C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

K&N Drop-in Air Filters (C55)

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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Mercedes C55 AMG
K&N Drop-in Air Filters (C55)

I just got K&n air filters and am ready to install them. However, I've been hearing that the oil in them causes mass air flow issues. Is it true that I'm supposed to let the filters dry out first? or should I reconsider putting these in? I've heard great things about k&n, but have also been told about the oil's side affects. What would you guys suggest? I know that a lot of members on here have K&Ns.

-Mike
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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I've run them before without any issues. Lately, however, I've been sitting on the fence a bit. Nothings wrong with letting then dry out a bit in the sun (depends where you live I guess) prior to using them. You'll get more opinions regarding the use of K&Ns than there are stars in the sky....

Last edited by wawy; Jan 17, 2012 at 09:21 PM.
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 10:09 PM
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Just wipe them to get the extra oil off it and than you should be fine!
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 08:47 AM
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I think most of the problems people see with them is during the cleaning/oiling process. I tend to think most people that had maf issues probably over oiled them then toss them right back into the car.

I've had K&N drop ins for the last 3 years with no issues at all. When I reoil though I let the filters sit out of the car overnight to dry before installing.

Originally Posted by wawy
You'll get more opinions regarding the use of K&Ns than there are stars in the sky....
X2

Last edited by thegreatfnr; Jan 18, 2012 at 08:49 AM.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by thegreatfnr
I think most of the problems people see with them is during the cleaning/oiling process. I tend to think most people that had maf issues probably over oiled them then toss them right back into the car.

I've had K&N drop ins for the last 3 years with no issues at all. When I reoil though I let the filters sit out of the car overnight to dry before installing.



X2
Exactly. Dropping in new filters isn't necessarily the problem, its when people go to clean them and drench them with oil.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 10:37 AM
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+1
I have been using one in a vehicule since around 10 years and no MAF problem. Just make sure you oil the correct side of the filter after cleaning and don't apply too much oil spray
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:20 PM
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You're just supposed to oil the outside of it right? The visible area?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:29 PM
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i had them on my modified c55 for 2 years and never had any issues at all
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:42 PM
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Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll make sure the filters are dry before I put them in
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:49 PM
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a week or 2 after oiling them, you may experience strange issues like stalling or bad acceleration. If/ when this happens, just clean the MAF with MAF cleaner (no other cleaner!) and you'll be good as new until the next time you clean/oil the filters. I do mine like twice a year if I remember.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 04:46 PM
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I havent had them in before. I just got them shipped to me. I'm putting them in for the first time, but im gonna wipe and dry the oil off before I put them in. The last thing I want is for there to be MAF issues.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 11:08 PM
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when you clean and oil them use a shop vacuum to remove excess oil... make sure you let them sit in the sun for a few hours after this process... ive done it on my old clk500 and my new c55 it works fine...
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 02:06 PM
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 01:05 AM
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I have had K&N in my car for 3 years now and no issues.

To clean you dont always need to completely wash out and re-oil. By doing the refresh kits you can over oil or wear out the membrane doing it to frequently, and its really not necessary.

I just remove the filters and lightly bang them out over a junk towel on a table to knock out the excess dirt, lightly brush the fins to remove loose and caked on stuff, and use a very small vaccum detail tip on a shop vac in each ridge to remove excess loose dirt, bang out again, and 1 more vaccum pass. Then put them back in the car and just fine, and like new. No worries about over oiling or anything.
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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 01:54 PM
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I ran K&Ns in both of my CLK55's with no issues. If you are that concerned, return the K&N
s and get AFE Dry Flows, I am running them in both my current AMGs. No oil to worry about.
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