[kcfoxie]

Fellow electric owners, I understand that a Torx T90 is the specific bit needed to replace the battery desiccant filter. However, these bits seem to be quite expensive ($30+); which seems outrageous for a single use application. So, I decided to offer up an alternative. I've designed a T90 bit with a knob base to make filter changes simple, and easy. This is a 3D model made in TinkerCad (try it! it's free!); and will be made available on Thingiverse once I finalize a few things. The prototype was able to remove a dealer-installed filter and re-install it (hand tight). Given the concern about the 14ft-lb torque spec, hand tightening seems to be the best way to avoid breaking the plastic threads. What are your thoughts? I am more than happy to make and ship one to any owner who would like one.

 

[lebikerboy]

Exactly same design as a Shimano crank bolt tool except for a knurled edge.
Works well and doesn't allow for over tightening easily...

 

[sokoloff]

Keep in mind that a 14 mm Allen works too. They are pretty easy to find. Nice of you to offer the real thing though.

Len

 

[kcfoxie]

Exactly same design as a Shimano crank bolt tool except for a knurled edge.
Works well and doesn't allow for over tightening easily...

Oh wow, I had no idea that part even existed.

 

[sokoloff]

$5.32 and free shipping on Amazon. If anyone has used it, let us know how it worked.

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Hollowtech-II-crank-arm-tool-TL-FC16/dp/B000F5JOT8

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 4,000 miles

 

[gewitzt]

Long story made... longer? Sorry.

Yesterday I had my ED in for its annual state-mandated safety inspection. I asked the mechanic if the station worked on smart EDs, given that my "stealership" is miles away and not real smart-friendly. "No," was the answer. "They really don't need any service."

Well, except maybe for replacing the dessicant cartridge. "Bring it in and we'll gladly give it a shot."

So, enlighten me, please. I know vaguely that this cartridge needs to be replaced, but how often, and by whom? Is this a user-serviceable item? Where does one purchase it?

I'd like the comfort of knowing there's a local place I can turn to if I need service, but what service might I need?

 

[Pinan]

$5.32 and free shipping on Amazon. If anyone has used it, let us know how it worked.

Too many teeth. 8 instead of 6.

 

[sokoloff]

Long story made... longer? Sorry.

Yesterday I had my ED in for its annual state-mandated safety inspection. I asked the mechanic if the station worked on smart EDs, given that my "stealership" is miles away and not real smart-friendly. "No," was the answer. "They really don't need any service."

Well, except maybe for replacing the dessicant cartridge. "Bring it in and we'll gladly give it a shot."

So, enlighten me, please. I know vaguely that this cartridge needs to be replaced, but how often, and by whom? Is this a user-serviceable item? Where does one purchase it?

I'd like the comfort of knowing there's a local place I can turn to if I need service, but what service might I need?

DIY jobs on a car don't get easier than replacing the desiccant cartridge. You can do the job in five minutes and you don't even have to jack the car up. It can be reached from the just in front of the right rear wheel. Service calls for it to be replaced every two years. Cost is just over $50. Can get it from any Mercedes dealer or you should be able to, because it also works for the electric B class, so every dealer ought to have it in their available parts list whether they were ever a Smart dealer or not. I use a discount dealer in NC that sells them for about $52 with no shipping and no sales tax.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 4,000 miles

 

[sokoloff]

Too many teeth. 8 instead of 6.

Good catch. If anyone finds the right one, let us know. I'll still be using my 14 mm Allen - works great.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 4,000 miles

 

[gewitzt]

DIY jobs on a car don't get easier than replacing the desiccant cartridge. You can do the job in five minutes and you don't even have to jack the car up. It can be reached from the just in front of the right rear wheel. Service calls for it to be replaced every two years. Cost is just over $50. Can get it from any Mercedes dealer or you should be able to, because it also works for the electric B class, so every dealer ought to have it in their available parts list whether they were ever a Smart dealer or not. I use a discount dealer in NC that sells them for about $52 with no shipping and no sales tax.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 4,000 miles

Fortunate you. I did a quick online search for Mercedes parts, and if there were awards given for zero finds, I'd win one!

Even the MB dealer I bought my E class from doesn't have an online parts department. I'd like to avoid the MB-former-smart dealer if at all possible.

 

[MB DNA]

I did a quick online search for Mercedes parts, and if there were awards given for zero finds, I'd win one!

$44.25

Part # 789-340-33-00

https://www.mbpartsusa.com/oem-parts/smart-dehydrator-7893403300

 

[Blaine]

Fellow electric owners, I understand that a Torx T90 is the specific bit needed to replace the battery desiccant filter. However, these bits seem to be quite expensive ($30+); which seems outrageous for a single use application. So, I decided to offer up an alternative. I've designed a T90 bit with a knob base to make filter changes simple, and easy. This is a 3D model made in TinkerCad (try it! it's free!); and will be made available on Thingiverse once I finalize a few things. The prototype was able to remove a dealer-installed filter and re-install it (hand tight). Given the concern about the 14ft-lb torque spec, hand tightening seems to be the best way to avoid breaking the plastic threads. What are your thoughts? I am more than happy to make and ship one to any owner who would like one.

@kcfoxie I'd be more than happy to print out the model and test. PLA or PETG should be fine.

For myself I did order a T90 from China (U$ 21 delivered [60-90 days]) because I figured that all said and done, I'd spend more time enjoying the modelling and printing process than it would take to get the metal tool etc. Plus metal strong <grunt>

I picked up the cartridge from the MB dealer here for C$ 34 after tax. Its vacuum sealed but I still threw it in the freezer for storage.

 

[gewitzt]

$44.25

Part # 789-340-33-00

https://www.mbpartsusa.com/oem-parts/smart-dehydrator-7893403300

Cool, thanks! Fits all smart EDs? Mine is a 2015 451.

 

[Blaine]

Cool, thanks! Fits all smart EDs? Mine is a 2015 451.

Ours is a 2014 451 so I'd say so. The part number is right, the picture looks wrong.

Here's a 'real' one

 

[sokoloff]

$44.25

Part # 789-340-33-00

https://www.mbpartsusa.com/oem-parts/smart-dehydrator-7893403300

Yeah, but also $35 or so for shipping which is outrageous.

This Mercedes dealer sells it for $51.75 with no shipping and no sales tax as long as it is shipped outside of NC.

https://www.oediscountparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=215242

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 4,000 miles

 

[kcfoxie]

Lots of good info here! @Blaine I've posted the design (as a work in progress) on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2827163

 

[centralohcpl]

Here is my changing tool. Perfect fit. 9/16 in bolt head and double nuts for moving both in and out with the cartridges

Change time 5 minutes. Took longer to locate correct bolt in my tool chest.

Bobby


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Yinzer]

Here is my changing tool. Perfect fit. 9/16 in bolt head and double nuts

Perfect! Of course, a shorter grip-length bolt would be even better. The trouble, you'll never be the next tech-billionare "maker" with that design!

 

[PixelLindy]

Here is my changing tool. Perfect fit. 9/16 in bolt head and double nuts for moving both in and out with the cartridges

Change time 5 minutes. Took longer to locate correct bolt in my tool chest.

Bobby


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for posting this. worked perfectly.
BTW, is the smell from the old filter normal?
smells like LiPo.

 

[centralohcpl]

Perfect! Of course, a shorter grip-length bolt would be even better. The trouble, you'll never be the next tech-billionare "maker" with that design!

I've been a Linux user since '94... so anything I do I usually offer up for free anyway..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk