X166 Cabin Filter
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
X166 Cabin Filter
Folks,
Trying to learn how to replace the interior cabin filter on my GLS450. I understand that the glove box needs to be removed by first stating to remove the end cap and the several screws that hold the glove assembly.
Just want to be sure that that is the right approach.. Thanks Mike
Trying to learn how to replace the interior cabin filter on my GLS450. I understand that the glove box needs to be removed by first stating to remove the end cap and the several screws that hold the glove assembly.
Just want to be sure that that is the right approach.. Thanks Mike
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
Thanks yes did see this on video however, he replaces the inside filters from the outside which I suppose there can be a way from the inside as well. I am just thinking that if you pull the inside filters like he did in the vid loose debris can fall into the fan, while if one did it from inside they slide out and slide back in..
Thanks again,
Mike
Thanks again,
Mike
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Seems faster, easier and less risk of trim damage to replace the filters from the engine bay.
In your opinion does the interior filter replacement method seem better for your needs?
In your opinion does the interior filter replacement method seem better for your needs?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
chassis... Yeah it may seem faster I guess its the rigid/**** side of me just trying to do it right I guess. It kills me to see the filters being bent and twisted and pushed in place etc.. But... I will try it from the engine bay first 
Thanks again.. Mike
Thanks again.. Mike
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
How familiar are you with modern air filters? The perimeter seals are soft rubber/silicone-like material, and the entire piece is a very flexible item. Nothing like a 1965 Chevelle air filter. Bending and twisting the filter has no effect on its performance.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I took apart the underhood induction plenum, and the outer filter is very easily removed. I did not find a way to remove the activated carbon filter, which is installed behind the dash panel ("firewall"). In the 5 minutes I spent looking at this, I didn't see how the carbon filter could be removed from the engine bay. This is for a 2017 W166 GLE350.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 97
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From: new jersey
17 c63s edition 1 cabriolet, 2018 gls450
not sure about the gle350 but just recently I changed out my 2018 GLS450 cabin air filters. the 2 carbon ones and the dust one. the carbon ones are a little tight in there but nothing to hard. even with my fat hands i still managed to get them in and out. i got the parts from the dealer because i did not want to wait but the carbon filters part number did not match Mercedes system. also both filters are from Mann filter.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 97
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From: new jersey
17 c63s edition 1 cabriolet, 2018 gls450
just did mine today. i took me around 5 minutes to put the new 2 carbon air filters in.and yes you do have to do it at an angel and pushing the air filter in. i push the first one in and then slide to the left and then the right one which was much harder. much needed for my car because of an odor and instantly knew the difference. part number for the 2 carbon filters do not match the box if you are planning to buy from mercedes or ebay for example.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Good photos and writeup panda. I looked at WIS and realized there are 2 charcoal filters. So all three filters: dust and 2x charcoal filter, are replaced from the engine bay. The dust filter is a trivial job. The 2 charcoal filters require some fiddling.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 97
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From: new jersey
17 c63s edition 1 cabriolet, 2018 gls450
i also use the youtube video but the quality was eh.
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 40
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From: Passaic/Bergen County New Jersey
2013 C350 4MATIC Coupe, 2017 GLE 350 4MATIC P3
Just wanted to clarify that when doing the activated charcoal filter replacement for a W166 there are 2 filters that need to be bought? When looking at the parts diagrams it only looks like there is one cabin air filter one charcoal filter (fine particle). I recently had the cabin air filter replaced during my service but not the charcoal filter and would like to do it myself as there is still a lingering odor in the car from the blower that I thought the cabin filter would've taken care but seems like the charcoal filter needs to be replaced.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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2022 SL 55 AMG, 2020 AMG GT 53, 2015 GL 550
O
3 filters total. 1 is a large filter that sits at the front of the air box. Once you remove that, you can access two smaller filters further in toward the bottom. 5 minute job accessing it from under the hood. The two smaller filters slide in to the left and right. There should be two holes on your two smaller filters that align with the pieces in the truck to keep them in place.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Important, remove the filter on the right side first as you are looking at the filters from the front of the car. Slide the one on the left to the right (toward drivers side). If not, you will break the plastic pieces that keep them aligned. Ask me how I know.
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 70
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From: Aubrey, TX
GLS550, GLE450 Coupe
Be careful replacing the charcoal filters. That little tang that hangs down in the middle is sharp as heck. I slashed the bejeezus out of my arm on that thing. If you have "old man skin" like I do, wear a long sleeve shirt when doing the charcoal filters. And yes, put the first charcoal filter in on the right and slide it left into position, then install the other one. It really is about a 5 to 10 minute job.
