Guys,

I just replaced the air filter on my 97 C230 for the first time since ive owned the car. It has been done atleast once a year by my mechanic, but I had some free time so I did it by myself. After putting the housing back on, it doesnt seem like its on air tight, even with all the clamps. Is this usually a weird fit, it just doesnt seem right.

-Evan

 

Is the edges of the filter mounted into the grooves of the air box. Most airboxs have grooves and so should the filter an the cover is placed over it, I usually disconnect the cover from the the MAS and take it off completely on my C280 as then you can get the filter in much easier and make sure it is seated correctly.

 

I have the filter in there correctly, the top cover just doesnt seem to be on air tight. It seems to just be sitting on top, but is held down very tight by the clamps.

How do I know if the cover is on right?

 

Do a smoke test, if you smoke, or have a friend that smokes, start the engine and well running it at higer RPM at idle have a partner blow smoke to see if it is leaking into the box. Basic Lights are good, The partner will need to get close to the area around the top. But some airfilter have thick gaskets, so it could be OK. Do you remember how it looked before you changed toa new filter and is it the correct filter, did you but it from Benz dealer or an auto parts store?

 

I remember how it looked, but not exactly. I bought the filter from a Merc dealer, as I do all of my replacment parts.

I assumed all W202's had the same air filter box setup, maybe someone could see how the lid fits on.

 

I have a 99 C280 and the filter is squarish and drops in, I do diconnect the lide from the MAS to help fit it better.

 

Yep, i disconnect it as well and fit it in. Mine is squarish as well, but it seems that the lid isnt perfect. While the clamps keep it tight, im not sure if its on right.

 

Did you fit the top without the filter? to see if it is square to the box? Also, does your have a half round clamp with a longer handle that on my back is attached to the back of the box if your looking from the front of the car if you don't secure that clamp the top will not be tight, also it takes a bit of work to secure the long clamp it has to catch a groove on the lid a certain way of it won't hold. Also another way to check square is to turn the covr over and drop the filter into the cover and see how tigh the fit is.

 

If you still have the box, get the part number from it. Call the parts dept where you bought it and double-check whether you have the right filter. It sounds like it's the wrong one. Do it soon or they may not exchange it if it's the wrong one.

 

yes. they really don't snap-in easily.

you need to position them by pressing in the edges.