K&N Air filter into ML430, should I, shouldn't I?

[rizwansattar]

Hey guys,

Ok so a lot of people are saying that installing a K&N air filter is bad and it's going to ruin the MAF and not give any performance/efficiency upgrade. I know it's not goign to give a crazy performance upgrade or anything.

I ordered my K&N filter before reading all the negative posts on it, and now it's sitting on my table.

Has anyone installed it and regretted the decision?

Are there some good experiences you guys have had with a K&N filter installed?

Thanks,
Riz

[timf]

The stock air filter on the ML430 is more than adequate as it stands and draws air in from outside the engine compartment.

Fitting a K&N most likely will shorten the life of the MAF. It may even cause a small drop in power & torque as I suspect the engine will be breathing warmer air inducted from within the engine bay and the induction length will be altered.

Put it up sale on E bay and let somebody else 'benefit' from it.

rgds Tim

[mickey.1430]

[ae86pwr]

I have the drop-in airfilter in my 98 ML320 for the last 6 years and I've never have a problem.

The problem K&N might encounter is when idiots over-oiled the filter after they cleaned it.

Drop-in filter doesn't suck in hot air ... it's still uses the stock air box!

I can't say the same for those CONE filters as they are all for looks and BS

Denis

[C-Rod]

My ML 430 has the K&N drop in filter, it is inside the airbox, (for about two years)....My MAF sensor went on me about a month ago, but my ML is also 5 years old...so l see no coincidence there...as for H.P. gains, l'd be lying, if l told you l felt any extra juice...lf l had to do it over again..l would have saved the $60.00 bucks...but don't be so hard on yourself..there's nothing wrong in looking for some "Cheap Horsepower"...we all can't afford $10,000 for a "Supercharger"..."No disrespect intended to J.D.( You lucky, son of a gun you....)[:D]

[pointman]

drop in k&n filter isnt gonna gain or lose hp. its gonna slightly change the induction sound. the problem with them is that they come over oiled from k&n...causing mas problems. few people get lucky, but for the most part it isnt beneficial at all, and will just trigger the ce light.

youre better off getting a custom intake with proper bend angle.

[GregW / Oregon]

Not worth the effort. No discernable gains, maybe more engine wear. Save your money! This is based on 30 years experience with BMWs and M-B

[GregW / Oregon]

Not worth the effort. No discernable gains, maybe more engine wear. Save your money! This is based on 30 years experience with BMWs and M-B

[xwing1124]

I guess I am one of the luckey ones !.
I am happy with the suttle changes in thottle response and deeper induction sound but I must admit that h-power gains are slight if that.
I put about 5 paper towels on bolth sides of the filter on a flat surface with a phone book on top to soak up some of the excess oil before useing.

Barry : ML 430

[ottobon]

I've had one in my '99 ML320 for over three years now with no problems. Noted a very slight better performance difference when I installed it. I doubt I'd do it again if I get a newer ML. Those ML350 Special Edition's that just came out sure look nice!