M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Engine Air Filter ML400

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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 01:50 AM
  #1  
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ML400 4Matic
Engine Air Filter ML400

I'm looking for information/details on how to change the engine air filter on my 2015 ML400 4Matic with 3.0L V6 BITURBO. Should be fairly straight forward, however when I lifted the hood it was not obvious and let me say I've lifted many a hood. Any help in this regard would be appreciated.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 11:03 AM
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If it were mine I would start pulling plastic pieces off the engine until you get to the air filter attachments. This means snorkels, ducts and covers.

In the W166 M276 GLE350, the entire filter assembly comes out before the two halves are separated to remove the filter. Approach the ML400 as if the housing needs to come out before accessing the filter, unlike many vehicles where the housing can be separated in situ and the filter removed with half of the housing remaining attached to the engine.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...-thread-2.html

Last edited by chassis; Apr 12, 2020 at 07:57 PM.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 11:47 AM
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I was wrong about removing the filter housings. This video shows filter(s) removal with the bottom half of the housing in situ. The video does not show how to access the screws securing the upper housing to the lower housing.

Seems easy, but looks like socket extensions and swivels may be required to access the screws.


If you have the naturally aspirated M276 3.5L V6, there are plenty of videos on this. The M276 3.0 twin turbo seems to be a rarer bird.

Last edited by chassis; Aug 24, 2019 at 09:05 PM.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 02:02 PM
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ML400 4Matic

Thanks Chassis the video that you attached to your reply was helpful. I now know that I just need to get the lid off to access the filter. As you suggested some of the screws may be tricky to get at (see attached pic). I’ve looked high and low for a video specific to my ML 400, but to no avail.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 02:08 PM
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Ross, did you watch the video in its entirety? This is for your platform (W166/X166) with M276 biturbo.

I don't see anything different in the video, compared with the photo you attached.

The screws all seem accessible from the front or side of the engine. The rear of the upper filter housing appears to be held by slip-in tabs.

The trickiest screw I can see in the video seems to be the rear right (passenger side LHD). I can see this screw in your photograph. It's doable.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 04:09 PM
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ML400 4Matic

Video does not show how buddy got the screws undone especially the rear right (passenger side). It’s was a pain in the ***, but doable. I put the T25 into a 1/4” box end wrench (see pic) and slowly worked it out.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 05:11 PM
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There ya go.
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Old Aug 24, 2019 | 10:50 PM
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Maybe a stubby swivel T25 would help?

https://shop.snapon.com/product/105TUTX
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Old Nov 25, 2019 | 06:46 PM
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This clips show how to take the whole engine air filter housing out for W166 ML400 and GLE400/450/43:

This clip disassembles "staff" above housings so that bolts can be removed in place (but he removed almost everything above it):
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Old Dec 15, 2019 | 01:32 AM
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2015 ml 400
@RossTrilsbeck

I had the same problem the first time I changed the engine air filters. The videos in this thread both show how it is done in the other engines, where all of the bolts on the housings are easily accessible - not the case on our ml400s.

I found that it was much more time efficient to remove the plastic trim pieces which reside above the filter housings.

There are only 5 torx screws, three on the R [passenger side], and 2 on the L. There are also three clips which hold in place the cabin air filter box [passenger side]. Removal is like a jigsaw puzzle with 5-6 pieces

This also allows better access when / if you attempt to change the spark plugs.

I would advise against removal of the hard tube [outflow from the filter box] where it supplies the charge to the turbo - it seems quite tightly sealed in my ml400.

I attached a picture showing the [relative] positions of the screws. The piece marked with yellow highlighter simply pulls off the track where it is mounted. Take extra care removing the encircled piece as there are two small plastics clips holding the piece inplace. The three clips are in this location, under the air intake piece.

Remember to take pictures as you proceed so that you can recall the positions of the trim pieces.

Hope this helps.

Cheers!

gmanz e500


ML400 engine bay



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Old Jan 28, 2020 | 01:49 PM
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Actually it was very easy - proper equipment is required. $40 and change on Amazon. And none of the above nonsense in the videos I have posted from YouTube is needed. Very easy to get to "hidden" bolts.


