K&N Filters

[adm1945]

I have heard that K&N filters can help with mpg - any opinions on this? Does anyone know if they do one that fits the SLK 350? They say not but on the USA site there are a couple of 55s with them fitted.

 

[Howard]

Don't know about helping with MPG , i know they can bugger up your MAS though.

Something to do with the oil on them.

 

[Dieselman]

And let more dust and dirt into your engine. I've yet to see a report that says the OEM filter can't allow full induction.

 

[adm1945]

Answered my question - leave well enough alone - not that I have a problem, just anything to up the mpg with costs spiraling the way they are.

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
I have been running my C230K with a K&N filter in the standard air box for over 60,000 miles now with no MAS failure or anything else untoward. I believe it gave me slightly better mpg and performance.

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Let me put it this way - I wouldn't use a K & N on a lawn mower.

See here for more;

http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

 

[adm1945]

Let me put it this way - I wouldn't use a K & N on a lawn mower.

See here for more;

http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

Having read that report it was obvious that he made a lot of sense. I used a K&N on a MX5 but was never convinced it made a real difference, but having spent £100+ I wasn't going to admit it.

Did not change the one on the Lotus and after reading that, won't on the MB.

Thanks a lot for the link.

 

[adm1945]

Read the link - thanks a lot. Stick to OEM

 

[andy27168]

Let me put it this way - I wouldn't use a K & N on a lawn mower.

See here for more;

http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

Well I can only speak from "my experience".

 

[c240yaz]

Stay with MB original air filters. MB will have a team of engineers whos job is solely developing the best filters for MB engines.

So K&N are highly unlikely to have more knowledge than them... or MB would headhunt them with a job offer.

 

[prc]

Have used one in my previous car for 200K+ miles and can't say it saves fuel..
Would say the same (yearly avg l/100km).
Cheaper because you clean it instead of replacing it so initial outlay higher but will end up costing a bit less (but only after 100K or so...).
Also have to be very careful after cleaning when respraying with oil or you'll have MAS/MAF problems. Don't think it's worth the risk TBH.

My 2 cents,
Paulo

 

[jaymanek]

Stay with MB original air filters. MB will have a team of engineers whos job is solely developing the best filters for MB engines.

So K&N are highly unlikely to have more knowledge than them... or MB would headhunt them with a job offer.

you could say that about any performance part... discs, calipers, pads...

they are a performance product designed to do a different job to the original.

I love the sound K&N filters make, however having read that they can cause all sorts of issues with airflow sensors, i have kept away.

My brother swears by them for his Honda's, and I have to admit, the sound is beautiful..

 

[c240yaz]

Sounded good on carb set up cars also...

 

[Colin10086]

the only problem with airflow sensors is when people incorrectly over oil the filter.

To answer the original question, yes they are available for the SLK 350. You need 2 x 33-2181

 

[Dieselman]

the only problem with airflow sensors is when people incorrectly over oil the filter.

Presumably K&N don't know how much oil to apply then..

 

[c240yaz]

What about the "MIST" , oil particles that are carried over the MAS with the airflow, contaminating it ?

 

[Wile7]

K&N's are standard fitment on a variety of 'performance' cars - mainly petrol engines (not diesel - as in that report above). My Caterham has a pair as standard fit. If you 'over lube' them after washing them through etc. then you may run the risk of oil being drawn in and over/on the mass air sensors internally. I have mooted the idea of fitting a K&N panel filter to my E200 w124 but I am hesitating a little. Making an engine breath more efficiently is one thing - allow a load of 'crap' to get in on induction is another. Still undecided although I confess to previous cars i have owned (BMW, Subaru and Nissan) to running K&N filters without problem. Remember, you still have the whole airbox encasing the thing.

 

[Howard]

Why don't AMG fit them ? don't get much more 'performance' than that ....

 

[Dieselman]

Making an engine breath more efficiently is one thing - allow a load of 'crap' to get in on induction is another.

Perform an induction system pressure drop test. You will soon see that the filter makes no difference.

 

[8145keith]

Hi there,

Had a K&N air filter fitted to my E430, two years ago along with a stainless steel exhaust, and it definitely made the car quicker. Had no problems with the MAF, nor did it change the MPG sounds and run great.

Sold it to a lad in Leeds who also commented on how quick the car was. Like me he’s now sold the car and regrets it.

So some one out there has a really fast E430 with a K&N air filter.

Hope this helps.:bannana: