To change or not to change?
08-01-2017, 09:17 PM
#1
To change or not to change?
Hi fellas
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
08-02-2017, 09:34 AM
#2
Senior Member
Hi fellas
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
08-02-2017, 10:27 AM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
my .02 - I've never used OEM filters , always standard aftermarket non-oiled filters and changed them at about 15k miles. MAF sensor usually gets a spray clean when the filters are changed using non contact electrical cleaner. Zero issues over hundreds of thousands of miles on a variety of vehicles.
I've not noticed excessive throttle body dirt either, I'll remove and clean it about every 50k miles or so.
I've not noticed excessive throttle body dirt either, I'll remove and clean it about every 50k miles or so.
08-06-2017, 09:22 PM
#5
Super Moderator
I ran my w203 to 215k and only replaced the maf because it was high miles and i got it cheap.
Car never had any issues. I replaced my filters when recommended or when they got dirty and never had an issue. That said changing early won't be an issue as long as you use oem/oes quality filters. If you are doing the maintenance on your own car when you change the oil look at the filter and clean out the box and if needed change it.
Car never had any issues. I replaced my filters when recommended or when they got dirty and never had an issue. That said changing early won't be an issue as long as you use oem/oes quality filters. If you are doing the maintenance on your own car when you change the oil look at the filter and clean out the box and if needed change it.
08-10-2017, 01:10 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hi fellas
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
Well,
when the filter gets dirty it actually filters more and smaller particles but it also restricts the air flow leading to loss of power simply because the engine has less air flowing into it.
On old cars before fuel spraying systems (very old) dirty engine air filter caused increase in fuel consumption as intake manifold pressure went down, which caused more fuel to be pulled in thru the carburetor. The MAF sensor together with temperature sensor usually built into it allows the computer to calculate the amount of fuel to spray so fuel is not wasted like it used to be but I would still change the air filter often as recommended as it allows the engine to breathe as it is designed to do. Pretty much any air filter on the market is of quality that can be used. If not, they would not ne on market to buy.
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08-10-2017, 07:41 AM
#8
Senior Member
Hi fellas
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
I was willing to change my engine air filters again, but then I stumbled upon this info on another MB forum:
Don't replace filters any sooner than recomended. The filters perform their worst when new and improve over time and mileage. Early filter replacements has been shown to increase fine particle accumulation on the MAF sensors leading to early failure from overheating of the microscopic heating elements and temperature sensors on the internal sensor plate.
There is no issue with cleaning out bugs and such but you should always avoid needless maintenance when not called for especially when you are not familar with how those systems are controlled or monitored for condition. When you understand how the car monitors those systems and how they function you will be more inclinded to run them longer rather than on shorter intervals (never to exceed 4 years).
The engine air filters can go 4 years or 50,000 miles. Changing them every
12-13k miles actually increases the amount of dirt that can get into the engine.
I changed my filters two years ago, and I have way too many miles to spare.
I thought it was beneficial, but now there is doubt...
So, to change or not to change?
Bottom line, these are not cheap cars and you shouldn't be a cheapskate when it comes to maintaining them. In this case, 20 bucks every year or two won't break the bank and will keep up with the required maintenance.
