I have a new C320, (2K miles) and wish to replace the stock air filter(s) with K&N. (I assume K&N will provide better breathing for 10-15 additional HP, maybe better mpg and won't void warranty... if not let me know, please.) Problem: The engine has a huge plastic shroud that covers just about everything. Looks nice, but not too functional. I've already broken one clip removing the forward decorative cover, and can see the filters under the back half of the shroud, but can't find the fasteners that enable access. So I am reluctant to go further without proper directions. Hate to go back to dealer over this simple mod, and have no other dealer needs as the car is flawless. Does anyone have any instructions I could follow? Website with pictures on procedure, etc? Wouldn't this procedure be the same for E320, CLK320, etc?

The cover SHOULD come up by "tugging" at the front section.

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Did you see the Brabus (or some other German tuner modifier) C320 in Euro Car in the past few months. They bored it out, etc. to produce an additional 150 hp or so. And guess what filter and airbox they used? STOCK.

Why? Because the stock airbox is not only capable of providing the stock engine with far more air than the stock engine can use, it is also capable of flowing more air even for a highly modified engine. They tested it on their dyno and confirmed it.

Those MB engineers, they are really smart these days. They can figure out how to not choke the engine with an air filter that is too small or restrictive! If, in this day and age, they left 10-15 hp on the table by fitting an air filter that is too small or restrictive, then that would mean they are not very smart, and I would not want to buy any car designed by such engineers.

So, putting a aftermarket airfilter on you car will get you exactly ZERO hp gain. You are wasting your time and money.