The 2016 E350 uses two separate air filters you may need to replace

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 has an engine air filter and a cabin air filter, and they serve different purposes. The engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine itself; the cabin air filter cleans the air coming through your heating and air conditioning vents. Both can be replaced at home with basic tools, though the cabin filter is the easier job. Engine air filter replacement typically costs $80 to $150 at a dealer if you have it done professionally, while cabin filter replacement runs $40 to $80.

Most owners find they need to replace the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and local air quality. The cabin filter usually needs replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Your owner's manual will give you the specific intervals for your vehicle, and your service records will tell you when each was last changed.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 E350 engine air filter sits in a plastic box on top of the engine and can be accessed by unclipping the lid and sliding out the old filter.
  • The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box and requires removing the glove box door to reach it.
  • Both filters cost between $15 and $40 each when purchased online or at auto parts stores, compared to $80 to $150 for professional engine filter replacement at a dealer.
  • Replacing either filter yourself takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no special tools beyond what most owners already have.

Locating and replacing the engine air filter

Open your hood and look toward the passenger side of the engine bay. You will see a black plastic box roughly the size of a loaf of bread sitting on top of the engine. This is the air filter housing. The lid is held down by two or three plastic clips on the sides. Press or pull these clips outward to release them, then lift the lid straight up.

Inside you will find the rectangular engine air filter. Note which direction it is facing — the airflow arrow printed on the filter frame should point toward the engine. Slide the old filter out and set it aside. Before installing the new filter, wipe out the inside of the housing with a clean cloth to remove any loose dust. Slide the new filter in, making sure the airflow arrow points the same direction as the old one did, then close the lid and re-engage the clips until they click.

Accessing the cabin air filter behind the glove box

Sit in the passenger seat and look at the glove box. On the right side of the glove box door, you will see a small lever or tab. Pull this lever toward you to release the door latch, then open the glove box fully. You may need to remove any items stored inside first.

Look up into the space where the glove box was. You will see a rectangular filter cartridge mounted horizontally in a slot. The cabin filter housing usually has two tabs or clips holding it in place. Press or pull these tabs to release the filter cartridge, then slide it straight out toward you. Install the new filter by sliding it back into the slot in the same orientation, making sure the tabs or clips re-engage to hold it securely.

Choosing the right replacement filters

For the engine air filter, search online for "2016 Mercedes E350 engine air filter" and you will find options from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket suppliers. OEM filters from Mercedes typically cost $25 to $40 and are may provide to fit. Aftermarket filters from brands like Mann, Bosch, or Fram usually cost $15 to $30 and perform similarly for most driving conditions.

For the cabin filter, the same search approach works. OEM cabin filters run $20 to $35, while aftermarket options cost $12 to $25. Both types fit the same way and work equally well at filtering pollen and dust. The main difference is that OEM filters come in Mercedes packaging and may have slightly tighter tolerances, but aftermarket filters are a legitimate choice for routine maintenance.

When to replace each filter

Check your engine air filter every 15,000 miles by opening the housing and looking at the filter surface. If it appears gray or caked with dust, replace it. If it still looks mostly white or light tan, you can wait longer. Driving in dusty conditions, on unpaved roads, or in areas with high pollen counts means you should check more frequently.

The cabin filter does not need a visual check — just follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual or replace it every 12 to 15 months if you drive in an urban area with higher air pollution. If you notice that your air conditioning or heating is not blowing as hard as it used to, or if you smell stale air coming through the vents, the cabin filter is likely clogged and needs replacement regardless of mileage.

Tools and supplies you will need

For the engine air filter, you need only a clean cloth and the replacement filter itself. No wrenches, screwdrivers, or other tools are required because the housing is held together by plastic clips that release by hand.

For the cabin filter, you also need nothing beyond the replacement filter. Some owners find it helpful to have a flashlight or headlamp to see into the glove box cavity, but it is not essential. Wear gloves if you prefer to keep dust off your hands, though the old filters are not typically dirty enough to cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the engine air filter without opening the hood?

No, the engine air filter housing sits on top of the engine and is only accessible from above. You must open the hood to reach it. The cabin filter, however, is accessible from inside the car through the glove box.

What happens if I install the engine air filter backward?

If you install it with the airflow arrow pointing away from the engine instead of toward it, the filter will not seal properly and unfiltered air will bypass the filter material. This can allow dust into the engine. Always match the direction of the new filter to the old one before installation.

Do I need to replace both filters at the same time?

No. The engine and cabin filters wear at different rates and have different replacement intervals. Replace each one based on its own condition and mileage, not together. You may find that one needs replacement while the other still has life left.

Is there a difference between OEM and aftermarket filters for the E350?

Both work well for routine driving. OEM filters are made by Mercedes and fit with may provide precision. Aftermarket filters from established brands like Mann or Bosch cost less and perform similarly for most owners. Choose based on your budget and preference for brand.

How do I know if the cabin filter is clogged?

Weak airflow from the vents, a musty smell when you turn on the heat or air conditioning, or reduced cooling or heating performance are signs the cabin filter needs replacement. You can also visually inspect it by removing the glove box and looking at the filter surface for heavy dust buildup.