SL/R230: How long does it take to replace air filters?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How long does it take to replace air filters?
The answer is "it depends". Finally got to do it, and found that on one air filter cover one screw is broken, and on the other cover - three are broken. Out of four mind you. Obviously there in no way to drill out the broken piece of metal screw out of the plastic, so I just cut the plastic bosses around with metal saw, removed upper part, and then was able to remove the remnants of the screws out. Then I glued cut off pieces back in place, now waiting for the epoxy to hardened, before adding some glass fiber cloth on the outside of the joints for strength (total of about 48 hours). Now comes the question: where can I get the screws to replace the broken ones. What would the correct nomenclature be? These are 37 mm long thread forming screws with torx washer head. Thread diameter is 5 mm, thread length is about 15 mm, the remaining portion of the screw does not have a thread. Any ideas?
P.S. I know that I should be able to find some suitable wood screws, but then I'd have to drill out larger holes in the cover for them not to grab the cover, but only grab the bottom part of the enclosure.
Thanks.
P.S. I know that I should be able to find some suitable wood screws, but then I'd have to drill out larger holes in the cover for them not to grab the cover, but only grab the bottom part of the enclosure.
Thanks.
Last edited by alk247; 05-10-2017 at 01:48 AM.
#2
Senior Member
One potential consideration is filling the original holes with TAP Silicone (or other suitable fill) and then re-drill a new pilot hole in the TAP Silicone and use the original sized screws.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Original sized screw - is the problem. Where can I get them? So far no luck anywhere.
#4
Senior Member
Stop by your home depot and pick up a package of 8-32-1 1/2" screws. Should work fine. I seem to remember the original screws are special order from Germany for some Gawd awful price of like $9-$10 each, plus shipping.
#5
Senior Member
Just a suggestion: you might take the broken screws to a Fastenal store and ask the people there to come up with a match. Good luck, Mate. Please let us know how you get this sorted.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you have an Ace Hardware nearby, they usually stock all sorts
of screws. You could probably find something very close to the
original (including torx head) for around $0.40/each.
of screws. You could probably find something very close to the
original (including torx head) for around $0.40/each.
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Leester (05-11-2017)
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#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tried that. They gave me a sheet metal screw which might work, but thread seem to be too shallow. Will look for a better fit.
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Heatwave (05-13-2017)
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
A whole new engine cover/air cleaner housing is not terribly expensive:
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...Y4LWdhcw%3D%3D
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...Y4LWdhcw%3D%3D
#11
MBworld Guru
OK, no way am I using duct tape to fix my car! Well, wait, I did use some temporarily on my backup camera wiring due to a running splice, but I have since replaced that with a longer wire and now no duct tape. But seriously, you do need to be concerned about any "pieces" on the downstream side of the filters getting sucked into the intake. Just make sure your patch job is 100%.
#12
Super Member
Ebay
Not worth the trouble to fix at that level of repair unless they're no longer available used or new
You can even upgrade to an AMG case (used ) for <new replacement cost
Good luck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2006-Me...RYgTwe&vxp=mtr
Not worth the trouble to fix at that level of repair unless they're no longer available used or new
You can even upgrade to an AMG case (used ) for <new replacement cost
Good luck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2006-Me...RYgTwe&vxp=mtr
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; 05-11-2017 at 10:33 PM.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
OK, no way am I using duct tape to fix my car! Well, wait, I did use some temporarily on my backup camera wiring due to a running splice, but I have since replaced that with a longer wire and now no duct tape. But seriously, you do need to be concerned about any "pieces" on the downstream side of the filters getting sucked into the intake. Just make sure your patch job is 100%.
Speaking of short cuts. Somebody mentioned that glove compartment on the SL55 he had bought was glued shut. This is an unacceptable short cut in my book. But using Velcro would've been just fine. Both appearance and functionality preserved.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ebay
Not worth the trouble to fix at that level of repair unless they're no longer available used or new
You can even upgrade to an AMG case (used ) for <new replacement cost
Good luck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2006-Me...RYgTwe&vxp=mtr
Not worth the trouble to fix at that level of repair unless they're no longer available used or new
You can even upgrade to an AMG case (used ) for <new replacement cost
Good luck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2006-Me...RYgTwe&vxp=mtr
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
By the way. While installing air filter assembly, I noticed a metal pipe sticking up just behind the plastic cover (towards fire wall). It looks like some sort of dipstick could be in there, but there nothing. No cover, no dipstick. Any idea what it is?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#16
MBworld Guru
You should have two dip tubes - one for engine oil, on for transmission fluid. The oil dip tube will be visible with the engine cover in place and should have a round cap on it. The transmission dip tube will be under then engine cover and is supposed to have an anti-tamper cap, similar to this:
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You should have two dip tubes - one for engine oil, on for transmission fluid. The oil dip tube will be visible with the engine cover in place and should have a round cap on it. The transmission dip tube will be under then engine cover and is supposed to have an anti-tamper cap, similar to this:
Last edited by alk247; 05-13-2017 at 12:52 AM.
#18
MBworld Guru
Having a dipstick is a good idea, but unfortunately it's not designed to be left in place with the engine running. Instead you need the cap:
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...UtMGwtdjgtZ2Fz
This is labeled as the "dipstick", but it's just a simple "plug" for the top of the tube - no "stick".
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...UtMGwtdjgtZ2Fz
This is labeled as the "dipstick", but it's just a simple "plug" for the top of the tube - no "stick".
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Having a dipstick is a good idea, but unfortunately it's not designed to be left in place with the engine running. Instead you need the cap:
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...UtMGwtdjgtZ2Fz
This is labeled as the "dipstick", but it's just a simple "plug" for the top of the tube - no "stick".
https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...UtMGwtdjgtZ2Fz
This is labeled as the "dipstick", but it's just a simple "plug" for the top of the tube - no "stick".
So this is what I was planning on getting. Thanks again.