This Mercedes Cabin Filter change process eliminates the glovebox removal process. It’s a shortcut you can try on any Mercedes with an easy to remove under hood airbox. In my opinion, it reduces the chance of breaking trim clips, loosing track of specific screw types and lengths. Let alone, makes it a quicker process. I’ll definitely change my filters more often now that I can do it this way.
I must say, proceed at your own risk, Yes you can beat up your hands doing it this way. But, to me it’s worth it. Plus I have 2-3 XL mitts and got through it relatively unscathed.
I see the interior behind the glovebox cabin filter access door is a Daimler-Chrysler-Jeep holdover design. In the jeeps I’ve owned, the inside job is easy! Squeeze the sides of the glovebox and the door swings down, then you have access to the filters. Not so on the W251 and more Benzes.