lauer87

Do replacement aftermarket air filters offer any gains at all? Even a few wheel horsepower? If so, what are the options, and where can I find them?

Thanks

meegle

Don't waste your money. Many of these aftermarket filters claim 8-10HP and even if it were true, you would never ever feel or see (at the track) the difference.
I was involved in the speed shop business for over 10 years and the only benefits from a K&N/similar filter would be reusing it once cleaned.

Akademiks

While most people would say no, I would have to say yes.

With all my vehicles, I've used K&N and have noticed minor power gains. For example, with my B7 2.0T A4 pushing out a whopping 200hp I was able to take out a B7 3.2 A4 pushing out 260hp. I only had it K&N'd and also removed my exhaust system.

My S4, E55, SL55 all had K&Ns as well. It definitely allows your car to breathe better. And when I find one for my 600, I'll get those too.

I say go for it!

K&N or BMC is the way to go. Good luck!

sjcsl55

For me, it depends on how long I plan to keep the vehicle, the environment where you drive, and the type of driving you plan on doing.

I believe the K&N simply is not as an effective filter as OEM paper. I know this is a topic for debate, but the way it was explained to me is if the media is not kept properly oiled the filtering effectiveness decreases. Too much oil, and you risk damaging the MAF.

If you live in low humidity / sandy / dusty areas like the southwest, I personally think paper is a must. If in higher humidity areas, oiled cloth media like K&N is probably OK.

I'm happy with the 493 HP and 516 ft lbs of torque. To me, +5 HP gains are not that important. Just my opinion...

kamilclk430

A owner of a C32 AMG told me a few days ago that if I change out the filters to K&N the blower will sound louder on the car, he said he does not feel any power gains but it sure sounds diff. True or a bunch of crap???