Removing cowl and replacing filters on a W108 - Tips

[TroutMD]

I was going to remove the cowl to replace the worn out air filters below the windshield on my w108.

Two questions I had:

1. Any tips or tools I need in order to perform this task?
2. I cannot find OEM replacement filters anywhere online (and no MB dealers nearby). Any suggestions on cut-to-size filters I can use in lieu of the originals?

Thanks in advance.

[Idle]

They are out there. It will take a bit of Google work or a call to the dealer.

You are looking for two filters. The one on the right is Part # A108 830 01 18.

The one on the left is part # A108 830 02 18.

These are also known as Luftfilters, which is air filter in German.

These usually run about $30 each. That may seem high but is about right when you see what cabin filters cost for a newer car.

[124Coupe]

Agree to using the factory filters which fit the openings.

The cowl comes off after removing the screws along the bottom edge.

[Idle]

Originally Posted by 124Coupe

Agree to using the factory filters which fit the openings.

The cowl comes off after removing the screws along the bottom edge.

Yes, this really is a very easy thing to do. It is kind of weird the first time you do it since it seems like you are doing some major body work.

And you only have to buy news ones about once every twenty years since the filters can be washed out and reused a few times.

[124Coupe]

PS: If you're lucky, you'll find little plastic spacers which go between the cowling and paintwork along the top to protect the paint. They become brittle over time and are NLA.

[TroutMD]

Thanks guys!

For the life of me, I cannot find any online resource for those part numbers for the filters. Can anyone give me a lead to a website which still sells these?

Also, is there a trick to removing the wiper assembly which I assume must be done? Thanks again.

[124Coupe]

You can mail order them from the Mercedes Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California by calling
1-866-MB-CLASSIC.

The wiper assembly doesn't need to be touched. Just remove the chrome cowl.

[Steve_in_NV]

I know this sounds tacky and not OEM, but I used filters that go on a heat register for a house. At the time I did it I didn't look for factory replacements. Please no hate replies.

[TroutMD]

Thanks for all the excellent tips. I will order the parts from Irvine then.

Thanks again!

[Idle]

Originally Posted by Steve_in_NV

I know this sounds tacky and not OEM, but I used filters that go on a heat register for a house. At the time I did it I didn't look for factory replacements. Please no hate replies.

No need for the hate. And thanks for the reference to another source.

A friend of mine had a car with a cabin filter and could not find one with the active charcoal in it. So they made one from a filter for a house a/c system.

It's not like this is a visible part, and as our cars age there will need to be more and more solutions to routine replacement parts that are outside the norm.

For a real challenge try to find an oil filter for a 109 6.3 at your local parts house!

[kdjones99]

Originally Posted by TroutMD

Thanks guys!

For the life of me, I cannot find any online resource for those part numbers for the filters. Can anyone give me a lead to a website which still sells these?

Also, is there a trick to removing the wiper assembly which I assume must be done? Thanks again.

No need to remove the wipers. You just remove the chrome piece. It's held in place with screws along the bottom edge of the chrome. The screws might be hidden by the rubber gasket. When you remove the chrome, keep an eye out for the small plastic clips that are inside it's top edge. They are designed to protect the paint. They tend to crack or fall off.

[w1083]

www.authenticclassics.com also sells them.