I need an inexpensive source for an air filter to fit my 1985 300CD with California emissions. In my feeble mind, paper air filters are supposed to cost $4.99, so that they can be changed out often without regret. Not in this case. Prices seem to range between $36 and $57

I run K&N filters in my other vehicles, and I am willing to use one in this application, if someone can share the correct part number. Or, if someone has a spare sitting around, could you measure it and post the dimensions? K&N has a "search by dimensions" feature on their website.

Yes, I have read the threads reporting that oil analysis silica levels increase when using K&N filters. What I haven't seen is someone reporting that silica levels have increased enough to shorten the oil change interval. I am pretty anal about my 5000 mile oil change regimen.

My hope is that if I can discover the correct part number to use, I can avoid the annual expense of a paper filter, while managing the silica increase with my religious 5000 mile oil change regimen. After all, it can't hurt anything if it isn't in the crankcase... Or, in the alternative, I hope to discover a reliable source for these air filters at a more managable cost.

TIA for the help. This is the center of the known universe for keeping the elder Benz alive.

__________________
Alan the Radio Guy
--------------------
Amateur Radio Station N7CEU
1985 300CD 199,000 and still rolling

What air filter costs $4.99? Even a cheap Fram for my moms Olds is about $10.

Depending how much you drive $35 is a once a year or once every other year expense.

Edit looks what I found on Fastlane for a CA 1985 300CD.

K&N Filters IN STOCK $68.24 $63.43


B1000-12087 Air Filter Mann IN STOCK $40.50 $19.18


B1000-12087 Air Filter Hengst IN STOCK $40.50 $18.55


B1000-30905 Air Filter Bosch IN STOCK $40.50 $14.06

I don't think a Bosch will break the bank? If you change the Bosch once a year it would take 5 years for the K&N to pay for itself.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Cali emmisions car = different=less abundant=more expensive? just guessing

__________________
Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

Cheap filters just don't cut it; you really get what you pay for.
I am amazed at the difference in quality.
If you want to keep the crap out of your motor, you use the good ones...

__________________
Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Save money, don't change it just because the pages have turned on the calender.

Be sure it's dirty and needs to be changed!

Best Regards,
Jim

Does anyone know if one of those little plastic pressure differential guages would work to tell one when the filter is clogged enough to change?

I warned you it was a feeble mind.

Thanks again, this is great information!

__________________
Alan the Radio Guy
--------------------
Amateur Radio Station N7CEU
1985 300CD 199,000 and still rolling

1982 - 1985 Mercedes 300CD Turbo 617.952 Chassis: 123.153
Mann Mercedes Air Filter, California Mann B1000-12087 $17.77

http://www.partsandaccessories.com/sitemap/mpn~0~mercedes~air_filter.html

A few moments searching found this, hope it is not bigbabo.
Have a great day.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

The test run on the filters from a Ford pickup diesel found AC Delco the best at stopping dirt. It beat Wix, Baldwin, Fram, Purolator,---- and everybody beat K&N. AC Delco shouldn't be too dear ... I'm now wondering if the AC Delco oil filter might be acceptable ---- without trash in the bypass section --- and less than the $16 + that I just paid for a Hastings.

whunter,
Unfortunately this is the one from that site that fits his particular intake system (we were "unusual" in CA that year) ;

http://pa.partsandaccessories.com/parts/partsandaccessories/quote.jsp?year=1985&product=B1000-28564&application=000005550&part=Air%20Filter&category=B

__________________
The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)