air filter

I replaced the air filter in the ML. The old filter was even on the bottom. Half of the new filter was shorter on the bottom. Why is it that way? Which side goes where? Also, what does FSS actually pickup? Just the oil quality or more?

Here's the picture of the filter I got.


Thanks

[Gilly]

Yeah, that's the new one. MB doesn't really spend any time telling us why they modify parts like this, so let the speculation begin!

The FSS evaluates lots of things to come up with the service interval. Oil quality is #1. Also time (including length of time a trip takes, such as short trips or day-long trips), miles, coolant temp, oil temp.

Gilly

Wow, that was a quick reply. Does it matter how I put the filter in. Should the half part be facing the inside of the car or the outside? So basically when the FSS is telling me that a service is coming up, I just do the oil change and top off fluids. Right? I'm trying to do A and B services myself, since the dealer wants $375 for B.

Thanks for your help.

[Gilly]

Changing the oil and filter and topping off fluids is better than nothing, but it's not a B service.

You can put the filter in any way it fits as far as I know, I don't dwell on it. If it were important they would tell us.

Gilly

[tabo]

why did mb change the filter style? the old style was all flat out.. now they made half of it the fins are longer and half short... saving on paper? haha.. i prefer to install it fins facing down... cuz most cars have it set up that way...

[Gilly]

Tabo:
As I already stated, they don't tell us their reasons for changes like this usually. If there were one "correct" way to install it, I am sure they would have told us or would have made it obvious somehow. But you are correct that the "fins" have to face down, just like the original.
Usually we see a change like this, speculate for a little while, then get on with our work, nothing to worry about.

Gilly