Changing air filter? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #1 08-15-2006, 03:16 PM

I'm doing some maintenence this week and am going to the parts dept. to pick up some stuff. Just looking at the various things I need to do and am wondering what the maintenence schedule should be as far as changing (or cleaning) the filter element in the air filter? I have no reason to suspect a problem, but was wondering if that's something that should be done as a preventative maint. item? None of the books I have list a specific mileage at which it should be done.

This is a 603, 300D.

Dale240D · #2 08-15-2006, 03:22 PM

if you have to ask, then it needs to be changed.

: )

Dale 240D

fastpakr · #3 08-15-2006, 03:25 PM

You'll see various recommendations for that, anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 miles. I'd go for the shorter end of that and just change it on an annual basis.

BodhiBenz1987 · #4 08-15-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastpakr

You'll see various recommendations for that, anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 miles. I'd go for the shorter end of that and just change it on an annual basis.

OK, I think I'm in the "change it" one ... I have records for the last 60k miles and no mention of the air filter being changed (does not mean it didn't happen ... my dad could have done it on his own, but he has so many diesels of all sizes, he can't remember ... ). I'll do it to be sure. Thanks for the ultra-quick responses.

#5 08-15-2006, 06:57 PM

blah

Hatterasguy · #6 08-16-2006, 12:05 AM

If I remember its about 30k miles.

Sounds like your way past due, not a good idea to let one clog on a diesel. Mileage will suffer and smoke will increase.

greasybenz · #7 08-16-2006, 01:50 AM

Why dont you pull it out and see for yourself. On my 603, when i first bought the car i did oil and filter changes since i never trust dealers.

Sure enough the air filter was black and had bugs, what looked like tissue paper, and other gunk on it. A synthetic oil and filter change did all the better in performance

BodhiBenz1987 · #8 08-16-2006, 09:02 AM

OK, bought the filter but ForcedInduction has me scared ... is it that easy to screw up? The "E Class Owners Bible" makes it look like a dum-dum job. What should I watch out for? How can I ensure that I don't A) knock dirt off of the old one or B) put the new one in wrong? I alway get a little apprehensive about trying new things, but if I never try, I'll never learn (trite, but no other way to put it).

fastpakr · #9 08-16-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

OK, bought the filter but ForcedInduction has me scared ... is it that easy to screw up? The "E Class Owners Bible" makes it look like a dum-dum job. What should I watch out for? How can I ensure that I don't A) knock dirt off of the old one or B) put the new one in wrong? I alway get a little apprehensive about trying new things, but if I never try, I'll never learn (trite, but no other way to put it).

It's not difficult. Just lift it straight out, and wipe out any debris in the housing (I'd suggest plugging the air passageway first). Drop the new filter in, tighten down the cover, and away you go.

Dale240D · #10 08-16-2006, 09:18 AM

the poster that said it shouldn't be messed with because of the danger it posed, needs to reevaluate whether he should be even touching an automobile.

dale 240D

fastpakr · #11 08-16-2006, 09:20 AM

Actually, what that poster said was 'until it needs to be changed', so you don't leave it out for some time such that it is exposed to the possibility of debris falling in.

networkboy · #12 08-16-2006, 10:30 AM

I always take a shop vac to the housing prior to opening it. Never had an issue on any car.
-nB

fastpakr · #13 08-16-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by networkboy

I always take a shop vac to the housing prior to opening it. Never had an issue on any car.
-nB

Yeah - that would be a great idea if you have a vacuum accessible. Reminds me that I need to get one into the garage on a permanent basis.

retmil46 · #14 08-16-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

OK, bought the filter but ForcedInduction has me scared ... is it that easy to screw up? The "E Class Owners Bible" makes it look like a dum-dum job. What should I watch out for? How can I ensure that I don't A) knock dirt off of the old one or B) put the new one in wrong? I alway get a little apprehensive about trying new things, but if I never try, I'll never learn (trite, but no other way to put it).

Just did it on my '87 last week. Owners Bible is right, pretty much a simple job. Way the filter is made, you really can't put it in wrong. Should be obvious once you pull the cover. Takes a 10 mm socket for the 4 nuts on top, just back to snug once you have the cover back on.

Hole in the bottom center of the housing is the outlet to the engine. If there is a lot of dirt in the housing, wouldn't be a bad idea to stick a rag down inside it till you get all the trash cleaned out. Just remember to pull it out before you close everything up!

Hey, the '87 is a piece of cake compared to changing the filter on the CRD. DC really made that a PITA evolution. BTW, I did Ranger1's V6 airbox mod to my CRD last weekend. Made a noticeable difference, got more spring in it's step, looks like fuel mileage went up slightly as well. Ranger1 also said if you leave the water dam trim piece off at the air inlet during dry weather, at speed you end up getting a ram air effect and the CRD REALLY takes off on the interstate.

#15 08-16-2006, 11:36 AM

The filter is an easy job. No intention to scare.