ychachad

I have located the oil filter for this car. Then, with a 13 mm socket, I removed this 7-inch long bolt. But the cover (which is round, but has star shaped ribs on it) still refuses to come out. It does not twist by hand nor pull out. Do I need a special tool to turn it, and where can I purchase it? Has anyone changed their filter? Thanks in advance.
Y. Chachad

mbtech208

Insert the bolt a little way into the cover, and rock it back and forth. The cover will pop off, it's just stuck.

ychachad

It will not budge. Does it need a tool? Does anyone know where I can purchase one? The dealer is not of much help. Thanks in advance.

mbtech208

As long as you have the 13mm bolt loose, it should come off. No special tool is required. Just keep working at it.

ychachad

You are absolutely correct. No special tool is necessary. The guys on the Benzworld forum had said a special tool was needed. The dealer got it out with simply a 13 mm socket and elbow grease. Thanks again.

mbtech208

You're welcome. The guys on the Benzworld forum obviously don't know what they're talking about

ychachad

Update: Thanks MBTech, again.

I got the filter changed at the dealer, as it was stuck the first time, but then I tried it myself, and inserted the long bolt a couple of inches and jiggled it, and pop, the lid came right off. This is actaully easier than removing a filter from a regular car. Thanks again MB tech, you have saved me $150 each time for an oil change. Yes, that's what the dealer charges for a non-synthetic oil change where I live, and nobody else in town will touch this car. MBtech, and you don't even have a Benz??? How come you know? What gives?

mbtech208

I'm a Mercedes-Benz technician, that's how I know By the way, where do you live that nobody will touch your car?

ychachad

I live in South Bend, IN, and no oil change place other than the dealer will touch it.
Off topic, BTW, what is your expert opinion on K&N filters? I want them for reuseability, and not any power gains, and right now I can get them for $30 each . The Mann filters in my car keep disintegrating into flakes in my car after about a year. I was reading several of your valuable posts, and you have answered many of my questions, but you have not addressed anything on K&N. Thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Y. Chachad

mbtech208

I haven't had much experience with K&N air filters, but the people who have used them swear by them. If you're looking for reuseability, they're "supposedly" good for a million miles. I only use the factory air filters in my cars, but then again, you also have to change them every 30,000 miles. $30 isn't a bad price for K&N though.