I've seen people replace the fabric intakes with metal intakes. I've seen these on vrp website and other places. Usually go for around 280 us. It always seemed to me these metal intakes would get warmer and not be as effective as the original fabric.

Now I see silicon intakes that replace the fabric. These seem like they would be better with heat.

Has anyone used either type of intake tubes, metal or silicon? Any recommendations?

https://spoolperformance.com/collections/mercedes/products/mercedes-m157-e63-cls63-and-m278-cls550-e550-upgraded-inlet-pipes

 

I dont see any claims of cooler air. Heres what it says:

"The factory inlet pipes on these models are constructed using fabric wrapped around a plastic coilspring, which deteriorates over time. This leads to a crumbling, ineffective system that compromises cold air intake and negatively impacts the clean appearance of your engine bay."

I dont notice anything crumbling off my 15yr/160,000 miles intakes and I take them off quite a few times and clean them out.

It mentions "improved airflow". Is there a problem with your current airflow leading to the filters?

 

I saw claims of hotter air with metal intake tubes, so wasn't leaning towards those.

If the silicon ones do not absorb engine heat then I feel like they are a more durable option than stock.

I have the air intake spacers, this shifts the intake hose ever so slightly from stock, I notice the stock fabric tubes do not like being forced into this position. The silicon intakes tubes may be more flexible in this regard