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Old Jan 30, 2020 | 09:39 AM
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REDUNDANCY

Please note: FYI all ML400s are.......2015, only year made......4Matic.......3.0L..... V-6.......BiTurbo.....they only came in one flavor. ML400 says it all.
Thank you.
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Old Nov 25, 2022 | 05:41 PM
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2012 ML350
What brand engine air filter is OEM on the ML400?
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Old Nov 26, 2022 | 12:57 PM
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K&N – KN 33-5032

MB – 276-094-05-04
Cover screws use T-25 Torx

go with the K&N. it takes 2 @ $50 each change every two years, throw old ones out and replace with new. its worth the $$$$$.
change oil every 5,000 to 6,000 miles and filter, MB filter only.
you can replace your pads,rotors, sensors and rubber & other parts, go to Summit Auto. I have all the part numbers.
I have pics, tools needed, the works and the little things that will trip you up. email me.
If you need to replace main battery or the pain in the butt aux battery, you will need pics and short cuts before you hang yourself.
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Old Nov 26, 2022 | 01:02 PM
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I have pics and home-made tool to remove air filter covers, for god's sake don't start removing strips and all the garbage, it will never go back like new and you don't need to do it. just remove the torx screws only, the sensors you can disconnect but if you break you pay. it's simple and easy. email me. don't start tearing your rubber weather sealing off, only do what is needed!
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Old Nov 26, 2022 | 01:05 PM
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not true. email me for instructions. it's simple. you don't need to take the rear seats out and replace the headliner to change the air filters on an ML400.
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Old Nov 27, 2022 | 05:39 PM
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2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
OE Filters

Mann or Hengst filters OEM.
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Old Nov 28, 2022 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Leetom
Mann or Hengst filters OEM.
Mann are typically OEM, but Hengst can be found for cheaper.
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Old Nov 28, 2022 | 12:44 PM
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2012 ML350
I ordered

MAHLE LX 2841/7 Air Filter

Mann does not seem to make engine air filters for the ML400. I will try and find Hengtst (never heard of them before)
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Old Nov 28, 2022 | 02:59 PM
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Why would you purchase a Mercedes Benz and use cheap part to maintain it??
filters:· Air Filter Engine Intake(2):

K&N – KN 33-5032

MB – 276-094-05-04

Cover screws use T-25 Torx

· Air Filter Cabin (2):

Denso 130230-05327893

MB 166-830-82-00

MANN 11706926

MAHLE LOA 878S

· Air Filter Cabin Main Dust (1):

K&N – VF2068

MANN CU25002

ATP RA-154

HENGST E3900LB

MB 166-830-02-18

MAHLE W0133-1971329

Corteco CFW1971329

· Oil Filter: MB 276-180-00-09

· Oil Filter Canister: MB 210-501-06-15

· Oil Filter Canister Wrench: 74mm/14 flutes @ 25Nm torque
MICHAEL
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Old Nov 28, 2022 | 05:02 PM
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2012 ML350
As it turns out - when I removed the top half of the air filter cover, the OEM is a Mahle LX 2841/7 filter. I am the original owner of the car, so this filter came from the factory. After 60,000 miles, I finally am changing them. And the filters definitely needed to be replaced. Not to bad, but I am glad I did it.
(I must have run into a butterfly swarm - lots of butterfly wings!
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Old Nov 29, 2022 | 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by OFF ROAD MIKE
Please note: FYI all ML400s are.......2015, only year made......4Matic.......3.0L..... V-6.......BiTurbo.....they only came in one flavor. ML400 says it all.
Thank you.
I have one, as well as an SL400 for which the same can be said, and I have no problem reading through all the redundant details!
Originally Posted by chassis
If you have the naturally aspirated M276 3.5L V6, there are plenty of videos on this. The M276 3.0 twin turbo seems to be a rarer bird.
wait, what? engine code "M276" refers to two different engines??
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