Just picked up my car this afternoon after some warranty work. The tech changed my air intake pipe with one out of an S500. (he left the original in the boot for me). It required the re-routing of one hose, but does away with the horrible kink and restriction in the right hand pipe (facing the front of the car) When I get home I will post pics of the offending part along with the part no for the replacement. You could not tell by looking at it now, that it was not designed this way originally.

This is the culprit that causes the E55 to be rated at 476hp instead of 500hp (469hp and 493hp respectively in the US).

I have heard previous comments about intake changes requiring ECU remapping to have any effect, but the ECU is self learning and will adapt to even a change in air cleaner, so contrary to what many believe, this is not the case at all.

These pics don't fully convey how bad the restriction is compared to the other intake tube. The original airtube is in the first three pics, the replacement with the old is last.

Before anyone tells me, yes I know, my warranty is now void, my car will self destruct in 60 seconds and I don't realise how complex these things really are. I will seek forgivness in my prayers tonight for the mortal sin I have beset upon my car.

It does looks like it has a lot of restriction there, nice work.
How complicated was to do this mod? couple hours? less?

Thanks for your input

wow thanks Stephens wonderful job! i have to make this mod...Stephens do you have any aftermarket cross-over pipe pictures?

Could you warm the plastic with a heat gun and gently re-form it to reduce the restriction? Looks like the main restriction is that kink - true?

You probably could, however the pipe would still have only around 2/3rds the flow of the replacement pipe.

I'm still working on this one. Will give you a heads up next week complete with dyno info if all goes to plan.
According to Ronald on the AMG club board, it is worth 15-20hp on an SL.

Hey, you Australians are all right!!

Can you provide a part # ?

Thanks!

hey great work what is that part #

Do you guys think that the dealers would notice the replacement and be able to void the warranty?

Kevin

Where have you guys been, we went through this a while back. Just look it up. I ordered my snorkel and it was less than $10! Anyone can replace it themselves, you needn't go to the dealer to do it. The snorkles are only friction fitted, just pull them out.

But thanks for the pics Stephens.

Norb
I posted these pics almost a year ago when I first got my car!
I'm glad someone is using the search function.

it took longer to open the hood than it did to do the mod. less that 2-3 min tops.