Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2010–2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK is rated Easy and takes about 20–35 minutes. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $35. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine air filter for 2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK (x2 on V6 models); verify engine, housing shape, and VIN fitment |
— |
$35.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Service-position hood and confirm the twin-filter layout
Open the hood and put it in the Mercedes service position — nearly vertical — so the long hood doesn't block your light over the engine. Identify your GLK350's engine: 2010–2012 cars run the M272 3.5L V6, while 2013–2015 cars run the M276 3.5L V6, and both use the same service concept. On this engine family the airbox is integrated with the engine cover — one large plastic assembly stretched across the top of the engine — holding two panel filter elements, one per side. If you only bought one filter, stop now: the GLK350 always needs a pair.
2
Remove the left and right intake ducts
Detach the intake ducts on the left and right sides of the airbox — they pull off their fittings at the fan shroud and at the air filter housing.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I close the lid and tug it. If it shifts, a clip isn't latched, and unfiltered air is getting in.
3
Lift the cover/airbox assembly onto the bench
Back the screws out with a T20 bit on a ratchet and lift the covers away, noting how each element sits. Pull the engine cover/airbox assembly straight up with both hands — it pops off its rubber mounts.
4
Remove the elements and guard the openings
Pull both old panel elements out and compare them with the new pair — same footprint, same pleat depth. Cover each exposed intake opening in the lower housing with a clean microfibre cloth right away; the service instructions explicitly call for covering the throttle/intake area while the box is open so no dust or hardware enters the system. Wipe the inside of both filter chambers and the covers with a damp cloth, clearing the grit that collects in the corners. Inspect the covers' sealing edges for warping and the lower housing for cracks around the screw bosses and mounts — heat-cycled plastic is the usual suspect when a GLK airbox whistles after reassembly.
5
Seat both new elements and close the covers
Set each new panel into its chamber so the filter edges fit snugly into the housing — the service sequence stresses correct positioning with no skewing, and on a twin-element box it's easy to seat one side crooked while focusing on the other. Press around the full perimeter of each element to confirm it lies flat. Refit the two covers and run the Torx T20 screws in by hand first to avoid cross-threading the plastic bosses, then tighten evenly with the ratchet. A cover that won't sit flush means its element is mis-seated — open it and fix it rather than forcing the screws.
6
Double-check the ducts and assembly seating
Double-check that both ducts are connected, no tools or cloths remain in the bay, and the assembly sits square. The whole design is shared with the C350/E350/ML350 of this era, so the same tug-test on each duct applies.
7
Verify the seal and log the service
Drop the hood out of the service position, start the engine, and listen for whistling around the airbox — the telltale of a duct not fully seated or a cover not sealing. Take a short drive with a few firm throttle applications; the 3.5L V6 should pull smoothly with no hesitation, and no warning lights should appear. Check the owner's manual for the replacement interval and inspect the pair of filters at least annually — dusty conditions clog them faster. Note the mileage so both elements get changed together next time.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Prying the cover/airbox assembly sideways and breaking its rubber mounts
- • Servicing only one side — the GLK350 has two panel elements, not one
- • Using the wrong Torx size on the airbox screws and stripping the heads
- • Forgetting to reconnect the intake ducts on both sides before starting the engine
