Where the air filter sits and what it does

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 has an engine air filter that traps dust, pollen, and debris before air enters the engine. On this model, the filter lives in a plastic housing on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the firewall. You can see it without removing other parts, which makes this a straightforward job you can do yourself in about 15 to 20 minutes.

A clogged filter reduces airflow to the engine, which can lower fuel economy and make the engine work harder during acceleration. Mercedes recommends checking the filter every 15,000 miles and replacing it when it looks visibly dirty — typically every 30,000 miles under normal driving, or sooner if you drive in dusty conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 E350 air filter is located in a black plastic box on the driver's side of the engine bay, held down by two clips you can release by hand.
  • You need only the replacement filter itself — no tools or additional parts — because the housing design does not require fasteners.
  • The correct filter for a 2016 E350 is Mercedes part number 272-094-03-04, though aftermarket filters from Bosch, Mann, and other suppliers fit the same housing.
  • Inspect the filter before replacing it; if it looks mostly clean, you can wait longer before buying a new one.

What filter to buy for your 2016 E350

Mercedes part number 272-094-03-04 is the factory filter for the 2016 E350. You can order it from a Mercedes dealership, but it typically costs $40 to $60. Aftermarket filters that fit the same housing cost $15 to $30 and come from manufacturers like Bosch, Mann, Fram, and Mahle — all of which make filters to the same dimensions and airflow specifications.

If you order online, confirm the part number matches your model year before checkout. The 2016 E350 uses the same filter across all engine options (the 3.5-liter V6 and the 4.7-liter V8 both use this housing). Do not confuse this with the cabin air filter, which is a separate part that cleans air inside the passenger compartment.

How to open the air filter housing

Pop the hood and locate the black plastic air filter box on the driver's side of the engine bay. It is a rectangular container roughly 12 inches long, sitting between the engine and the firewall. You will see two black clips on top of the box — one on each end — that hold the lid closed.

Press down on the first clip with your thumb until it releases (you will hear a small click). Do the same for the second clip. The lid will lift off easily. Inside, you will see the filter sitting flat against the bottom of the housing. Lift it straight up and out. The filter is not glued in place; it straightforward rests in the box, so it comes free with no resistance.

Inspecting the old filter before you replace it

Before you throw the old filter away, hold it up to a light source and look through it. A clean filter shows light passing through the pleats. A dirty filter looks dark or clogged with dust and debris. If the filter is mostly clean but has some dust on the surface, you can tap it gently against a trash can to dislodge loose particles and extend its life another few thousand miles.

If the filter is visibly clogged, dark throughout, or has any tears or holes in the pleats, replace it now. A damaged filter lets unfiltered air into the engine, which can cause premature wear on engine components. Do not attempt to wash or reuse a disposable filter.

Installing the new filter

Take the new filter out of its packaging and inspect it for any damage in transit. Slide it into the housing with the pleats facing up (the same orientation as the old filter). The filter should sit flat and level against the bottom of the box. It will fit snugly but should not require force to seat.

Once the filter is in place, lower the lid back onto the housing and press down on both clips until they snap into place. You will hear a distinct click when each clip locks. The lid should sit flush with no gaps. Close the hood and you are finished.

When to check and replace the filter

Check your air filter every 15,000 miles by opening the housing and looking at it — you do not need to remove it to inspect. If it looks clean, close the housing and check again at the next interval. If it looks dirty, replace it at that time rather than waiting for the next scheduled service.

Driving in dusty or sandy conditions, unpaved roads, or areas with high pollen counts will clog the filter faster than highway driving. If you regularly drive in these conditions, inspect the filter every 10,000 miles instead. Replacing a clogged filter is inexpensive compared to the cost of engine damage from running without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a dirty air filter?

Yes, but you should not for long. A clogged filter reduces engine performance and fuel economy. The engine will run, but it works harder to pull air through the blockage. Replace the filter as soon as you notice it is dirty to avoid unnecessary strain.

Do I need to reset anything after replacing the filter?

No. The 2016 E350 does not have a filter-change indicator light or any system that needs resetting. straightforward replace the filter and close the housing. The engine computer does not track filter age.

What is the difference between the engine air filter and the cabin air filter?

The engine air filter cleans air before it enters the engine for combustion. The cabin air filter cleans air that flows into the passenger compartment through the ventilation system. They are separate parts in different locations and have different replacement schedules.

Can I use a higher-performance or reusable filter instead?

Yes. Aftermarket performance filters and reusable filters designed for the 2016 E350 will fit the same housing. Reusable filters can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times, which saves money over time. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions if you choose this option.