C200k - PERFORMANCE AIR FILTER BENEFICIAL?

[Flatcoat888]

Have just bought an 07 pate C200k CLK with 53k miles and FSH (had oil change every 6 months for the last 4 years or so). Had a remap today and will always be using Vpower or similar. it is not my intention to thrash the engine, it is about getting a better driving experience, so is fitting a K & N filter likely to benefit in any way?

 

[AMGeed]

Welcome to the forum
No benefit whatsoever. Stick with OEM when it comes to air filters.
Your engine doesn't need V Power or any 98/99 Ron fuel either.
Save your money and use regular unleaded.

 

[geoffus]

And change your oil every 12 months unless you do 10,000 miles or more, just use a quality synthetic oil.

 

[whitenemesis]

You don't say if it was a custom or generic remap?
The 'performance' filter isn't required on a car unless the intake has been modified and included in the remap. The OEM filter is not the restrictive part the intake system. IMHO the K&N type oiled filter is absolutely worthless and can even damage the MAF by over oiling the filter after cleaning.
Your engine does not require V-Power fuel but it will not be detrimental in any way. It may even help clean the fuel system by vitue of the additional cleaning additives. How many limes do you tend to do? V-Power v 'normal' fuel cost are only ~£5 per tank

 

[Flatcoat888]

It is generic map and anticipate changing the oil no more than every year (7k miles). I had assumed the filter was a waste of money however given my experience with Vpower type fuel on diesels, I am minded to stick with it for its cleansing benefits alone especially given my local Shell garage charge only 10p litre premium. Alternative is a quality additive every now and then from Millers. Have always used high quality synthetic oils in my cars.

 

[Gazwould]

2-EHN

 

[markjay]

Have just bought an 07 pate C200k CLK...

That would be the M271 engine.

Common faults:

- Timing gear (it's a big one - Google it...)

- Leaking camshaft position sensors (can damage the ECU)

- Leaking vacuum hose under air filter box (will cause poor idle)

- Clogged crankcase breather (will bring up the EML)

Also, if it's the 5G automatic transmission, the pilot push (electrical connector) can leak.

As for remap: the M271 Kompressor engine in these cars is available in three stages of tune, C180, C200, and C230. So yours is already the intermediate one. That been said, remaps on the M271 sadly tend to not work.... what the M271 engine needs in order to deliver more torque and/or power is hardware upgrades (lower compresiion ratio and higher supercharger boost).

 

[Flatcoat888]

Am aware of most pitfalls and the timing gear issue is in part why the previous owner had such frequent oil changes. There were no fault codes showing today, no sign of any oil leaks and the idle is very smooth. From an initial drive there is definitely an improved pick up with the remap, I am not looking for all out performance, simply a better drive with a bit more ooomph. You can frighten yourself reading Google for any older car so take some of it with a degree of measured risk otherwise I would have got myself in debt with a new car and the warranty that comes with it.

 

[markjay]

No need to frighten yourself at all... I had an M271 car for 9 years, then sold it to a fellow forum member who kept it for a few more years without an issue. But knowledge and awareness are important.

 

[markjay]

Oh, yes, also the Wahler thermostat can fail... easy fix though.

 

[Flatcoat888]

Yes, came across that too in my research. So far all seems ok apart from the Parktronic reverse parking sensors which I need to sort out. The fronts are ok - it was one thing I forgot to check when I was viewing the car - Sod’s Law…… had all season tyres fitted yesterday, have a Pure 600 DAB tuner on order and that is it sorted. Had intended replacing the head unit but to get something with Appleplay, buy loom etc and install costs was coming out at close to £600 - which is a bit OTT.

 

[Flatcoat888]

The other principal advantage of Vpower is it is E5 rather than E10. My experience and observations of E10 is such the reduced economy alone is reason not to use it.

 

[markjay]

V-Power also has a better additive pack containing high-quality detergents and lubricants exceeding BS 7800 (though this particular benefit can also be achieved using standard fuel and separate fuel additives e.g. Redex/Forte/Millers etc).

 

[Flatcoat888]

Yes - but it’s still E10, although I had good results with Millers products in my diesel days.

 

[geoffus]

Yes - but it’s still E10, although I had good results with Millers products in my diesel days.

I have used Millers and Redex etc, even a tank full of V Power diesel once, couldn’t tell any difference at all,
I’m in the snake oil camp I’m afraid.
Do any high mileage taxis use V Power ?
Doesn’t ordinary diesel have cleaning products already ?

 

[E55BOF]

Yes - but it’s still E10, although I had good results with Millers products in my diesel days.

V-Power petrol is E5.

 

[Flatcoat888]

Yes I know, my messages slightly crossed! One tank of Vpower on its own will probably make little difference however about 50 miles into my first tank of Vpower on my CLK the car started to run noticeably smoother.

 

[markjay]

V-Power petrol is E5.

I think that the OP meant to say that if you use standard (not premium) petrol with a bottle of additive poured-in you still don't get the exact same result as with V-Power, because V-Power is E5 while standard fuel is E10.