Anybody using K+N filters?
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
I have read mixed results- some proving NO improvement in performance from the drop-in filters.
I have the K&N on my BMS Intake and when I switched back to the OEM airbox- I missed the pull and the sound. There is a big difference in the sound- definitely more aggressive sounding.
I have the K&N on my BMS Intake and when I switched back to the OEM airbox- I missed the pull and the sound. There is a big difference in the sound- definitely more aggressive sounding.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Hong Kong
2010 C200 CGI
Same here, had the BMS with K&N Cone, then swapped to a smaller cone due to rubbing issues then switched back to a K&N panel filter as the cone filter was getting too much heatsoak. It pulls the same as a CLEAN paper filter but it's when the paper filter gets dirty that the K&N shines so to speak. It'll last longer per cleaning cycle compared to the paper filter.
Supposedly better mileage but I'm a lead foot so it's a moot point for me, pulls better than paper filter in the high RPM's used on the highway.
Someone has suggested BMC panel filters as the DTM cars use those but those are also cotton oiled filters. I'd like to try a foam filter eventually but not in any rush.
Supposedly better mileage but I'm a lead foot so it's a moot point for me, pulls better than paper filter in the high RPM's used on the highway.
Someone has suggested BMC panel filters as the DTM cars use those but those are also cotton oiled filters. I'd like to try a foam filter eventually but not in any rush.
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2013 c250, 2009 BMW 750i, 2010 Honda Accord, 1950 Willys Jeep, 1955 Hindustan Landmaster
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Hong Kong
2010 C200 CGI
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2013 c250, 2009 BMW 750i, 2010 Honda Accord, 1950 Willys Jeep, 1955 Hindustan Landmaster
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 33
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2013 c250, 2009 BMW 750i, 2010 Honda Accord, 1950 Willys Jeep, 1955 Hindustan Landmaster
Same here, had the BMS with K&N Cone, then swapped to a smaller cone due to rubbing issues then switched back to a K&N panel filter as the cone filter was getting too much heatsoak. It pulls the same as a CLEAN paper filter but it's when the paper filter gets dirty that the K&N shines so to speak. It'll last longer per cleaning cycle compared to the paper filter.
Supposedly better mileage but I'm a lead foot so it's a moot point for me, pulls better than paper filter in the high RPM's used on the highway.
Someone has suggested BMC panel filters as the DTM cars use those but those are also cotton oiled filters. I'd like to try a foam filter eventually but not in any rush.
Supposedly better mileage but I'm a lead foot so it's a moot point for me, pulls better than paper filter in the high RPM's used on the highway.
Someone has suggested BMC panel filters as the DTM cars use those but those are also cotton oiled filters. I'd like to try a foam filter eventually but not in any rush.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,375
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From: Hong Kong
2010 C200 CGI
Truthfully, no. Before we installed my custom muffler we had the entire exhaust from the downpipe off and I was revving it on the lift. I asked my friend what he thought of the sound from outside and he actually told me he didn't know I was revving the car. The OEM intake box muffles the intake sound quite well.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 556
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From: California
2008 Sport C-300, 2003 Accord Coupe V6
I just installed mine a few weeks ago, bought a pair at Autozone for $87. Just last week, my check engine light came on. Does it have anything to do with the filter?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,375
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From: Hong Kong
2010 C200 CGI
You'd have to pull the code to see what it is, but was your K&N packaging oily when you got it? I noticed on some of the recent K&N inventory, seems to be more oil than usual. It's possible you got oil on the MAF.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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C300 Sport 4matic
I installed k&n on mine. Light came on and took to dealership. MAFs was bad they said.. Drove around couple more days and light disappeared. Prob little oil got on there but either burned or worked its way off.. I like the sound I get not sure of mpg improvements as I am heavy footed
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 556
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From: California
2008 Sport C-300, 2003 Accord Coupe V6
No, it was pretty dry. I'll prob have it reset and drive around a little bit and see if it dries up.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Kelowna, BC Canada
2012 ML350 Bluetech
You will never get the money you spend on the filters back through fuel savings...power is negligable. The only upside is less maintenance, as long as you dont kill your MAF, you'll change your filters less.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 42
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From: Deltona, FL
2010 C300
In real world street driving, no, no advantage over clean paper. And seriously, how many of these cars will have a seriously dirty air filter.
It's common known fact they do pass more dirt through. If you were to do an oil analysis you will find elevated silica content if you are in a moderately dirty region.
You just perceive and increase in performance because of the sound. You have to be in the very upper RPM's to realize any minute gain, which you rarely see.
It's common known fact they do pass more dirt through. If you were to do an oil analysis you will find elevated silica content if you are in a moderately dirty region.
You just perceive and increase in performance because of the sound. You have to be in the very upper RPM's to realize any minute gain, which you rarely see.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
The surface area of the filters in these cars is pretty huge. This is another good reason that I wouldn't expect any gain from the K&N - just a risk of fouling the MAF and getting more dirt into the engine.
