blueml320

Hello, I am new to this forum. I hope you guys could help me out this question. Is 2002 ML320 required to change the air filter for the air conditioning system? Where? and how to do it? since most of the air conditioning system at home need to change or wash the air filter regularly to keep it clean and maintain a good air flow. How about the ML320 need to do so? If the air conditioner use the air filter for external air in-take, then is there any filter for internal air circulation mode?

Thanks in advance.

OttoBon100

The "cabin air filter" is what you are talking about. It filters the air coming inside the car. If your '02 is like my '03 it is up under the dash on the passengers side and is easy to change out. Just make sure you note how you take it out and how it is oriented so you put the new one back in correctly. The direction of flow must be correct. Do a search for cabin air filter and you may find more information.

azinn

See http://www.whnet.com/4x4/cabinairfilter.html

OttoBon100

Your post got me thinking about the filter so I pulled mine to check it. It definitely needs changing less than 9 months and about 9,000 miles. It is black with crud. I ordered the Bosch activated charcoal filter from bimmerzone for $21.25 each. Got one for the wife's C280 also. That is cheaper than what I paid for the paper one ("particulate") that is in it now at the dealer. Bimmerzone list these for $30.37. Maybe these particulate filters are better at filtering? I saw here though that the charcoal also filters out the smell; e.g., when you're sitting behind an older diesel school bus at a stop light. We'll see.

Riffyb

where would this air filter be on a 2000 ML 55 same place as the 02s?

AsianML

I believe so.

blueml320

Thanks all,

I have replaced the filter. I found that it really dirty and I wondering why the filter must be replaced, not cleaned. It doesn't make sense to change it weekly, or even monthly. So I try to put a 3M filter (the normal air conditioning system filter) in the front side, and keep to replace it monthly. I think it will be healthier & cheaper to having fresh air.

Just one reminder, when you take off the cover by loosen the screws, please remember to lift up the lock in the middle of the cover (it is black in colour). It lock the cover into the filter cover. Just pull the lever out, then it will be unlocked from the filter cover. or you could just pull the cover out. I think the plastic lock may not broken. (since I have done it, and found it after I pull the cover off)

Anyway, thanks.

OttoBon100

I just installed the Bosch activated charcoal filter for the first time (always used the stock filter from the dealer) and will let everyone know if it is better at filtering outside air into the cabin; e.g., no offensive odors. One thing that is different is that the stock Benz particulate filter that came out has a rigid plastic frame and the Bosch is all paper. The Bosch instructions say replace every 12,000 miles. Mine has never gone that long without being really funky. This last one had less than 9,000 miles/9 months. Guess it is the Virginia air or...? I never go off road. We'll see.

Riffyb

I just pulled mine out and WOW!! its a mess.. im ordering one right now But what is my Chassis letter and Number? ive seen this somewhere before but i cant remember where i have a 2000 ML 55


THis is whats on the site


Chassis: -A-145272


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image ACC Cabin Filter

Also referred to as a combination filter, dust filter or pollen filter. Chassis: -X-707755


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image ACC Cabin Filter

Also referred to as a combination filter, dust filter or pollen filter. Chassis: A-145273-


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image ACC Cabin Filter

Also referred to as a combination filter, dust filter or pollen filter. Chassis: X-707756-

OttoBon100

Look at the last 7 digits of your VIN code. That is what they are looking for. It is in the lower driver's side, on the dash. You can see it through the windshield from the outside. Should also be on your car registration.

Riffyb

thanks alot man

OttoBon100

Two things I noted pretty quickly: 1) The fan has to work harder to pull air through the denser filter. I had to turn the fan up a couple notches to get the same air flow just using outside air; e.g., A/C not turned on. And; 2) It doesn't filter the outside odor(s) any better than the particulate filter Benz puts in. Again this is with A/C off. With A/C on and "recirculate" this filter was no different from the particulate filter. SO, there are my test results between the two. I just saw an ad for better filters (high efficiency) for the home and the ad said to make sure you have the static pressure tested to ensure you don't damage anything by having your fan pulling more air through the denser filter(s). Hmmmm. Maybe there was a reason Benz put those particulate filters in and not the activated charcoal ones... Next time I'll just buy the regular particulate filter for our two Benzes to keep from having to run the fan so hard and possibly doing damage. To each his own. Your test results may vary

fizzle

ok the last 7 digits of my vin are A284507, so what chassis is this??

OttoBon100

Duplicated. Sorry.

OttoBon100

If you are ordering a cabin air filter from bimmerzone then your chassis number (A284507) is greater than A145273 so pick from the third one down on their list of four to select from for the 2001 ML320. There are only two of the four to select from with an "A" prefix, one with chassis number A145272 and below that number and the other with chassis number A145273 and above. Two different ones to pick from once you click on "A145273 - " : activated charcoal and particulate. Mercedes normally puts in the particulate one, part # R2060-101103. I tried the charcoal one. I'll get the particulate again next time. See my post above on that.

fizzle

i ordered from importec....

R2060-138189 Acc Cabin Filter Activated Charcoal 18.70

Bosch....

hopefully thats right. thanks for the help guys.

fizzle

just received today! wow talk about fast shipping. installed in 2 min. old one was filthy!