ML320CDI Fuel and Air Filters Changed
 

This job is not your average DIY job; and since the air filters have to be removed to access the fuel fillter, it's definitely a job to be done at the same time.

25K on my ML320CDI. Disassembly is major to remove and change the filters. (Why can't they make them as easy as the oil filter?!??!!) Neither the W164 nor the R320CDI Service DVD's provide complete instructions. It's a matter of removing this to get at that - some of which is intuitive and some of which is not. It'll take me 6-8 hrs before all is said and done. Next time it will probably be 2-3 hrs.

The air filters were so dirty that they were almost sealed over with trash. I'll bet my fuel economy and/or engine power improve with this maintenance.

My recommendation is to let your favorite trusted mechanic do it for you; and, no, I didn't take pictures.

As an addendum, on the GL320CDI the crossbrace between suspension towers is removed to permit removing the engine cover to get to the filters.

Possibly true, but we're talking about an ML320CDI here.

On the ML, there are two covers on the firewall that need to be removed in order to access the air filter housings; and these are not mentioned on the DVD when it comes to the gassers.

I just discovered that the ECU Adaptation needs to be reset when you change the air filters. Interesting!

All the more reason to let your friendly MB mechanic do the job.

ECU adapter reset?

Ok- seriously, I've rebuilt engines, replaced evaporator cores(W124)- how hard can an airfilter be?

Please share experience and what is needed to accomplish this task.

You basically need to remove two panels on the firewall and dismantle a whole lot of the air intake connections.

As to resetting the ECU, it is an option in the SDS. Not sure what it accomplished. Perhaps M.B.DOC can comment on this.