Air Filter MANN C17 217/1 Rebuild

I had no luck finding a new air filter for my old Mercedes. Rather than fitting a new air box I decided to rebuild it using a similar filter.

The original air filter was produced until around 2001. It's still available in some countries, but not in my region. My Van is a MB L407D (309) with OM616 Diesel engine (2.4L) from 1986.

• old Air Filter MANN C17 217/1 to be rebuild. Note: The rubber seal in the lid has to be in working condition!
• new Air Filter MANN C17 217
• pincers
• wire cutter
• solvent (e.g. silicone remover)
• screwdriver
• ms polymer adhesive (or other suitable adhesive)

Here's the part number of the original filter:

• MERCEDES-BENZ A0020949604
• MANN C17 217/1
• HENGST E274L

Dimensions:

• Height: 230 mm
• Inner diameter: 86 mm
• Diameter: 166 mm (Lid: 198 mm)

I used a quite similar filter to rebuild the old one. The dimensions are nearly exactly the same.

The main difference is the tin lid: While the original filter comes with a bigger lid that seals the air box, this one has a small lid. I don't know if the paper is the same and allows the same air flow. Since it's used in the more powerful Mercedes 290 GD (W461) with OM602 Turbodiesel engine (2.9L), I assume it should be fine. However, I can't guarantee it works for your engine. If you are unsure, consult a mechanic.

Dimensions:

• Height: 230 mm
• Inner diameter: 86 mm
• Diameter: 165 mm

Here are some part numbers of the donor filter:

• MERCEDES-BENZ A0020943504
• MERCEDES-BENZ A0020944004
• MERCEDES-BENZ A0030944104
• MANN C17 217
• HENGST E266L
• FILTRON AM417/1

Remove the lid with some pincers. Start with bending up the edge and gently peel the sheet metal off. Try not to destroy your donor filter.

Take care not to leave any metal parts or dust inside your filter! Don't worry if you have minor damages on the sealing compound as on the picture. They can be repaired (next steps).

Now it's time to take apart your old filter. This step is a bit challenging, since filter and tin lid are held together by resin.

Cut away the perforated sheets with a wire cutter. Remove the pleated paper and the rest of the perforated sheets with pincers. Be careful not to hurt yourself. The resin is hard to remove. Soak it with silicone remover (or other solvent), cover it and let it sit for one day. Now the resin should be a bit more flexible. Remove it with a screwdriver. This was the hardest step on my filter.

Clean the lid and paint it. Now it's ready to be reused.

Damages on the sealing compound of your donor filter can be filled with ms polymer adhesive (or similar). Use enough adhesive - don't allow the air to take a bypass through your filter!

Apply the adhesive laminary on the contact areas of your old lid and the new filter and put them together. Don't use more adhesive than you need and measure if your new filter has the same hight as the original one. Otherwise, it wont' fit perfectly.

Let the adhesive dry.

You're done with the rebuild! Put the filter in your air box and check if it seals perfectly. Test drive it and enjoy!
You should check your air filter regulary.