Chris Buffalo

I recently read a post that was pretty interesting- it said:

"My only modifications, which boosted the power from 469hp to approx 505hp, was to swap in the SL55 air intake snorkel and add K&N air filters. The far more expensive SL55 (using the same engine) was rated at 493hp and Mercedes claimed that a more restrictive exhaust system cut the power in the E55 but the true story was that the decrease in power was due to a $5 plastic restrictor in the intake system which took less than 10 minutes to swap out. The K&N filters provided about 12hp too."

The post can be located here:
http://www.derekspratt.com/HTML/Auto...cedes_E55.html

Seems pretty easy...any thoughts? And if so, where do I grab an SL55 air intake snorkel?

All thoughts and opinions are welcome!

BenzoBoi

The E55's were understated to justify the price hike for the higher models. Many of the E55 guys that have gone to the dyno (including myself) have proved that they all push the same amount of power as the S, SL, and CL 55's. I know of many people that have swapped out to the SL55 snorkel's but I'm not sure if there were any proven dyno results.

Some of the higher powered E55 beasts are running the much bigger CF tubes that put in even more air. I'm pretty sure that adding the snorkel from the SL55 won't hurt and I could see the K&N's giving him some power, but just those two mods did not give him a 36hp increase.

tbal

I have the s55 snorkel (almost same as sl55)... and felt/made no difference. The KN filters, help with some mpg, and about it.

chiromikey

the e's driver's side snorkel is smaller but changing it out doesn't address the fact that the inlet pass at the radiator (where the snorkel attaches) is also smaller so IMHO there's not much to be gained. with that said, for $7 from the dealer it's a no brainer to do it anyways.

Sher Judge

no difference

AgSilver

The original E55 tube on the left side has close to a 50% restriction in the diameter (Go figure). Just replace it with a right side tube.

GT-ER

LOL...I love how people pretend to even have a clue of what they are talking about. So replacing the snorkel and dropping in K&N filters gave him 36hp?

Anyways, I doubt it really makes a difference. One side may be smaller than the other but both of them together are HUGE are flow more than enough.

Jakpro1

K&Ns good for about 10, maybe 15 tops hp. Not gonna feel it on butt dyno.
Skip the s55 intake and just go filters.

AMGPilot

Anyone that believes that the "Restriction" in the snorkels kills horsepower need to go back and learn about a little thing called Pressure ratios and while they are at it some basic aerodynamics

AgSilver

OK, we know that the pressure ratio of a compressor is defined as the absolute outlet pressure divided by the absolute inlet pressure. How are you applying PR's in this instance? And as for aerodynamics, are you referring to Bernoulli's Principle or a sonic venturi effect?

GT-ER

It's the same thing, there is virtually no pressure loss in those intake pipes.

Yacht Master

K&N gives 68hp and 29mpg@85mph.

AgSilver

Right you are Sir - - - - they are just big 'ol tubes, but I still like unrestricted equal flow whenever possible.

Toadster

bump - any proof in the numbers on this?

found the info here - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...ore-power.html

tbal

lol


I didnt feel any difference with the snorkel mod, and cuting the flaps off the front. Only difference with the kn drop ins i noticed was the sc whine got bit louder...

Toadster

I figure it would be a noise adder, and maybe 1-2hp just the snorkel alone - the K&N makes sense for more flow though... any less restriction should help across the whole power band...

after all, these are just gas powered air-pumps

Chris Buffalo

Nothing other than seat of the pants, but the K&N mod you can certainly feel. I did it before the end of summer.

I heard the K&N filters are okay by most manufacturers, provided they are properly maintained. Any other info?

Yacht master, that is sick mpg! I haven't quite gotten there...

Chris Buffalo

...and this seems to make sense if for no other reason but to balance things out....

contact your Mercedes dealer and for about $12 bucks you can order the larger tube and it fits right in (p/n# A 1130942182)..

Chris Buffalo

oops sorry, last post was meant to even out flow one side to the other..