M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

ML550 Air Filter R&R

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2018 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
Lysholm Master's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 7
ML550 Air Filter R&R

Recently took delivery of my CPO'd '14 ML550. Dealer provided me with copy of the CPO work and related internal service invoice. I saw no mention of replacement of the engine air filters, so I figured after four years and just over 30K miles, it might be a good thing to replace them. My suspicions were confirmed when I opened up the airboxes. Here's the passenger side; driver's side was similar:



Both boxes were filled with grit, leaves and other debris. When inspecting between the pleats on the filter itself, the amount of dust and particulate was massive. Since we know the lovely bi-turbo likes to breathe, let it have efficient air flow. If you haven't ever done your ML550 air filters, if may be well worth your time to do this simple maintenance task. I used Mann filters (Mann is the OE supplier to MB for these filters).
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:33 PM
  #2  
Isawelvis's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Air Force
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
ML550

What are you impressions of the ML550. I have been wanting to buy one myself . I currently have a ML 350 and just want a V8. What type vehicle did you own before the ML550. Is there a Turbo lag and do both turbo come in together or separately.
Reply
Old May 1, 2018 | 10:54 AM
  #3  
Lysholm Master's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 7
Originally Posted by Isawelvis
What are you impressions of the ML550. I have been wanting to buy one myself . I currently have a ML 350 and just want a V8. What type vehicle did you own before the ML550. Is there a Turbo lag and do both turbo come in together or separately.
Initial impression is the W166 generation ML550 with the 4.6L Bi-Turbo engine is simply superb. It's more powerful, quiet and luxurious than the W164 ML550 (which is very nice itself). I just came out of a Cayenne Turbo; my wife still has her W164 ML550. I have a sinking feeling she's going to pry the newer one's keys away from me and I'll end up with the older one. You know, happy wife, happy life.

As for turbo lag, it's just non-existent. The engine features a twin turbo set-up, with one turbocharger for each cylinder bank. The power band is so smooth that you simply aren't aware how fast you're accelerating. Case in point, one evening last week I was driving down a road near our house that has a 35 mph speed limit. I think I'm doing about 40 mph or so when my wife tells me I better slow down. I look down at the speedo and see I'm doing 65mph. Sure as heck did not seem, feel or sound like it. It's so deceptively quiet and powerful. If you get a chance, you will not regret making the upgrade to the ML550.

Last edited by Lysholm Master; May 1, 2018 at 04:20 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2018 | 02:05 PM
  #4  
Jim Graves's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
ML550
ML550

Originally Posted by Lysholm Master
Recently took delivery of my CPO'd '14 ML550. Dealer provided me with copy of the CPO work and related internal service invoice. I saw no mention of replacement of the engine air filters, so I figured after four years and just over 30K miles, it might be a good thing to replace them. My suspicions were confirmed when I opened up the airboxes. Here's the passenger side; driver's side was similar:



Both boxes were filled with grit, leaves and other debris. When inspecting between the pleats on the filter itself, the amount of dust and particulate was massive. Since we know the lovely bi-turbo likes to breathe, let it have efficient air flow. If you haven't ever done your ML550 air filters, if may be well worth your time to do this simple maintenance task. I used Mann filters (Mann is the OE supplier to MB for these filters).
I just changed yesterday, what a giantic PITA to get those filters out! Mine looked just as bad, I didn't realize how.much this was effecting the performance of the car. After i got the air boxes cleaned out (enough crap in there to fill a shot glass on each side) I added the K and N filters. Wow, what a difference. Feels like a new car and i get traction light flash on a first to second shift. I have always enjoyed having K and Ns on previous vehicles, but this change was remarkable. On Amazon for less than $100 for 2. Will not effect warranty. Worth it!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:51 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE