ATS

I noticed that the snorkle on the 2005 E320 has little air vents that are filtered half way down the snorkle (inside the engine comparment). Also, both of the snorkles are the same size, left and right.

Anyone put these on the E500? Would this make a difference as it might be able to pull in more air?

Also, anyone with a 2003 or 2004 E320 have that? How about the 2005 E500?

SAguirre

My 2004 e320 has both snorkles that are the same size. Aren't all??

I don't know what you are talking about when you mention the thing about he filters. The snorkles are just a tube, nothing inside of them. The filters are in the big housing on top of the engine.

Does this answer your question?

Steve A.

F1Fan

The small slits or vents in the air intake tubes are an interesting feature. Some say that it will prevent water from entering the engine as the water will fall through the vents. Others say that the vents help aid engine breathing at idle rpms since the engine does not have to suck air from the front of the car.

ATS

Does the 2005 E500 have this?

Fastbuck

Some say they are a pain in the butt too as they allow you to draw up standing water during inclement weather.

F1Fan

True, but it would have to be water that is at least a foot deep.

SAguirre

Can someone post a picutre of this?

ATS

It would have to be more then a foot as it is just below the hood.. 3 feet?

Those with 2005's open the hood. Does the two air intake tubes (that come from the grill), in between the grill and the engine, are there little yellow mesh holes in the center? In particular the 2005? In the 2003 and 2004 it is just a straight black tube and the right one (driver side) is smaller then the left side for some strange reason. Many people change the driver side on the large one that comes with the SL500..

saturnstyl

The purpose of those vent screens is for noise suppression. They are only present on the E320. Don't ask me how it works, I don't know.... I was just told about them in training. They don't do anything else, all of the above mentioned theorys are incorrect.
The E320 also has the air door in front of the radiator that will close at driving speeds. The E500 does not have this. When you have a V-8, you want to hear the engine; and a minute increase in fuel economy is not of concern.

F1Fan

Let's make sure we're talking about the same thing here. See attached photos.

F1Fan

As for noise suppression, I suppose that is possible. My guess is that it might reduce resonance with the long intake tubes by splitting the airflow path with the vents. However, this " air door in front of the radiator that will close at driving speeds" is nowhere to be seen on my particular 05 E320. I've seen the pdf which show how it works, however I've checked all over my engine bay and I do not see it. Anyone want to post a picture of where it is? Also the logic in regards to the door does not make sense. If the purpose was to increase the sound of the engine, why would it be in FRONT of the radiator as opposed to somewhere closer to the firewall?

saturnstyl

The purpose of the air door is not to reduce sound, but improve aerodynamics at speed. I guess they needed some minute improvement in economy or something and thats what they did to get it.... If you have them they are located in the front of the radiator, way down low.
The vent screens pictured on the intake tubes are what I was referring to regarding noise suppression.

ATS

Yes, great pic.. That is exactly what I was talking about.

SAguirre

Thank you for the pic. Now I know that I, at least, was talking about the same thing.

Steve