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K&N drop in filter

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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:25 PM
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6spd c300
K&N drop in filter

I have searched and read through the other threads about the K&N filter and I have a few questions about it:

I was wondering how many of you have had it for a while (at least a couple months) and think it's a worthwhile mod?

I haven't been able to find a DIY on it, and was also wondering if it's a hard mod to do.

My biggest concern has to do with the sound. People have said there's a slight change in sound. One of my biggest peeves about intakes is the hissing sound they make. Does the filter on a C300 make the hissing noise?

Thanks in advance!
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:44 PM
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nope no hissing sound. haven't had any problems with mine.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:46 PM
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I've had it for less than a month, but I'm on the fence about if it was worth it or not. I'll probably know more after I get my ecu tuned. It's an easy DIY. If you've ever changed air filters yourself, it's as simple as opening the filter casing, removing, and dropping. For our cars, the extra step would be removing the engine cover. Still, for the near $90 price tag, it'll probably be worth it financially if you plan to clean/oil the filter, but there's a risk to doing so.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:50 PM
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Good news about the no hissing sound. Does the engine sound a little meaner though?

Also, yea, I plan on oiling the filter myself very carefully... i've read a lot about the risks of over-oiling the filter.

I also read about some ridiculous mpg claims that I'm having a hard time believing. Are either of you experiencing a significant mpg gain because of the filter?

thanks again!
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:52 PM
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It's not significant. I did notice a slight increase in MPG, but I could also attribute that to varying driving style. I'd have to compare it on long drive which I haven't gotten around to yet.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:53 PM
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i think it depends on your driving style.....mine is horrible so i really could tell you sorry
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by sp1derm00
I have searched and read through the other threads about the K&N filter and I have a few questions about it:

I was wondering how many of you have had it for a while (at least a couple months) and think it's a worthwhile mod?

I haven't been able to find a DIY on it, and was also wondering if it's a hard mod to do.

My biggest concern has to do with the sound. People have said there's a slight change in sound. One of my biggest peeves about intakes is the hissing sound they make. Does the filter on a C300 make the hissing noise?

Thanks in advance!
this is a filter, not an actual intake so there will be no hissing sound. you get that from bad seals on the intakes. sounds like a turbo spooling up. listen, if your not familiar with the engine bay or comfortable pulling things apart yourself and your not constantly taking the air box apart and cleaning the debris out you may just want to leave the paper filters in there. chances are you will over oil it, it will get on the filaments, you will burn out the o2 sensors and you will end up replacing the MAF...for what? As i've said in previous posts on this subject...I leave the paper filters in when driving day to day...when on the track or thinking about the dyno...that is where you want every gain possible so thats where they should be used. Otherwise your flirting with damaging major components motor for 1-2 hp gains and maybe a gallon of gas every 300 miles??? if your dying to do it...get the K&N drop it in...keep it for 20-30k, throw it away and get another. x's 2 of course. PS...these engines have very high compression ratio's so they get pretty hot. hence the oils are MORE likely to run and burn.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:28 PM
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No one has yet to have a problem with the "MAF" with the C Class and I honestly doubt anyone will. I don't suggest re-oiling the K&N's but buying new ones everytime you want to change the filters. The reason I love mine is my mpg increase and I feel its worth it.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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No reason to throw it out.Follow the directions and don't "marinate" it and you'll be fine.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 06:20 PM
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in 6 months there will be multiple posts...CEL is on...don't know why...HELP!! ECU is spitting bad 02 sensor codes...mark my words. coming from tuning m3 e46's for years where the oil had to be sucked up from practically the ground (cold air), no SC, then horizontally another ft until it hit the MAF. it happens, no matter how little oil you use. i've changed my share of MAF's and sensors and granted, they fail on their own but 9 out of 10 times you can see the burnt areas on the filaments from the excess oil. look at where the MAF is located in these (w204) engine bays...directly under the filters. so now, literally nothing has to be done. the oil can simply drip down and burn the filament. some ppl need diy's to get the engine covers off...i simply was saying be careful...if you need a diy to get the plastic covers off, you probably shouldn't be swapping parts...even something as simple as filters. 50 bucks for a filter or a few grand replacing 02 sensors and the MAF + labor +2 days at the dealership...cuz you know they won't be doing it themselves....whatever you decide...GOOD LUCK.
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 06:30 PM
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Only time will tell. We'll see, so far no problems but you never know. Can't always be paranoid but also can't be too risky. This mod I felt was borderline so I went for it lol
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 09:16 PM
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i put a K&N in my wifes Kia Rio 1 year ago and she drive alot going to school and have not had any problems yet..........cleaned it and reoil it about 4weeks ago when i go mine still no light.
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 09:39 AM
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I put in the K&N's yesterday in the afternoon and this morning the CEL came, i verified that the airbox was on properly and snug but the CEL remained on, I wasnt near my home where the stock filters are so I cant change them out.. it's been a matter of a day and already a CEL? what gives?

these were sealed and brand new, and factory oiled.
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by angeloxnet
I put in the K&N's yesterday in the afternoon and this morning the CEL came, i verified that the airbox was on properly and snug but the CEL remained on, I wasnt near my home where the stock filters are so I cant change them out.. it's been a matter of a day and already a CEL? what gives?

these were sealed and brand new, and factory oiled.
Are you certain you have the small black hose on the front of the cover seated properly?
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 10:25 AM
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yes, i even pullled over on the highway (what a sight to see a new benz on the side of the road)

all clips, the MAF seem to be lined up and yes the rubber hose near the front (left) intake tube is in
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 11:19 AM
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Nearly everyone I know who have used K&N have had problems with various sensors down the intake, getting gummed up with oil residue.

I tried them on a few cars but always returned them because they made no difference except more intake growl.
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 12:25 PM
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got 'em! no problems. ive had them for about 3 months now and they rock, not really any HP gains but i do notice better gas mileage on a daily commute. they make the sound a little deeper, throaty if thats a real word.
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 12:53 PM
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I didnt notice a difference in mpg or horse power.. there def isnt a sound difference, just leave in the stock filters
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Old Nov 10, 2008 | 02:13 PM
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There is really no noticeable performance gain from K&N drop in filters, unless you go for air intakes replacement....

StickyZ is right, unless you are willing to maintain it, you should just stick with paper drop in... K&N drop in for our car is like getting a rear end spoiler, its all in the mind...
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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 12:34 AM
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well if u compare the size of the filters the K&N's are half the size and it would seem they would allow more air volume into the airbox. i just wonder why i now have a CEL the day after install
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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 12:43 AM
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A what?

Originally Posted by Flame3g
i put a K&N in my wifes Kia Rio 1 year ago and she drive alot going to school and have not had any problems yet..........cleaned it and reoil it about 4weeks ago when i go mine still no light.
There's something wrong with this picture. You are driving a new Mercedes and your wife is driving a Kia Rio, the lowest form of automotive life on the planet?

Gimme her number, I'm gonna call her tomorrow. You be in trouble.
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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 04:50 PM
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Does AEM sell a dry filter for our cars? Would be cool.
Lots of issues regarding K&N's & the MAF sensors malfunctioning on my 911 too... but i had no issues w/ my E46. im gong to stay away for now.

http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=32
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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 06:12 PM
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should i put the stock filters in before i go to the dealer to check out the CEL?
or should i just leave em in?
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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 07:20 PM
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if its easy to take them out, i would, especially since you have a CEL on.
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