Air Filter Suggestions 129/113 engine
 

I want to replace the air and cabin filters on my '99 SL500. The parts guys list the usual suspects, Mann, Hengst, K&N, etc. with the big difference, it seems, that the upper end filters are washable/re-useable. Does it make sense to spring for a pair of the washable type? Appreciate all comments-

Bob

Cabin filter
 

Usually I just get them from Phil at the buy part section of this forum, top of the page.

Thanks Carlos, I'll keep that in mind when I get some help on which to buy. My real need is to understand which of the types of filters, disposable or 'cleanable', is better for the air intake/engine performance. Hengst and Mann, to the best of my knowledge, are OEM; K&N is not and take a different approach. This should be simple, but apparently is not, at least to me.

Bob

Personally, I tend to stay away from the reusable filter. The paper filters tned to remove a smaller particulate size, and there is no risk of a re-oiled filter fouling the MAF.

Also, Mercedes tends to over-engineer their air filters, so the filter itself probably doesn't represent any sort of a "bottleneck" that needs to be remedied.

So consider this a vote for the Hengst/Mann filters.

I ran one of those reusable K&N air filters a few years back. I only noticed a difference in the last 300rpm, it certainly breathed better, but at the sort of rpms I rarely approach. That was on a car. On motorcycles/atv's, you'll notice a little loss in bottom end (well, if you removed the airbox...much better to leave these things stock unless you race).

If you do get one, be careful not to oversaturate it. Just about everybody does.

Thanks All
 

We can retire this discussion thanks to all of you. I'm sticking with the OE paper filters.

Bob