Air cleaner over the years
 

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2d8d8bf3f.jpeg
Changing my air cleaner in my 2011 SL550 and wonder why they can’t have a simple design like the old days!!

Well, the newer filters are better both ion terms of increased volume of air and their ability to filter out particulate. Since the pull air in from the bottom, any large particulate will drop to the bottom of the housing instead of getting stuck in the filter. And then there's the fact that the new design is a cold air intake system. Honestly, I don't have an issue changing the air filters. it's just a few more screws to deal with than those antiques.