Can the air freshener canister be filled with something other than from the dealer?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 160
Likes: 26
From: NC
2019 S560
Can the air freshener canister be filled with something other than from the dealer?
I have a 2015 S550 with the air freshener option that is in the glove box. My canister is empty. I had someone tell me that one can fill it with any kind of scent of there own without the need to buy a $100 or more new one from the dealer. Is this true and how do you do it?
Any help would be appreciated.
Any help would be appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I have a 2015 S550 with the air freshener option that is in the glove box. My canister is empty. I had someone tell me that one can fill it with any kind of scent of there own without the need to buy a $100 or more new one from the dealer. Is this true and how do you do it? Any help would be appreciated.
The top of the container is difficult to unscrew. But if you cut the seal around the cap and use enough torque it unscrews like any typical jar. I use alcohol-based, off-the-shelf New Car scent spray that I got from the local car parts store and just pour it from the spray bottle into the jar.
Don't use oil-based scents as the heavier oil can gum up the tubes in the system.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,277
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
It's easy. I have done it in my '16 S550 coupe.
The top of the container is difficult to unscrew. But if you cut the seal around the cap and use enough torque it unscrews like any typical jar. I use alcohol-based, off-the-shelf New Car scent spray that I got from the local car parts store and just pour it from the spray bottle into the jar.
Don't use oil-based scents as the heavier oil can gum up the tubes in the system.
The top of the container is difficult to unscrew. But if you cut the seal around the cap and use enough torque it unscrews like any typical jar. I use alcohol-based, off-the-shelf New Car scent spray that I got from the local car parts store and just pour it from the spray bottle into the jar.
Don't use oil-based scents as the heavier oil can gum up the tubes in the system.
Allow these to protrude from the air vents 
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Any Yankee Candle Diffuser Oil will work. The OEM fluid is oil-based not alcohol, which would evaporate extremely quickly. Very simple to remove the lid, just cut the 1" wide clear seal on the OEM container.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I had always read that the original scent was alcohol based. So that is what I have used with good results. But after reading your post I checked one of my scent containers - Freeside Mood - and it is definitely oil based.
So I learned something new today. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
I do it all the time. I use my cologne in the bottle so that I don't have conflicting fragrances. I happen to use Curve cologne. I also notice the fragrance more so than the MB products.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 826
From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
I have found that most cologne only lasts for a few months before the cologne evaporates because it is alcohol based. The scented oils work much better and last for a long time, much like the factory scents.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Urban Naturals
I ordered a scent called "Warm Vanilla Amber" made by Urban Naturals from Amazon.
Personally, I think it's perfect. $15.99 with free shipping. They have 28 different scents to choose from. I cleaned out my original MB container with alcohol to remove the OEM scent. You received enough oil to totally refill your MB Container four to five times.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 319
Likes: 67
From: Brentwood, TN.
2020 E53 CABRIOLET 2021 S580 (TRADED), 2023 EQS580 SEDAN SEDAN
Just got my 2021 S580, installing my fragrance jar, is there a seal on the jar or do you just take out of the box and install?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 319
Likes: 67
From: Brentwood, TN.
2020 E53 CABRIOLET 2021 S580 (TRADED), 2023 EQS580 SEDAN SEDAN
Question: On a new canister do you just take out of the box and install or is there a seal on the jar that has to be removed before you install? I installed, it on the limit and smell nothing?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
No seal. Just take out and install. I've noticed that I never get a whiff of the scent unless I'm taking a fairly sharp turn. I think the bottle has to be shook up to emit the scent.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 319
Likes: 67
From: Brentwood, TN.
2020 E53 CABRIOLET 2021 S580 (TRADED), 2023 EQS580 SEDAN SEDAN
Thanks for the info, that makes sense seeing that the top openings have a sponge like material, I'll give it a good shake, thanks again!
