Replaced the air filter this weekend. Cover (w/5 clamps) did not want to fit flush no matter how many times I adjusted it. Is this supposed to fit flush or can it be elevated a little bit as long as the clamps are fastened tightly ???

__________________
1998 C230
1994 Infiniti J30T
1984 BMW 318i
1987 VW Golf GT
1975 Buick LeSabre Conv.

Yeah, I agree about the charcoal filter. Can't smell any smog when driving behind and old SMOKEY car or a truck.
Works wonderfully.

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

I know this thread is incredibly dated, but I also have a 1998 C230 and am having the exact same problem. It's kind of pissing me off.

I'm not sure anybody can give me any advice? Perhaps when I go back at it with some patience and rest I'll get the cover to fit flush. It's a tight work area and the one clamp is a *****.

It is an optical illusion of sorts. They made it really strange. On the side nearest the passanger fender it is not even. So when you have it on correctly it looks like it is on wrong. Study it carefully and you will see what I mean. I have know idea why anyone thought that was a great idea.

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra