450sl Air Filter in No. Va.

[wbc5]

Nothing like being humbled by a car designed before I was born. This weekend in a fit of DIY spring cleaning, I decided, among other things, to change the air filter. I swapped out the old filter and installed a Purolator_A63327, which was what popped up on the computer at the local auto parts store. I snapped the cover back on and started driving.

Started fine, accelerated fine, braked fine, but wouldn't accelerate again from a stop. Instead it wheezes along below 20 mph. I have checked and retightened the hoses, but cannot seem to solve the problem. Is it possible that I have the wrong size, or that I should a different brand?

I am new both to the car and Northern Virginia, so I don't yet have a trusty mechanic.

[4NDELIT]

what year is your car? I'm not sure why that would happen, but I generally use only german stuff on my car. Right now, I have a K&N because you never have to replace them, and they're better flowing, but if you want to get a cheaper throw-away filter, Mahle and Mann are good german makes. I use their oil filters, I think one or both have air filters, worth checking out. I still don't think changing the air filter would mess something up like that, maybe you bumped something while you were in there or something. Sorry I can't help.

[abe g]

You can get a Wix air filter (paper) for about $10-11 dollars! They fit perfectly on my car, and do not in anyway interfere with performance. Something else went wrong with your auto (assuming filter fits) good luck, Abe G

[wbc5]

I'm coming to the conclusion (aided by the suggestions of Chuck T.), that I have a vaccum leak somewhere.

I only adjusted the hose connecting the air filter exhaust to the check valve, so is there any other place to check? Is this something I can fix myself, or do I need to take this in?

Will