2015–2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $125 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $150
Quick answer: Replace Cabin Air Filter on a 2015–2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is rated Easy and takes about 10–20 minutes. No tools are required for this job, and parts cost about $25. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
The options below are alternatives for the same part — you only need to buy one. Pick the one that matches your year and engine.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Air Filter (OEM 2058350147) | 2058350147 | $25.00 | |
| Cabin Air Filter (A-Premium APCA4584D) Optional | APCA4584D | $30.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Compare the options above and order the one that matches your vehicle — you only need one.
Follow these steps carefully
The W205 C-Class has TWO cabin filters: a fresh-air filter under the hood on the passenger side at the windshield base, and a recirculation filter behind the glove box. This guide covers the under-hood fresh-air filter.
Open and prop the hood. On the passenger side at the windshield base, find the plastic air-intake cover over the fresh-air filter housing — a separate, smaller cover from the engine's air filter box.
Release the intake cover's clips and lift it off — no tools needed on the W205. Set it down carefully; cowl-area plastic clips turn brittle with heat over the years.
Pull the dirty filter out and note the airflow arrow on its frame. Record its exact orientation before discarding it — the arrow is your only reference for seating the new one.
I've seen techs guess the arrow direction and seal the filter backwards — cabin airflow drops by half. Snap a phone photo of the old filter before you toss it; it's free insurance.
Wipe or vacuum the empty housing and brush leaves and grit from the surrounding cowl channel. Debris left here presses against the new filter within days.
Set the new filter in with its airflow arrow matching the old one's orientation. It should sit flat and fully fill the housing — any curled corner creates an unfiltered bypass.
Snap the intake cover back on until every clip seats, then close the hood. Run the climate system on fresh-air mode at several fan speeds. If musty odors linger, the recirculation filter behind the glove box is next.
In my experience, the under-hood filter is the easy one. If the cabin still smells musty after this swap, don't chase the evaporator — the recirculation filter behind the glove box is almost always the culprit.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
