edhettich

Anyone try using a K&N air filter in there non AMG 300. I'd like a little more engine sound and maybe a little more kick. Right now my 22 has 6700 mi. on it. With other people in the car I drive in comfort mode very conservatively, but when alone driving in In Sport mode I occasionally open it up and it Rocks! I've had some 300 loaners over the past years and non even came close to this ones performance. Any thoughts? Also, I know this engine will readily go up to Red Line if pushed. Is this engine meant to be driven like this for fun occasionally, ("not abused") or driven easily and babied all the time.

wireman218

Not worth the money in my opinion. You may get a little more intake sound, but as for more kick, it will be non existent.

I'm not crazy about oil treated air cleaners. Over oil it, and chances are you can damage the Mass Airflow Sensor.

I don't know how Mercedes would access an aftermarket air cleaner if warranty issues arise. JMO

jsdanish

K&N filters do not void any warranty, they are used in racing and intake systems for better air flow. Somewhat questionable if there is any power increase, as I found little difference on dyno runs, especially if you run a turbo or supercharger. Otherwise, maybe small ho gain.
I have used them on everything I own, for years as well as race cars . Over 200K on a Land Rover, 90K on my ML500. I have 31K on my GLC, I even have an FAA / PMA approved one in my airplane.
They must be oiled properly, and cleaned properly!
I ran a repair shop for over 40 years, never saw a problem with them engine or sensors.
They advertise a as HP increase, buy it for the long life and clean it twice a year.
jdanish
ASE Certified

Crito

Had one in my 2.9L I6 S80 and it kept fouling my MAF. Went through a whole can of CRC MAF cleaner before chucking it. Dropping it from a few feet onto white paper towels helped with excess oil somewhat. But in the final analysis I think it depends how your intake is designed. If there's bend before the MAF you'll be OK but if it's a straight shot probably won't work well for you. Using a dry filter just seems easier IMHO.

jsdanish

Too much Oil, should not show up, only change the color to pale red. Never should bead on the media! Also, never use the K&N pour type oil, use only the spray can.
https://www.knfilters.com/99-0504-ai...-6-5oz-aerosol.
jdanish

wireman218

JS, I used the K&N's on my sandrail's in the dunes along with a "sock" over the outer air cleaner housing. They did a fine job in that harsh environment. I always used the spray oil.

I have had them on some of my vehicles over the years. That was back when they hit the scene and seemed to be the thing to have.

Now in my mid 70's and tamed down some, I'm fine with using a good quality paper filter in my vehicles. Are the K&N's a good quality product, sure. But they're not in my playbook anymore.

As far as warranty issues, anymore dealers seem to find an excuse for any problems you have. Would having a K&N filter warrant any problems with a claim, probably not, but the paper filters are just fine in the driving environment I do here in SoCal.

mikapen

The K&N's benefits are most noticeable as they accumulate miles and contamination. They tend to be self cleaning with intake pulses.

It sounds like those with problems must not have used the specified oil, or too much of it.

I've felt (or imagined) a seat of the pants improvement when I've used them on my cars.. Two of them saw very noticeable improvements.

Since I'm not doing my own work anymore, I'm fine with factory filters.