Two Scoops

I have a 2003 S430 4matic and after changing the oil, I couldn't seem to get my new filter to fit. I've tried a FRAM CH8481 and MANN HU718/5x, both of which are supposed to fit my vehicle. The MANN filter has black marks which indicate how far the filter is supposed to slide into the filter housing, and the closest I could get it was about 1/4 - 1/2" away. There's far too much resistance if I try to reinstall the housing with one of these two filters. This is the first time I've tried to change the filter since buying the car from an individual, and the filter he had in it is noticeably smaller than either of the two that are supposed to fit. It also looks like it may have been crushed down when installing originally, because the fins of the filter are in a bit of a spiral pattern rather than vertical.

I can get some pictures if needed, but I'd like to see if anyone has an idea before I go make an oily mess.

Thanks in advance!

Two Scoops

**SOLVED**


The plastic oil filter housing that the filter slides onto was compromised; the circular piece at the bottom of the post which the filter slides down on was marred such that the filter couldn't move far enough down. I ordered a new aftermarket filter housing off of Ebay, and each filter slides down and mounts properly in the new housing.



In summary: oil filter housing damaged, replaced with aftermarket housing and works great - no problems with the brands of filters I was trying.

cowboyt

Good deal that you found it and posted the update. Thanks. That MANN filter is the one I use on our V8 cars, too.

For the record, mostly aimed at future viewers of this thread, Genuine-MB filter housings are also available from MB online dealers for a pretty good price.

wallyp

Even with name-brand filters, there are two choices of filters - paper or fleece. I strongly recommend a fleece.filter from Mann.