Charcoal filter question
 

I put a new activated charcoal filter in my W210, and I can smell things from outside. I refitted the old one to check, and I could still smell fumes from other poorly maintained vehicles.

I don't have automatic climate control, its manual controls only, with aircon.

The filter can only go in the one way, and has a thin foam strip around it's circumference.

Am I missing something? I replaced the old one because of age and airflow, although the old one blocked all external fumes perfectly before I removed it. Has anyone else had this problem?

The part is 176, on here:

http://www.detali.ru/cat/MB/B83045000130.0390.gif

It slides up into a recess, and is covered by a plastic blocking plate (170/173)

I have been wondering if the charcoal type would be a good plan for the next replacement. Your experience doesn't sound too positive. What brand are you using?

There's two filters on the 210, normal before the fan, charcoal after. There is not a "charcoal type" option here.

Parrot, yours is active all the time? The position looks different from the automatic climate control system (as I have). My N22 has a button to activate the charcoal elements, but I never use it.

Mine is active all the time, and there is only one.

The part is an original MB part.