Am thinking about putting a K&N air filter on my 2000 ML320. I have no experience with these filters and wanted to get some feedback. Has anyone used them on a ML before, what type of hp effect and gas mileage did you experience. Also, if someone, preferably a tech would tell me if there are any negative mechanical/warranty issues that I should be concerned about as well as your take on the K&N filters compared with the standard MB ones. Thanks

Jonathan:
I'm unsure if the performance claims are true or not, maybe you can do a search on the web for differing opinions. I can't get over the thought that the element is sprayed with a dirt-capturing oil but yet it flows better than a dry filter, i would think a dry filter would flow better. I'm not saying this is proper reasoning, just my opinion. It would seem the REAL benefit is that it can be washed and resprayed with oil (I have one of these on my BMW motorcycle, it was part of an engine modification). This would initially look to be a cost savings if not a performance boost. But the stock airfilter is only changed every 60,000 miles, I am unsure how often the K&N needs cleaning and reoiling, but you are supposed to buy the K&N cleaner and oil, so it would seem the price objective would be nulled out, plus I imagine more work involved, as I think the filter is serviced more often than 60,000 miles.
I'm unsure if this would affect warranty or not, I can try finding out at work. At any rate I'm sure it's a filtration system if nothing else, and shouldn't be a problem. The only thing I can think of is maybe too much oil applied could get into the induction system and ruin the MAF sensor (mass airflow sensor) and junk it out, but would a tech really put 2 and 2 together and get the boss to deny a warranty claim? Doubt it. I'd put it on if you're all horny to have it. Cool looking sticker!
Gilly

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I have used these for my cars and they have never had a problem. I have seen many Hi Perf applications where it is used and also problem free. I usually clean my filter every 50000 miles unless I am driving in dusty conditions. You could leave it for 100000 miles tho. Just don't get carried away with the oil. A light oil spray and let it soak into the filter.

It was much better than the stock one that came on my Honda ATV tho. The oil they used was sticky and nasty and would get stuff trapped in it. K&N does too but a good shake usually gets the large debris off or in the case of the car, it falls to the bottom of the airbox waiting for you to clean it out much later.