Need guidence on how to change air filter on a 2000 500 SL. All I see is plastic on the top of the engine no clips etc.

 

You should be able to pull the entire plastic piece off without any big deal. There are just some clamps underneath that hold it on. The air filter(s) then should be easy to locate. I have a '02 CL500 and had a tech at MB show me how this is done. Good luck!