K & N air filter
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 E550 / 2012 ML 550
K & N air filter
Would installing a K & N performance air filter make a noticeable performance improvement to my AMG ?
Are there likely to be any warranty issues with the vehicle, if that air filter is installed ?
Are there likely to be any warranty issues with the vehicle, if that air filter is installed ?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 769
Likes: 631
From: Long Island ny
2007 e350 sport. 2010 350 4matic sport. Worlds first W212 E63R self built.
i have it and have no issues. Definitely more responsive from the increase in air flow. Do a tcu reset when installed that way you can get a better feels for it and not let the tranny delay affect your response
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 10
From: Virginia, USA
2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon
Last edited by Billmiranda; Apr 30, 2018 at 01:17 PM. Reason: wrong link.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 32
2005 SL55 Completely Built Motor
I have them on mine. But I can't really say they do much. I guess best case scenario if you ran back to back dyno runs maybe you'd gain a couple HP's at best.
I would look at as more of a long term solution from having to replace them yearly or whenever.
I would look at as more of a long term solution from having to replace them yearly or whenever.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 119
From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
It's totally useless. My friend, a huge KN fan made me buy KN filters for all my cars including two identical CLS63S's. We then ran a series of tests head to head, standing starts, dynamic starts.. and I can tell you NOTHING happened in terms of performance.
He, of course, before the tests, was claiming how the turbos sounded better, how the air sucks in faster and he could hear it, how it adds at least 10hp.
So unless your car is heavily modified, in which case it might (or might not) add 1hp, it is utterly pointless.
He, of course, before the tests, was claiming how the turbos sounded better, how the air sucks in faster and he could hear it, how it adds at least 10hp.
So unless your car is heavily modified, in which case it might (or might not) add 1hp, it is utterly pointless.
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 190
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From: Anaheim, CA
W204 C63 AMG
Our filter offerings here at Weistec are specifically designed and tested on AMG vehicles and are dyno proven to gain 5-10whp when tuned over stock!
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Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 16
From: Seattle
2014 ML 350 Bluetec
Zero benefit. They flow more air, and they flow more dirt. I used them on a modified dodge-Cummins with over 500 hp to the rear wheels, pulling in excess of 40lbs of boost. Do not waste your money.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 127
Likes: 13
From: GA
2018 S560
Roger23
K&N started in the 1960's. Automotive manufacturers at the time used "oil bath" and "cotton" filters which were very restrictive and hard to maintain. The industry was transitioning to a paper filter in the early 70's but were even more restrictive because of the paper technology at the time. K&N started marketing the cotton and oil concept in a more manageable form. The K&N filter was more free flowing because they could adjust the amount of cotton and oil depending on the application.
This is 2018, 50 some years later and today automotive air filter paper is a science onto itself. Absolute dry air is the best friend of your ($$$$) mass air flow sensors. If you use an oil saturated filter (from the 60's) is your air really clean? What happens when you clean the K&N? Are you positive your mass air flow sensors will enjoy the taste of fresh oil? Hum
K&N started in the 1960's. Automotive manufacturers at the time used "oil bath" and "cotton" filters which were very restrictive and hard to maintain. The industry was transitioning to a paper filter in the early 70's but were even more restrictive because of the paper technology at the time. K&N started marketing the cotton and oil concept in a more manageable form. The K&N filter was more free flowing because they could adjust the amount of cotton and oil depending on the application.
This is 2018, 50 some years later and today automotive air filter paper is a science onto itself. Absolute dry air is the best friend of your ($$$$) mass air flow sensors. If you use an oil saturated filter (from the 60's) is your air really clean? What happens when you clean the K&N? Are you positive your mass air flow sensors will enjoy the taste of fresh oil? Hum
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 9
From: Arkansas
2003 CLK 320 convertible
A comment on HP gains. Besides the number of HPs a filter is said to add it's useful to know at what RPM that occurs. A 5 HP gain near and at the redline will seldom if ever be used or felt by the average driver.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 4
From: Santa Clarita,Ca
2010 E550 coupe,2005 porsche ca 911,04 subaru outback,94 Harley FXSTC
I am retired senior master tech ,gas and diesel over thirty years experience at ford dealer.This is my opinion based on stock vs K N air filters using data monitoring factory test tools.The K N works good on a carbureted engine ,but with a EFI vehicle it does'nt add HP or torque, it can change the power curve slightly.I monitored data from a mustang gt ,f series truck,and a ranger .There was no difference in data from the factory air filters compared to the K N filters.Timing ,fuel control ,fuel trim ,etc, all data was virtually identical .The one thing that did increase performance was the size of the air inlet ,on some fords the inlet was only 3-5 inches in diameter.I enlarged the smaller openings to 6-8 inches and that increased air flow and the EFI was able to increase fuel flow ,timing ,etc that did improve the performance slightly.My E550 has good air flow with stock filters ,as noted by others the oil on the K N filter causes restrictions and will coat sensors and cause check engine light to come on.The mass air flow sensors are contaminated quite often,sometimes they have to be replaced. I have K N air filter on my highly modified carbureted Harley,and my boat, it makes a noticeable difference .This is my opinion based on my experience and using factory test tools for many years.The factory filters do quite well just keep them clean.
