2016–2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE - Engine Air Filter Replacement

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧 Easy 10-20 minutes $20 DIY

Save $70 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $90

Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2016–2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is rated Easy and takes about 10-20 minutes. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $20. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$20.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine air filter	—	$20.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Prep and locate the air box

Park level, brake set, engine off and cooled. The airbox sits low, crowded by engine-cover and bulkhead trim. Identify your engine before buying parts: the gas GLE350 takes one panel filter; diesel and turbo V6 variants take two.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

Don't guess from the badge — I've seen a GLE350 and GLE400 parked side by side needing completely different filters.

Open the air filter housing

Move aside the engine-cover and bulkhead sections (they unclip by hand). Remove the Torx screws around the lid — they're captive, so they won't drop in the bay — and lift straight up. If it hangs on the bulkhead, tilt slightly rather than dragging.

Remove the old filter and clean

Lift the old filter out, noting orientation, and compare it to the new one — shape, size, pleats must match exactly. Vacuum the box and wipe the sealing surfaces. Keep grit out of the intake opening; it goes straight to the turbo.

Install the new filter

Seat the new filter with its gasket fully in the groove, matching the old orientation exactly — gas GLE350 takes a single panel (e.g., MAHLE LX 3140); diesel V6 needs two. Press it flat with no raised corners, or the lid won't seal.

Reseal and verify

Refit the lid and snug the Torx screws evenly — plastic threads, so firm is enough; overtightening strips them. Replace the cover sections. Idle and listen for whistles; if throttle response feels off afterward, a shop can reset the intake adaptation data in minutes.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing the filter upside down or unseated so unfiltered air bypasses the element
• Leaving debris in the housing that then gets sucked into the intake
• Forcing clips/screws and cracking the plastic air box lid
• Reusing a heavily clogged filter instead of replacing it