ggms16

Many things have been said about the K&N Filter for the C230 Kompressor M271 Engine.

I read many times that these filters won't add power at all, could damage MAF sensor, etc. But the true for me is that I decided to purchase and install this filter because of its cost (50$ against 30$ stock) and the fact that it will be the last filter I will ever use.

The surprise came the first time I drove my car with it. It Does feel better at low RPM's, I won't notice any improvement in acceleration times from 0-60 or 1/4mile, it won't also be night and day difference, but there is a very welcomed low-mid range torque gain that you can feel the first few minutes you're driving with the filter.

Also when you are going 30mph and want to accelerate to something like 70mph, you feel the engine going smoother and it wont need to 'over-rev' (load a previous gear) as often as it would with the stock filter.

It's important to mention that the old filter was 3k miles old, so it wasn't dirty enough.

Here is a pic of the filter installed and you can also see the old filter near.

Recommended? YES!

jtalbert

ok, then it was not my computer, I deleted my post because I was viewing another forum heading with photos that did not show, so I thought it may have been your pic, but then I refreshed the page and I saw it on the other page, refreshed this page and saw it. Cool deal. Its about time for me to get new filters for my car too and trying to decide on stock or not..

ggms16

I fixed the image as requested.

Go ahead and buy the K&N.. I already have 1k miles with it, no problems at all and I'm very happy with the improved performance.

W203E35

K&N filter sucks!! I had a premature MAF failure like most people who used K&N and got their MAF destroyed. I believe it's a hit or miss with this. They say you are fine if you dont overoil it. But some people claim even factory they are oiled up the ...

I'll be returning to stock filters soon. At first I felt a good power gain but then I believe my MAF adjusted to it because it kind of went away after couple of days.

P.S. I've had mind for little above 25k miles.

FrankW

K&N works just fine in my 204.

ggms16

I'm not sure if you should blame the filter for that. I know many people with premature MAF failures on this car without a K&N... My filter didn't seem to be over oiled and I will also be careful next time I clean it.

25k miles is a lot, you should have serviced it yourself maybe a couple times already. How do you know that it wasn't your fault by over oiling it?

Like I said, this is my very personal review, I know this is a very sensitive topic.

capt_paul

My K&N filter was part of the Kleemann boost kit that I had installed last year. I haven't had any issues with the filter and/or MAF sensor. I use a paper element when I have the K&N out for a cleaning and reoiling in order to let the oil penetrate the filter and avoid any excess oil from being introduced into the intake.

I guess the key is to let the filoter dry completely before oiling and not to over oil the filter

LawRens

Exactly this.

After buying NEW k&n filters, it is advisable to leave them in the open air to dry a few hours before installing them. But if you insist on installing them right away, be sure to turn on the car after the new filters are in and let it idle for about ten minutes, so the MAF sensor does not get gummed up with excess amounts of oil. The suction from idle will be enough to slowly dry the oil without harming the MAF sensor. But i would prefer the former over the latter.

But with that being said, I hold pretty firm that little (1 bhp at most) to no gains are felt without at LEAST a reset or ecu tune.

pcy

this topic comes up on almost all forums every 6 months...

these kinds of discussions go nowhere... they just go in circles...

ggms16

I know that.. That why I put in the title very clear "MY VERY PERSONAL OPINION"..

I just wanted to share my feelings on the filter.

pcy

enjoy the car :-)

jtwillia2

Agreed. I've put a K&N filter on every car I've ever owned, it was always the first 'mod' - and I always felt a slight difference in low-end torque. Haven't had any problems with mine on my W203, it's been on for about 10k miles.

W203E35

That's why I say it's a hit or miss. I didn't service it yet. Many claim the K&N caused a MAF failure and for many they haven't had any problems. I'm not saying my MAF failure was 100% caused by the filter but if there is a slight chance I say forget it. What's the benefit? Maybe 1-2hp gain if that?
I also strongly feel (even though it's oiled to catch dust and such) the filter does less filtering than a paper filter. But to each their own. If the filter floats your boat they by all means go for it. But for me it sank my boat lol

boschk

Had K&N in a number of cars. NEVER a MAF failure. Out of the box, pull them out of the plastic, place on a piece of cardboard and let them sit for a day. When you reoil them, don't goop the stuff on an again, let a fresh filter sit overnight before installing.

polarbexar

160K miles and a K&N from day 3. No problems with my car, I rotate two filters once it's clean, it sits for several months in a cabinet to air out.

ggms16

Great news!

I think I'm doing the same.

C_steapsC230

What do u guys mean by oiling it? I just switched from stock to k&n and didn't do anything to it just threw it in

neurodave

They come oiled from the factory, but will require a good cleaning and re-oiling further down the road. The box should state what the cleaning intervals are. This is why they are a "lifetime" filter, because they can be cleaned over and over again and be reused after proper oiling. They sell a kit to do this.

I'm personally on the fence about getting these. I'd have to buy 2 for my C320, and I recently replaced my filters with some OEM ones. I have always had a K&N in all my cars, though. It especially woke up my Daytona Charger when I had it. It gained a bit more UMPH and made a nice sound driving.

elektron3030

I guess having to buy two filters would suck, but I would still go for it. I think it's worth it if you want to keep the car. I have installed a K&N filter on every vehicle I have owned, and not one has given me any problems related to air intake.

Glyn M Ruck

K&N airfilters simply don't do a very good job. I would not touch them.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...mp%3BN+filters

Glyn M Ruck

Sorry. That link has gone down. New link to same report.

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html