do that when there is bacteria in the filter.

Delagle

Thanks! I will do that. What I have also noticed it's what it's been mentioned in other messages: I am one of those who turned off the AC (in winter) and sometimes the weird smell also comes out.
as I said, I will contact the dealer and see what solution brings.

gmen75

had the same issue, brought the car in for 1yr service and the MB techs fixed the problem by replacing some filter (i believe cabin air filter). if it's this common, MB dealers should be able to remedy the situation quickly!

fabbrisd1

If you want "backup" after dealer service - the Nextzett treatment can is double the size Wurth can MB uses - like under $15 - stick hose down each dash side air vent as far as it will go - spray and pull hose out while spraying - - center air vents - down as far as it will go - spray for 5secsd then do pull back stiff spraying - let dry:


I have seen "most" dirty-gym-shoe smells occur when customers turn their air con to ultra-low/max-low and leave it there - which causes frost to build up on evaporator - which is turn causes aircon to be less efficient (meaning you keep on ultra-low because is doesn't feel cold enough) and that frost accumulation melts when car is stopped/turned off - leading to "bacteria/mold" wet environment in the evap box - which will drain water - but doesn't let soaked/melted/frost ultra/damp box dry out to kill that ****..

JohnnyC

I changed the cabin air filter on my GLK350 and the smell went away. I don't think the previous owner ever changed it prior.