How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on Mercedes-Benz C, E, CLK, CLS, G, GLK, and ML-Class Models

Last updated: October 26, 2026

In this guide (5 sections)

1. Parts Needed
2. Instructions: How to Change the Engine Air Filter
3. Video
4. Applications
5. Related Reading

Check the maintenance schedule for your specific model. Many Mercedes-Benz models in this range specify engine air filter replacement at about 40,000 miles or 4 years under normal conditions. Replace it sooner when driving in dusty conditions. There are two engine air filters on these models, and both sit on the engine cover, as you can see in the pictures below. They are not the same thing as the cabin air filter, which cleans the air you breathe rather than the air the engine breathes and lives behind the dash: that is a separate job on the E-Class and CLS. Replacement is easy if you have a Torx tool set like the one below.View on Amazon → The job takes about 30 minutes. These instructions apply to the models listed in the Applications section at the end of this article. If you have an older M-Class, the 1998 to 2005 W163 is a different procedure and is not covered here. Below are step-by-step instructions and a video showing how to replace the engine air filters.

Parts Needed

Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter Element, (Set of 2)

Instructions: How to Change the Engine Air Filter

1. 1. Open the hood.
   2. Remove both air inlet ducts by pulling them toward the front of the car.
      
   3. Locate the engine cover. Grab it on the sides and lift it. The whole engine cover is held in place with four clips. Lift the engine cover straight up to release it from its mounts. No screws hold the engine cover itself.
   4. Flip the engine cover upside down and locate the air filters.
   5. Locate the four T25 Torx screws on each filter cover and remove them with a Torx bit.
   6. Remove the old air filter. Pull it out. Notice the orientation so that you can install the new filter properly. Vacuum or wipe loose dirt and debris from the filter housing. Do not allow debris to fall into the intake openings.
   7. Install the new air filter in the same orientation as the old filter.
   8. Remove the second air filter on the other side of the engine cover housing, and fit the second new filter the same way, in the same orientation as the one that came out.
   9. Refit both filter covers and put back the four T25 screws in each one. Eight screws came out, so check that eight go back in. They thread into plastic, so snug is enough; there is nothing to gain by leaning on them.
   10. Refit the two air inlet ducts you pulled off at the start, pushing each one home until it seats.
   11. Set the engine cover back on the engine and press down evenly until all four mounts are seated securely.
   12. That’s it. You are done!
   13. If you have questions, comments, or recommendations, please comment below.

Video

Applications

Mercedes-Benz: C230 2006 to 2007 | C240 2001 to 2005 | C280 2006 to 2007 | C300 2008 to 2012 | C320 2001 to 2005 | C350 2006 to 2011 | C55 AMG 2005 to 2006 | CL500 2000 to 2006 | CL55 AMG 2001 to 2002 | CL550 2007 to 2011 | CLK320 2003 to 2005 | CLK350 2006 to 2009 | CLK500 2003 to 2006 | CLK55 AMG 2003 to 2006 | CLK550 2007 to 2009 | CLS500 2006 to 2006 | CLS550 2007 to 2010 | E320 2003 to 2005 | E350 2006 to 2011 | E500 2003 to 2006 | E550 2007 to 2011 | G500 2002 to 2008 | G55 AMG 2003 to 2005 | G550 2009 to 2012 | GL450 2007 to 2012 | GL550 2008 to 2012 | GLK350 2010 to 2012 | ML350 2006 to 2011 | ML500 2006 to 2007 | ML550 2008 to 2011

Related Reading

• Engine air filter replacement on the M112 V6 and M113 V8, on YOUCANIC. That guide covers the older engines only, so it does not apply to the M272 and M273 cars in the list above