sfa1509

Looking for A) input on DIY air filter change and B) reputable source on parts (online or otherwise.

Has anyone bought and replaced their own air filters? I assume this is a relatively easy procedure. I found a parts website http://www.mercedesshop.com which had them for about $20. (Downtown Motors in Los Angeles wanted $200!!! each.) Anyone used these guys for parts?

I had also previously posted on whether or not a W210 can spin the rears (wearing Michelin Pilot Sports) with the traction control off. Dealer checked/drove the car and found nothing amiss.

SFA

ThemisN

I assume you do not mean disposable air filters, but rather some lifetime/performance fitlers. I know most with the W211 have gone either BMC or K&N. Anyone know if green filters has made one for us? I think most prefer BMC. I myself have been debating which way to go. I have experience with K&N, but then on my next car i had a staliness steel filter by Blitz, which was ultra low maintenance. Dont think anything like that is available though for us.

DFW01E55

ITG filters are a foam alternative to gauze (K&N) types, but still oiled and some counsel strongly against oiled filters due to MAF complications.

I think it's part # WB 537.

sloloco

I haven't heard the issue with oil filters but do know that K&N can do serious damage to a motor. After seeing a torn down motor with red fibers all over the intake runners made me change my opinion of K&N filters. I think foam filters are ideal because of the fact that they do filtrate better than cotton fiber filters and do not have potential for sending debris downdraft. The motorcycle world has used foam for years because of it's reusable quality and high flow. Just my 2 pence on the matter!

BudC

FastLane is reliable. I've bought parts from them before and they also provide a great techical forum. Another reliable source that is used by a lot of MB Club members is...

http://www.buymbparts.com/

I assume you are talking about the standard OEM filters which is what you should be using. I think these engines take two filters. One for each bank.

You can easily change your own air filters. Let us know exactly what engine you have and we can tell you how to do it.

tjcMBE55AMG

Should we have a serious concern about K&N filters? I've never heard that about *fibers*.


TJC

stephens

K&N and BMC oil style filters are a no go zone for the non sc'ed E55. Oil contamination of the MAF sensor is a real problem with these cars and the slight performance gain is not worth the potential grief.

sloloco

Thanks for the scoop on MBParts Bud. I went ahead and ordered a set of the o.e. filters. I like the idea of going foam but rather be on the safe side. There are many more reliable ways to gain a few extra horsepower than this.

stephens

For clarification, I believe there is no risk to the engine in installing oil filters. It is only the MAF sensor that is the problem. These can be cleaned rather than replaced, but unless you are comfortable doing this yourself, then it is not worth the potential problem.

tjcMBE55AMG

"but do know that K&N can do serious damage to a motor. After seeing a torn down motor with red fibers all over the intake runners made me change my opinion of K&N filters."

Is this TRUE or NOT TRUE????


TJC

awiner

Not that I doubt the poster about the red fibers, I will say that if this was a COMMON problem, we would have heard about it many times over already in the press, etc.

sloloco

Yes, I must clarify that this teardown was on a race engine from a road-race car. Our engineer condemned K&N after seeing this. I also remember a TSB from Ford warning of K&N filters on mass air meter equipped vehicles. Reason being that the K&N fibers would clog the mass air meter thus giving a rough idle. Rather it be a mass or maff, I still see the potential if a K&N is not properly serviced and maintained. After owning a dozen plus street bikes I still swear by foam as I feel it to be a safer alternative to fiber (cotton or otherwise) filters. Again, this is just my experience.

stephens

There are plenty of stories of damage on bikes from foam filters as well. There are potential problems with all solutions, the question is the real likelyhood of the problem occuring.

sloloco

Hey how's Austraila? The women still love American's and can I still get two beers for a buck?