Hi, I just got a new W210 cabin air filter that's supposed to be OEM MB, came in the right box etc., but instead of the usual heavy solid feeling box o' charcoal I got a pleated zigzag of charcoal impregnated media. I get filters for my Passat that're made of the same stuff, granted a lot less of it, and they are nowhere near as effective as the MB filter at eliminating odors. Has anyone had experience with the new style filter? Is pleated less effective?
TIA,
-Tom

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'96 E 3 2 0 (W 2 1 0) M 1 0 4 (Totalled)
Spaces in sig so as not to screw up the SEARCH; every time someone searches for that MB they don't want my sig!

2004 Audi A8L
'98 VW Passat 1.8T 5M
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5L 5M
'67 Impala convertible, 327cid

It might be more effective. PLeated makes more surface area for filtering.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Pleating on a filter makes it more effective; Tom's right.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Thanks for the responses. Sure pleating normally helps, but I should explain further. The old filter was >2cm thick and filled (I think) with powdered activated charcoal. The new one is made of a sandwich of filter medium and charcoal (or impregnated with it) which can't be more than 4mm thick, pleated into the old-sized case. The amount of charcoal (the stuff that actually absorbs the odors) MUST be only a fraction of the usual amount.

My big question is if anyone has had firsthand experience with the "new style" filters.
TIA,
-Tom

__________________
RIP "Betsy" (Oo=*=oO)
'96 E 3 2 0 (W 2 1 0) M 1 0 4 (Totalled)
Spaces in sig so as not to screw up the SEARCH; every time someone searches for that MB they don't want my sig!

2004 Audi A8L
'98 VW Passat 1.8T 5M
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5L 5M
'67 Impala convertible, 327cid

Mine has new filters, and the only difference I can tell is my knowledge that the filter is no longer full of tree debris.

Point being, you'll never know the difference.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles