Are you familiar with this air filter?

[Joseph_H]

It’s called RamFX air filter and used to be called RamAir filter. Is it any good? See link below for their eBay advertisement and details on their filter. They claim it gets better even when it gets dirtier! How does this compare to K&N filters? Anyone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33659&item=2428606694

[300EE320]

I bought one from them 2 years ago and put it on the 94 e320. I am VERY happy with it. It fit perfectly. I am also a dirt biker and have been long aware of the benefits of a foam/oil filter as opposed to a paper element. I highly recommend it - nice guys to deal with as well.

[Joseph_H]

I actually have installed their air filters (my car takes two) about 4 months ago and haven't opened the air box since then to take a look.. will do that soon!
I got a little worried as i read somewhere that the oil in the foam does tend to drop down to the MAS Air and ruined it.. I remember the air filters came soaked with oil but i thought that was the case since it traps dirt that way. any thoughts on that?

[Kestas]

I don't know about MB in particular, but this can potentially be a problem. My Mercury Sable owners manual specifically states that these type of (oiled) air filters will void new car warranty. That said, it technically may only be a problem if the element is over-oiled as some people have a tendency to do.

[Joseph_H]

just wanted to make sure the filters are not dripping oil.. according to their website, the filter uses dirt retention polymer and not oil.

I did some more search and I found out that RamFX is a new name for the more famous RamAir. RamAir is located in the UK (http://www.ramair-filters.com/frames.html) and they claim to be the official filter supplier to the BTCC car race in Europe asnd the USA. below is a cut-n-paste from their website:

"Ramair Aeriform® technology features advanced polyurethane filter material, impregnated with our unique polymer treatment (a Ramair development which is one step ahead of conventional filter oil), and bonded together to form a depth-type shield against airborne dirt. The various stages progressively filter out dirt particles, starting with the largest and continuing the process until the efficiency of the filter is up to 98.87% (confirmed by a government recognised testing body)"

[Kestas]

The true (technical and legal) definition of polymer can include oils, so one still has to beware of any possible misleading statements made by the manufacturer about their product. Practically speaking, is there really any difference between a dirt retention polymer and oil - both in trapping dirt and any possible MAF contamination?

[Duke2.6]

Originally posted by 300EE320
I am also a dirt biker and have been long aware of the benefits of a foam/oil filter as opposed to a paper element.

Unless you think poor filtration is a benefit, I don't know what you could mean. Oiled foam or cotton (K&N)filters do not filter fine particles as well as a quality paper elements. If you plan on driving a car a long time stick with OEM or equivalent quality paper elements.

Also, these filters efficiency is highly dependent on oil content. If they dry out about all they might filter are rocks, and the claimed power increases are WAAAAAAAAY overhyped.

Duke

[Kestas]

Joseph, you can post your question and solicit more opinions on this matter at the following website:

Air Filters