I just replaced the air filter in my 1980 500SE. The old filter was smaller than the space that its supposed to fit into and was ripped across the top in order to fit in. At the parts place buying the new filter I noticed this one was the same size as the old one. Upon questioning this, the salesman insisted it was the correct size and there were no other larger sizes in that type of filter. So when installeing I was super careful when trying to fit this one in so I wouldnt rip it. With careful stretching I was just about to get it into the spot when it ripped. So I've just stuck it in witht he rip like the old one.

Is the filter in this car supposed to be smaller than the space it goes in? If so, how are you supposed to install it? Or have I been given the wrong part? (filter didnt come from a authorized Benz place)

 

that's right. those air filters are really smaller on the inside diameter. it fits snugly and reduces the vibrating sound whenever you blip the accelerator.
i always like tight one better than loose.

 

Hi flyingphil, our friend sleepwalker is correct, you may want to try a K & N filter. They last a life time with proper care. about 50.00 bucks

 

Never heard of K & N. I'll have a look around for other filters sometime. I've seen heaps of other old Mercs with torn filters around here. Its impossible to fit the ones supplied here them without tearing them. I can't remember what brand it was.

 

i never heard of 1980 500SE anyway

Mercedes 126 Chassis
Model Years Chassis # Engine #
300SD 81-85 126.120 617.951
300SDL 86-87 126.125 603.961
300SE 89-91 126.024 103.981
300SEL 88-91 126.025 103.981
350SD 91 126.134 603.970
350SDL 90-91 126.135 603.970
380SE 84-85 126.032 116.963
380SEL 81-83 126.033 116.963
380SEC 82-83 126.043 116.963
420SEL 86-91 126.035 116.965
500SEL 84-85 126.037 117.963
500SEC 84-85 126.044 117.963
560SEL 86-91 126.039 117.968
560SEC 86-91 126.045 117.968

 

Well they exist. There isnt a compliance plate on my car cause its was a Private Import from Hong Kong but it would have to be old cause it has the old style air conditioning dials.
On my registration papers it says 1980.
Vin\Chassis Number is: WDB12303622006824
Engine number: 11796122006788
It acutally says its a SEL but its a SWB.
I dont think your models are acurate, theres 300SE and SELs from 1986 here. And thre are 420SEs. There were also 560SEs in Europe. And they made the 500SE and SEL right from 1979 to 1991.

 

Flyingphil, 126 model starts from 126 chassis number too. my best guess is that your engine is 117.961.

you can use two types of air filter according to EPC (electronic parts catalog)

(1). 001 094 78 04

(2). 002 094 69 04 for countries having dusty roads. this is what SANDDOG recommends.

 

Typo sorry, Vin\chassis number does start with 126. As the engine number starts with 117961 I'd say it was a 117.961 engine.
Thanks for your help anyway, I'll have a look for another filter.

 

I had the same problem... try turning the filter "inside out" - it should be flexible enough to do. The fins should be on the outside, not the inside. Many filters come with the fins pointing in so they aren't damaged during shipment. When you twist the filter so the fins are pointing out, the filter will fit around the metal cowel.