Just went to change my air filter ('74 240d), and apparently it's NON-standard...meaning that the replacement filters from O'Reilly/Autozone/whatever parts places i've found on the web do not have them. So, I called the local Benz dealership...they want $150 for an AIR FILTER. It is also non-stocking, and the parts person said they'd never seen anything like it. It looks like a metalic cannister - complete with base - that, if it didn't have what looks to be a loose weave home air filter media in it, could be mistaken for a flower planter. Does anyone know somewhere else to get such a thing? Can i in some way convert the filter housing to something standard?

 

I think I found what you need for less than $15. ThePartsBin.com, P/N HAAF384, $14.24 plus shipping.

 

Thank you Drrty, but I figured it out. It turns out, after tons of time online, and more than a little time on the phone Friday, that my air filter IS a bit unusual - it doesn't need to be changed. On a specific few 240d models, as I as told by Benz parts, it took a strange little air filter. BUT, after talking to a guy at adsitco, it turns out it's a filter that was designed to last the life of the car....kind of a predessor to K&N filters. You remove it, soak it in solvent (I used mineral spirits), clean it out really well, and then re-soak it in oil. Called an oil bath filter. I was pleasantly surprised. I went ahead and followed the guys instructions, and man, does my car run better. Thank you again for your research!

 

No sweat, it took me less than 5 minutes. For what it's worth - those early reusable oil bath air filters let all kinds of crud pass through the fibre. I'd suggest retrofitting to the later type canister setup that utilizes the paper filter. Easier to service and much, much better for your engine.