A filter element comprises a pleated metal fiber fleece being pleated according to pleating lines providing an edge with pleat openings to be closed in order to make gas flowing through the metal fiber fleece. The filter element further comprises at least two flanks, each of these flanks comprising a stiff material layer. The stiff material layer and the metal fiber fleece are connected using a layer of ceramic adhesive, which prevents direct contact of the metal fiber fleece over the length of the edge of the metal fiber fleece with the flank. Meanwhile the flanks, being essentially perpendicular to the pleating lines, closing the pleat openings in order to prevent bypasses.