air filter change - remove battery?

[jamesbrady50]

Hi all
just want to change the air filter on r171 slk200, i think it's been well over the service interval.

looking at this youtube video it appears to just be 6 screws and an in-out change.

https://youtu.be/VBYHPBx-Y3k?si=cSGEqdNucjJYTHKm if hyperlink does not work

On the cover of the box for the air filter there is a sign showing a spanner with a voltage symbol. silly Q but new to servicing cars myself, should i disconnect battery before removing these screws? the youtube guide doesn't seem to.

thanks in advance from newbie to home car-servicing

Edited by jamesbrady50 on Wednesday 8th January 13:00

[jamesbrady50]

[Stegel]

I don’t have any experience of that model, but on the 7 MBs I have changed air filters on there has never been a need to disconnect the battery. Some have an electrical connector to disconnect, serving a sensor in the air box or inlet tract, but I have just unclipped that.

[trevalvole]

I'm no expert, but I'd be inclined not to disconnect the battery for the following reasons:

1. You'll probably have to re-set the stop point for the frameless electric windows as that information may be lost;

2. Other systems may object to the interruption of electricity.

I suspect the warning is about being careful to not short out the battery (or something directly connected to the battery) with a spanner or similar. Or to not lick the battery. I'd just be careful.

In case you weren't aware, from the video it looks like they used a T25 torx to undo the screws.

[Dog Star]

The sticker is to warn you to look in the manual if doing electrical gubbins.

I’ve never had to remove a battery to change an air filter on any of our seven SL(K)s or myriad other Mercs (12).

[5s Alive]

The sticker has fulfilled its intended purpose in making James question what he should be doing. Perhaps it has the makings of a RTFM smiley.

[jamesbrady50]

Thanks all for your help.

Pleased to say the University of youtube alongside the PH forum were very helpful and have completed my first bit of car maintenance on the driveway without electrocuting myself. Hopefully the start of more learning.

Thankfully the engine is shared among a few cars of that era so a Haynes youtube video of the equivalent C200 proved very handy(and advised to bring a microfibre and hoover which were both needed!

Before and after photos below - maybe i am overthinking but swear it idled a bit smoother afterwards. Will give it a test this weekend.