K&N air filter, should I, shouldn't I?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 SL55 AMG
K&N air filter, should I, shouldn't I?
Hey guys,
Ok so a lot of people are saying that installing a K&N air filter is bad and it's going to ruin the MAF and not give any performance/efficiency upgrade. I know it's not goign to give a crazy performance upgrade or anything.
I ordered my K&N filter before reading all the negative posts on it, and now it's sitting on my table.
Has anyone installed it and regretted the decision?
Are there some good experiences you guys have had with a K&N filter installed?
Thanks,
Riz
Ok so a lot of people are saying that installing a K&N air filter is bad and it's going to ruin the MAF and not give any performance/efficiency upgrade. I know it's not goign to give a crazy performance upgrade or anything.
I ordered my K&N filter before reading all the negative posts on it, and now it's sitting on my table.
Has anyone installed it and regretted the decision?
Are there some good experiences you guys have had with a K&N filter installed?
Thanks,
Riz
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
see my post on the other forum
K & N's work great at wrecking your MAF and on the ML likely lead to a decrease in power and torque.
Decrease in power because the engine is inducting warmer air from within the engine bay and potentially decreased torque as the induction length is changed.
It'd be real interesting to see some dyno runs before and after when used on an ML.
Certainly K & N air filters can be classed as 'snake oil' when the stock air filter is already over sized.
Conversely they can add power gains when replacing a stock small restrictive unit.
Decrease in power because the engine is inducting warmer air from within the engine bay and potentially decreased torque as the induction length is changed.
It'd be real interesting to see some dyno runs before and after when used on an ML.
Certainly K & N air filters can be classed as 'snake oil' when the stock air filter is already over sized.
Conversely they can add power gains when replacing a stock small restrictive unit.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 864
Likes: 1
ML
This topic came on once and there was a response indicating that MB engineers did test the K&N filter for the ML and rejected it outright - I forgot the reason. I do have a K&N filter on my other non MB car and it works just fine. My advice - don't do it: you'll not notice any power gain, none whatsoever, and you run the risk of ruining your MAF. Now, if you plan to do an exhaust upgrade, then get the K&N filtercharger system and that should make a noticeable difference.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 11
From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
A K&N has been on my ML for the last 50k miles and no problems. If I get a couple of hp, fine....if it's a more efficient filter, even better.
Just don't over oil it after it gets cleaned.
Just don't over oil it after it gets cleaned.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
ML 320
I have a K&N
I have a K&N with no problems for the last 48,000 miles. MAF sensors don't seem to last on ML's anyway but I can tell you that I had my MAF replaced at 25,000 miles, after that I installed the K&N and currently have 73,000 miles with no MAF problems at all.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2000 ML430
Hello
I own a ML430 and the K&N works fine on it.
You need to know that you have 2 K&N models:
1- A replacement cartridge that gives you a little more breath, is economically fuel efficient and saves you future replacements of the air filters, since you just clean it and put it back.
2- A direct admission filter that gives you more HP (around 8HP for a 430ML), and a nice cool exhaust sound that is quiet at low RPM and shouts when you increase throttle.
Someone said it intakes the warm air of engine, thats not quiet right since you get with the direct admission filter an aluminium hose you stick on the lower end of your front bumper, thus providing cool fresh air onto the filter.
I own a ML430 and the K&N works fine on it.
You need to know that you have 2 K&N models:
1- A replacement cartridge that gives you a little more breath, is economically fuel efficient and saves you future replacements of the air filters, since you just clean it and put it back.
2- A direct admission filter that gives you more HP (around 8HP for a 430ML), and a nice cool exhaust sound that is quiet at low RPM and shouts when you increase throttle.
Someone said it intakes the warm air of engine, thats not quiet right since you get with the direct admission filter an aluminium hose you stick on the lower end of your front bumper, thus providing cool fresh air onto the filter.
