Upgrading Air Filter
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
'02 E430 Sport, '73 450 SLC, '57 300 SL
Upgrading Air Filter
I am interested in upgrading my air filter on my '02 E430. Has anyone here done this? I am trying to decide between replacing the stock element with a K&N one or replace the entire air box with a unit with a K&N cone filter. Any thoughts for those with experience with either would be helpful.
Thanks,
Todd
Thanks,
Todd
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 2
From: Arizona, USA
W205 C300
Just replace the stock element with a K&N drop in filter. The cone filter under the hood will be drawing in the hot air around it unless you shield it well. You want cooler air going in the engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
Likes: 3
From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
K&N is worth it
I've been a fan of K&N for years, first with motorcycles, then with cars.
Depending on the brand of your stock paper replacement you'll pay anywhere from $12 to $35 and the K&N that will drop into your stock airbox can be had for about $40 (for example, autopartswarehouse.com, performance parts link; the filter for the 210 chassis is their sku#332184, plug that into the performance part # search).
K&N lets your engine breathe better because it flows more air than a paper filter. Not coincidentally, it also filters more finely, thus protecting the engine better. The breathing aspect typically improves both mileage and performance.
The caveat: if you drive a lot, you may hate taking care of the K&N since you periodically have to wash it, let it dry overnight and then re-oil it. I have a friend who runs about 2,500 miles a month; he bought two, so he always has a fresh one ready to swap out when the urge strikes.
I definitely agree with the other reply: don't go for those cheap kits that will leave your filter sucking in engine compartment air. They don't look that nice and I wouldn't be surprised if they're less efficient than stock. Some day a reputable company, such as Volant or K&N, may make a kit for our Deutchmobiles, but until then...
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
Depending on the brand of your stock paper replacement you'll pay anywhere from $12 to $35 and the K&N that will drop into your stock airbox can be had for about $40 (for example, autopartswarehouse.com, performance parts link; the filter for the 210 chassis is their sku#332184, plug that into the performance part # search).
K&N lets your engine breathe better because it flows more air than a paper filter. Not coincidentally, it also filters more finely, thus protecting the engine better. The breathing aspect typically improves both mileage and performance.
The caveat: if you drive a lot, you may hate taking care of the K&N since you periodically have to wash it, let it dry overnight and then re-oil it. I have a friend who runs about 2,500 miles a month; he bought two, so he always has a fresh one ready to swap out when the urge strikes.
I definitely agree with the other reply: don't go for those cheap kits that will leave your filter sucking in engine compartment air. They don't look that nice and I wouldn't be surprised if they're less efficient than stock. Some day a reputable company, such as Volant or K&N, may make a kit for our Deutchmobiles, but until then...
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
