nlpamg

This is a REALLY easy task, but I figured since I was doing it, that I might as well do a pictoral DIY.

This was done on my 2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan and I'm pretty sure it's the same across the board for 2003-2007 C230's (I tried it on an '07 C230 loaner, without replacing the filter of course) and it's probably the same for all w203's, but please check your specific model. Do this at your own risk, I am not liable for any damage to your car.

I had my car's Service B performed on Sat. (which was an ordeal which I may or may not post about...) and they recommended that they change my cabin filter. The dealer wanted approximately $98. I asked around and heard it was pretty easy (thanks MJ, Jose and Drex!), so I graciously declined. I bought the part from the same dealer's parts department for about $38 with tax. I did the task in about 3 minutes with NO tools while taking pictures.

Here's what you need:
Dust filter A 203 830 01 18


First locate where the cabin filter is at. It's right above the battery:




Pull up and un-latch the 3 latches:


at that point, the filter box will tilt down to the front.

Gently lift it up and out of the compartment:


Now that's a dirty filter! (I should have checked it before, but I guess they didn't replace it during my last service B.) It also looks like a filter that shouldn't cost more than $15, definitely not $38!


Gently squeeze and pull the old filter out and gently squeeze and slide in the new filter:


Insert the box back in, but line up the bottom of the back of the box with the front of the intake. Make sure the middle cutout and the two flaps line up.


Gently push the bottom of the front of the box up so that the box lines up and put the latches back on and secure the latches:


Now, you're done:


Go spend the $60 you saved on some gas or save up on some mods...

MJ50

glad that u didn't let the stealership take ur $60 away...

nlpamg

I would have never known if you hadn't told me! thanks again man!

splinter

That's

Excellent post, Phil!

Exactly what tools are required, and why is your hand so clean in the penultimate pic? j/k!

yeuchau

same for C320.
I took mine out last week, and was about time to change it

infected

How many miles before a replacement is recommended for these puppies?

RumbleUK

Pictures always help, yeah a real easy job well worth the bucks saved!

You can also get filters off eBay eg 1, 2 and sites like duval motor cars (enter the part number 2038300118 in the search box) for $20-25 (that includes p&p) if you're willing to order ahead of time or wait.

gregr09

great post.

BlackLiquorish8

nice DIY, oh wow last time i checked my filter was gray also def needs to be replaced soon... btw you should try that engine gunk that stuff works great and cleans the engine reaaal well

SeaCoupe

I never understood, why they put the Cabin Filter above the battery. Don't batteries put off fumes?

This DIY also applies to the MY 2002 Coupe.

Phil, did you hire a model for the arm shot?

E

nlpamg

haha, thanks John!

Well, I try to keep things clean when I work, but as Ed alluded, I may have hired a hand model! The next to the last pic could or not have been my hand!

Thanks Greg! I take it you're back in Charleston now...

Guess we're finding out it applies all over the board!

Yup, I got a model that we all would love on mbw, hairy, large and brown!

drexappeal

Too late now, but you're right. You can get it for around that price from Duval and/or OEMParts.

johnand

Just wanted to update this thread with some more information. The part number that Phil posted (A 203 830 01 18) is only the dust filter. It will strictly filter dust out of the cabin. If you want to also filter fumes and smell, you need the carbon impregnated filter, (Which by the way looks like what Phil originally had in there. I don't think his was really that dirty, just it has the carbon in it.) which is part# A 203 830 09 18

So for recap:

1)A 203 830 01 18 - Dust only cabin filter replacement element - $19.95 MSRP.
2)A 203 830 09 18 - Dust and fume/smell carbon impregnated cabin filter replacement element - $31.00 MSRP.

I just bought the carbon one from Duval Motors $24.18.

zoomie

awesome. thanks for the wonderful pics and clear instruction. Much appreciated!

nlpamg

pieces of ****! I gave the damn parts guy my vin and everything and he didn't tell me there were two of them.

I would have bought the damn carbon one. looks like I'll be replacing my filter prematurely, and by that I mean next month.

thanks John!

billbugger

Sweet, now i know where to jam that christmas tree air freshener :-p

paypaboi

Haha i wonder if that will work...id be nice to turn on the air and get a nice breezy smell for once.

Arn560

I f you really want to buy it cheap and replace every six months or so go to www.rockauto.com and you could get the filter for $4.75.
I check mine frequently & change when dirty. Same with air filter!

M-bENZ

Guys,

Is it the same location in the CLK W209 where the cabin filter is???

B189s

Is there an A/C filter in our car? I have this bad small coming out of my A/C and I just thought a new A/C filter would help if there's actually one in.

R6Tuan

the smell is most likely coming from ur ac evap. the odor comes from mold growing on ur evap and to get rid of it u most likely have to change out the evap.

FrankW

one way to some what get rid of the smell is to turn the heater all the way up and full blown it before you park it. It should keep the smell away for a while and then just repeat.

B189s

THX, will try that

BrabusAnt

Anyone try these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Benz-...Q5fAccessories

AzCamel

if your going to do the filter get the charcol one.. no stinky smells..