MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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In this guide (5 sections)
These instructions cover engine air filter replacement on 1998 to 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 models, including the ML320, ML350, ML430, ML500, and ML55 AMG. This is an easy job that you can complete in about twenty minutes. All you need is a new filter.
Parts Needed
How to Replace the Air Filter
- Open the hood using the hood handle in the driver’s footwell.
- When the handle extends from the radiator grille, pull it fully out, then raise the hood.
- Locate the air filter.
- Disconnect the two clips that connect the air filter housing to the MAF sensor housing. Be careful not to lose the rubber gasket that goes between the two. If the seal comes out, reinstall it before reconnecting the housing.
- Unhook several tabs that hold the air filter housing cover in place.
- Pull out the old air filter and note its orientation.
- Install the new air filter.
- Lock the clips back in place. Make sure the rubber seal between the housing and the MAF sensor is seated, because an air leak there lets unmetered air into the engine.
Video
Part Number and Fitment
Mercedes part number 604 094 13 04 (also written 6040941304). The same filter fits these models:
| C220 C-Class 202.022 111.961 from 1994-1996 |
| C230 C-Class 202.023 111.974 from 1997-1998 |
| C230 Kompressor C-Class 202.024 111.975 from 1999-2000 |
| C280 C-Class 202.028 104.941 from 1994-1997 |
| C280 C-Class 202.029 112.920 from 1998-2000 |
| C36 AMG C-Class 202.028 104.941 from 1995-1997 |
| CLK320 Cabrio CLK-Class 208.465 112.940 from 1999-2003 |
| CLK320 Coupe CLK-Class 208.365 112.940 from 1998-2002 |
| ML320 ML-Class 163.154 112.942 from 1998-2003 |
| ML350 ML-Class 163.157 112.970 from 2003-2005 |
| ML430 ML-Class 163.172 113.942 from 1999-2001 |
| ML500 ML-Class 163.175 113.965 from 2002-2005 |
| ML55 AMG ML-Class 163.174 113.981 from 2000-2003 |
Check Engine Light After the Job
If the check engine light comes on after you change the filter, the usual cause is the housing not clipped tight to the MAF sensor or its seal out of place, which shows up as lean codes such as P0171 and P0174. Our guide to Mercedes codes P0170 to P0173 explains them, and a Mercedes capable scanner such as the UCAN-II Pro shows the fuel trims live, so you can confirm the leak is gone before clearing the codes. While the hood is open, the W163 cabin air filter is the other filter worth checking.
Before you buy parts, scan every control module, not just the engine. It shows the root fault behind the warning lights and tells you whether the problem is still active. See how to do a full health check.
