Crankin

Has anybody figured out what is the best performing filter for an S500, facory, K&N or ITG?
I saw a copy of a test on this board showing the K&N to actually flow less than stock, but the flow areas for each filter, which makes the results suspect to me.
How about the ITG ones that Ferrari uses?
Thanks

Buellwinkle

I can't speak for Ferraris but I use an ITG on my C-Coupe and with stock boost I get 1 HP more than stock, the K&N lost .1 HP. With additional boost from a pulley kit they both do about 3 HP. To me this means the factory filter is likely adequate for an unmodified car. Put a blower on your car and you can probably benefit from these filters.

Crankin

Sorry, I meant to ask about the BMC filters. Those are the ones Ferrari puts in their cars. In that K&N filter test, the filter sizes are different from stock dimension, which could account for the flow difference.
Anyone tried the BMC filters?

AWE

BMC Air Filters seem to be a tad better than other brands. They have different product lines namely:

Direct Replacement Panel Filters
Carbon Dynamic Airbox (CDA)
Venturi Admission System (VAS)
Direct Induction (Single and Twin) Systems

Here's a dyno sheet...

tery

i really like my K&N. is BMC good ? can it fit a CLK ?

Buellwinkle

I'll be sure to buy a BMC filter when I get an M3. Dont' think it would buy anywhere near as much or at all on an unmodified MB. The problem is who's going to step up and do a dyno. You should do it collectively for a certain model that way it doesn't cost $75 for one person. What if this filter lost power? I can tell you that from my experience with K&N, I've gained power on some cars (Mustang and Suburban) and lost power on some cars (MR2 and stock C230K).

Crankin

Evosport apparently has ordered the BMC filters for the S class and will test them on a dyno to determine if they are of benefit. Hopefully, they will be.

Turbo][

I really like the looks for the CDA. Hopefully they will have something for the W210s.

AWE

There is actually a kit being developed, which should fit the E320 and E430 based on the CDA85-150 part.

Mark Cummins will be installing the first prototype on his W210.

Contact your BMC dealer for more information.

AWE

Relatively speaking, the maximum gains from an intake would be a restriction-free setup, i.e., a car withOUT any intake filters.

So any free-flowing filter should be better than the paper type that most manufacturers use.

bajaiman

I have BMC replacement air filters in my car however I can't tell if theres any improvement over the stock one based on my butt dyno :o

Crankin

I hope they improve performance in an S500. Will know soon.

Madd_Scientist

I have been considering upgrading to the performance air filters (K&N, BMC, whatever's best) on my 2001 SLK320 Sport, and can't figure out how to even get to the air filters to replace them.

Does the engine cover have to be removed? Can someone help me out with some instructions? (Yes I am mechanically inclined, however this is my first Mercedes... last 2 vehicles were Nissans and were quite simple to figure out.)

All advice is highly appreciated!

Thanks!

pocholin

I didn't dyno my car, but I tested it at the track, here are the results

My vote goes for K&N after all the controversy, I've used them in all my cars and I've always seen improvements on response and exonomy (mpg). I can't speak for BMC filters since I've never used them, they must be good too.

Richard Galing

I had recently placed an order through AutoWerks Direct for the BMC Carbon Dynamic Airbox (CDA)...Randall @ A.W. gain approx. 5 RWHP in his E320. And he's sending the unit with special A.W. mounting brackets for E320/430...I'm hoping to receive it late next week...I will keep you guys posted.


Richard

s0vietbenz

which filter fits the w140 except for k&n.... does bmc make one for w140 s500?

430

Filter material is not the only factor you have to take into consideration. You also have to account for surface area, which generally speaking the K&N skimps a little on.

Greg Elmassian

Well, if you ask a K&N person, the amount of surface area is a secondary concern, they are all about more flow..

Which is true, to a point. But less surface area should also get clogged faster, same amount of air over a smaller surface, right?

I'm concerned about getting enough oil to catch enough dust to limit engine wear, but, going light enough on the oil, so I don't foul the MAF.

I also have an Audi A8L with a v8....many people have have MAF failures attributed to overoiling (many dealers will claim this even if not overoiled).

For my $75k car and my $110k car, I think I'll look elsewhere for a better induction solution.

Greg

s0vietbenz

So where should we look? everyone says look else where? but no one tells where..... Please don't say stock.?

430

Greg, I agree. I think that K&N makes a great product and I have run them in previous cars without a problem. But for the MB i have yet to find a solution I like better than stock.

s0vietbenz

Carbon Dynamic Airbox (CDA)??? is there one that fits a w140 1995 s500????!????