2003 CLK 430 W208 K&N Air Filters?
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2003 CLK430 Cabriolet
2003 CLK 430 W208 K&N Air Filters?
On my previous domestic cars and trucks K&N air filters and systems were the go-to easy upgrade. Is this true for the W208 as well? Or is MB OEM just as good?
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1998 CLK 320
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 331
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1998 CLK 320
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From: The Heights, CA
Tesla Model S
I had the MAF meter on mine get messed up by K&Ns when I was still using an airbox setup. This was not after me cleaning it and re-oiling it. This was straight out of the package after about 5k miles. According to a before/after dyno I got maybe 2 wheel horsepower from the filters (peak hp only, not a consistent 2 hp across the power band). The bigger difference came from swapping my stock w208 430 airbox with the AMG airbox from the CLK 55. That added about 15 HP at the wheels. You might be able to dig up my dyno back when I did it (I posted it on here many years ago).
Your experience may vary but for me? Not worth risking a MAF meter replacement for maybe 1-2 hp.
Your experience may vary but for me? Not worth risking a MAF meter replacement for maybe 1-2 hp.
Last edited by Josh K; Aug 18, 2022 at 01:02 PM.
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CLK 430 cabriolet (208)
Great feedback Josh.
Do you think the place where are located the filter in the 430 (OEM configuration with filter laying on top of the engine) is the main reason there would be some oil to reach the MAF sensor?
In other words, does this problem affect the CLK 320 with the airbox in a different location, far away from the MAF?
Talking about my experience, I have a K&N filter in my Lexus RX450, nothing to highlight (in good or wrong way, maybe there is a little more "sound" at throttle time.
Other question, is BMC or Green more recommendable than K&N for this specific 430 m113 case? I believe I've read owners dealing with filters in the forums are Green user. BMC filters are stocks on some high perf Porsche 911.
Do you think the place where are located the filter in the 430 (OEM configuration with filter laying on top of the engine) is the main reason there would be some oil to reach the MAF sensor?
In other words, does this problem affect the CLK 320 with the airbox in a different location, far away from the MAF?
Talking about my experience, I have a K&N filter in my Lexus RX450, nothing to highlight (in good or wrong way, maybe there is a little more "sound" at throttle time.
Other question, is BMC or Green more recommendable than K&N for this specific 430 m113 case? I believe I've read owners dealing with filters in the forums are Green user. BMC filters are stocks on some high perf Porsche 911.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: The Heights, CA
Tesla Model S
I saw your other thread regarding using an airbox from a 320. I wouldn't do it. The time and expense you will go through to use an oiled filter isn't worth the gain you will get from said filter. You will get more HP and Torque by switching to the AMG box that comes on the AMG 55. That box with paper filters will out perform a 320 box with an oiled filter. Period. The plenum is larger, there are vanes inside to properly direct airflow, and the fact that it sits on the motor doesn't negatively affect anything because it has intake ports/hoses that go right to the front grill.
You're more than welcome to try out the 320 box. But unless it can beat a dyno tested and proven 19 rear wheel HP/13 lb/ft of torque on a 430 engine with no other mods, you're wasting money. Anything oiled will risk issue with the MAF.
You're more than welcome to try out the 320 box. But unless it can beat a dyno tested and proven 19 rear wheel HP/13 lb/ft of torque on a 430 engine with no other mods, you're wasting money. Anything oiled will risk issue with the MAF.
Last edited by Josh K; Sep 6, 2022 at 08:38 PM.
