K&N filters on CLK320
 

Someone here concluded the engine is so well-tuned that K&N filters are not needed or even degrade the performance.

What's your experience and conclusion?

Unless you have an exotic sports car which usually optimizes the intake and exhaust, you definitely can improve your car in these two areas. I have cold air induction in my Acura, which gained an approximate 10 HP, not to mention the sweet sound at WOT;)

Don't use K&N, its oil destroys the Mass Airflow sensor of most MB and voids the warranty. If you want a good air filter stick with OEM and replace it at regular intervals.

The only thing K&N has in it's favor is a very well organized and excellent marketing campain.
Problems with air mass sensors are legion and real measured benefits are very few in between.
Jackd

Jack

Would you point me towards information regarding: Problems with air mass sensors and K&N air filters.

I would like to read more about this.

Thanks,

Haasman

Most modern MB engines do not suffer from any sort of strangulation. Opening up the intake side would also mean increasing the flow right through the system (head and exhaust).

For some reason that I do not know, the MAS is picky about the air filter being in top shape and OEM. Could be that micro particles damage the film-wire? OBDII MAS's are just plain unrelaible as it is, and I would take a chance. I change my engine air filter every oil change, as it's cheap, and at 133K-kilometers and five years, no MAS replacement yet. (touching wood)

The one common mistake that I see with K&N filters is the elimination of the fresh air intake, leaving the filter exposed underhood. This will actually hurt power, as the engine breathes hot under-hood air. Not good.

I'm not "anti-K&N" as I used them for years in all sorts of performance applications. That said, I know that on most modern computer controlled cars, simply dropping a filter won't find HP like it once did. Old Chev small blocks were strangulated, and a new carb and honking big K&N usually found some power. Better to open up the head and exhaust at the same time for real gains.

Thanks blackmercedes

When you are referring to MAS, is that the air plenum plate with CIS cars? Such as the 300E/190E?

Haasman