Cabin Filter after 50k Miles

[HTSS_TR]

Changed 2 cabin air filters in 2000 E430 last weekend, replaced Mann filters after 5 year with approximately 50k miles with Pro-Guard filters. The picture shows it wasn't too bad after 50k miles.

I used dryer sheets as pre-filter and replaced it every year when I do oil change. The dryer sheets were very dirty and catches some larger objects such as bugs, leaves and sands. I tapped the filter on garage floor lightly to get rid of dusts and sands, then reinstalled.

 

[Vikas]

fresh or used up dryer sheet?

 

[HTSS_TR]

Fresh dryer sheet.

 

[Vikas]

Do you tape multiple sheet together to cover the entire filter? I think dryer sheets will add significant restrictions in the air path.

 

[HTSS_TR]

No, I use 1 sheet per filter because it covers the filter almost perfectly. There are 2 cabin filter in the W210, so I use 2 sheets every year.

Dryer sheet is more or less to catch larger objects then fine dust, very little restriction to the air path.

The new filter with new dryer sheet has similar air flow with old ones, I think old filter can be used for another year or 2, but 5 years 50k miles is more than what I paid. Many changed cabin filter every year at around 10-15k miles.