K&N Air Filters?
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Newbie
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2004 E320
K&N Air Filters?
Anyone out there have changed their air filters to K&N? Any difference or problems? I think the oil on the filter might give the airflow intake sensor problems in the long run, but not sure?
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Looked for 2004 -> Mercedes-Benz -> E320 and found this 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E320 3.2L V6 F/I
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From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
The oil can and does cause problems with the MAF.
Why does everyone think they need more airflow?
Why doesnt anyone ever ask why MB doesnt use K&N as OEM?
Name one manufacturer that does use K&N as OEM......
Why does everyone think they need more airflow?
Why doesnt anyone ever ask why MB doesnt use K&N as OEM?
Name one manufacturer that does use K&N as OEM......
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Senior Member
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From: Riverwoods, Il
2005 E55 AMG
K&n filters work great when installed properly. Newbs were over oiling them & not letting them dry long enough before installing. They now come pre oiled so you don't have to worry about reading the directions, just install.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 36
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From: B. C. Canada
2005 E320 CDI
I agree TM Allison
What is the point?
Is there anything to indicate that these engines are short on air. They have a powerful air pump(turbocharger). Oil analysis results of K&N show dirt values higher
What is the point?
Is there anything to indicate that these engines are short on air. They have a powerful air pump(turbocharger). Oil analysis results of K&N show dirt values higher
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Thread Starter
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2004 E320
I just installed my K&N air filters on my 2004 E320 Sedan. The part number is 33-2181. It took me only 10 minutes. I use K&N in all my cars...BMW, Toyota and Honda in the past and have not yet experienced any problems with the oil. I do see minor changes with increase in gas mileage, horsepower, and of course not changing filters every 20K miles or so. I recharge the filter once a year using their cleaning kit. And I made sure I do NOT over oil the filters. Good luck!
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
I just installed my K&N air filters on my 2004 E320 Sedan. The part number is 33-2181. It took me only 10 minutes. I use K&N in all my cars...BMW, Toyota and Honda in the past and have not yet experienced any problems with the oil. I do see minor changes with increase in gas mileage, horsepower, and of course not changing filters every 20K miles or so. I recharge the filter once a year using their cleaning kit. And I made sure I do NOT over oil the filters. Good luck!
Doesn't seem like a good idea to risk ruining your MAF sensor (which has happened to many people running these filters) for little or no increase in HP.
My $.02
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From: Riverwoods, Il
2005 E55 AMG
^^ RUINING maf sensors? 
Wth are you talking about? Can you prove it? can you show one example? The oil is harmless & can be cleaned off with brake parts cleaner. This is if a newb were to over oil them & not let them dry properly only and since they now come pre oiled they are not the least bit harmful.
Wth are you talking about? Can you prove it? can you show one example? The oil is harmless & can be cleaned off with brake parts cleaner. This is if a newb were to over oil them & not let them dry properly only and since they now come pre oiled they are not the least bit harmful.
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Do a search on this and other MB forums. You'll find examples of people with failed MAF sensors due to oil from the K&N filter.
I agree, that if you don't over oil it, the % of risk drops, but why risk it at all for little to no performance gain.
Stick with OEM.
I agree, that if you don't over oil it, the % of risk drops, but why risk it at all for little to no performance gain.
Stick with OEM.
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From: Riverwoods, Il
2005 E55 AMG
Do a search? I don't need to search, i already know their is nothing wrong with them. Your the one making claims, so you should back them up. Your also guessing on how much power is realized by them. With no proof on how much hp they make or don't make over stock filters.
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
**SIGH**
Feel free to run whatever filter you want. Go nuts.
**EDIT**
I just did a quick 30 second search and found these:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....62&postcount=2
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
I haven't even read the posts but you might be able to find some info in there. There's probably arguments for both sides in there.
Feel free to run whatever filter you want. Go nuts.
**EDIT**
I just did a quick 30 second search and found these:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....62&postcount=2
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=k&n
I haven't even read the posts but you might be able to find some info in there. There's probably arguments for both sides in there.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
#2) The reason is obvious....cost
#3) see #2.....MOST manufacturer racing teams use them!
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From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
I had a failed MAF with my '04 E500 when I installed brand new K&N Filters. Figuring it would be oiled correctly from factory, I just installed them. Luckily the dealer relaced the MAF under warranty. I then ordered Green Filters and had no problems.
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From: Riverwoods, Il
2005 E55 AMG
And who told you it was because of the filters & why was it from the filters? The stealership? or are you just speculating?
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
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From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
A friend of mine had my E500 (I wanted to drive his Vette for a day) when the E500 started to hesitate and died during idle and the car went to limp mode. He's a Corvette mechanic and so he checked the MAF and saw the red oil in the screen. Brought it to the dealer and another friend who's a mechanic at the MB dealer advised the MAF was shot and needed a new one and put it under warranty.
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From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Super Member
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From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
Just get one......prices fall fairly quickly. I saved $65K buying used and it only had 2K miles on it. I would get the V12TT for the power but again maintenence are higher on the V12s. I heard just a spark plug change cost $8K-$10K and MB recommends this service at 5 years or 80K miles...whichever comes first.
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From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
Go for it, under oil it, save your MAF and {maybe} gain 1-2 HP. Hey, here's a thought.....maybe under oiled they'll pass dbl the dirt (14grms.) and you'll achieve +2-4HP.
http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm
'
There is a reason they are not OEM filters for ANY manufacturer; and it ISNT due to cost.
The K&N spray oil is far and away the best penetrating oil I've ever used. Has helped me a few times loosen stuck nuts and bolts. I will give them that.
Oh, almost forgot. To whoever it was, the W211 which replaces my W210 will also have a turbo.
http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm
'
There is a reason they are not OEM filters for ANY manufacturer; and it ISNT due to cost.
The K&N spray oil is far and away the best penetrating oil I've ever used. Has helped me a few times loosen stuck nuts and bolts. I will give them that.
Oh, almost forgot. To whoever it was, the W211 which replaces my W210 will also have a turbo.
Last edited by TMAllison; Sep 23, 2008 at 10:40 PM.
