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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: How to Replace Air Filters

An air filter lets your car breath in oxygen and generate power, so replace or upgrade your air filter to generate even more.

By Jerry Perez - June 5, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class w204 (2007-2014).

Air filters play a crucial role in making sure your engine performs as good as the German engineers at Mercedes designed it to. Air filters act as the nose of the car since they let it breath the necessary air to perform, and the air filter will either restrict or aid that flow. Which one do you think is better? At some point, your filter will become clogged and it will under-perform, which will require a replacement or an upgrade (for a less restrictive air filter). Whichever is the case, this is a step-by-step guide on how to change the air filter in your Mercedes-Benz C-Class w204.

Material Needed

  • Replacement filters

Step 1 – Open the hood and locate air box

The air filter is located inside the air box. The air box in your Mercedes-Benz is located directly to the right of the engine block. Once you locate it, pop the plastic clips located on the side in order to access the stock air filter.

  • Figure 1. Prop open the hood and admire your engine.
  • Figure 2. Take air filter cover off.

Step 2 – Replace filter

Now that you've uncovered the air filter box, grab the air filter with both hands and pull it out. If you are replacing it with the same style filter, all you have to do is set a new one back in its place. If you are replacing it with a different high performance air filter, it may require to remove the air box base and install a new one. Follow your filter's instructions if that is the case.

  • Figure 3. Stock replacement filter.
  • Figure 4. Aftermarket replacement filter.

With the new filters installed, reassemble the air box and start the engine, looking for any Check Engine Lights that could indicate a vacuum leak (bad seal). If everything checks out, then you are done.

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