There is also a reason why you shouldn't get an oiled air filter, the hotwire air flow sensor can get oiled up and then burn out.

Plus K&N stands for the inventors 'Ken and Norm' would you trust Ken and Norm with your Merc? :)

Never Run a K&N air filter on a benz!! You have no idea how many times I have seen the oil on a K&N ruin a Mass Air Flow Sensor. Buying a K&N air filter will just result in a $500+ repair to replace you MAF.

The Oil in the K&N can actually be passed to the air Mass meter and damage it, I have seen this a few times, K&N is only good if you plan to keep it clean, and a typical person that drives about 200-400 miles a week needs to do this weekly. For most it is just too much of a hassle, and the benefits aren't worth the effort, just buy your paper filters in bulk and keep your airbox clean

Have to say I agree with all of this. K+N filters are just no good.

I did run one for a while and found it great for the first few runs but progressively more and more restrictive. Stick with the standard setup. Removing the airbox will just allow more heat soak and running a K+N will likely destroy your MAF sensor.

The amount of time / research and money that goes into the design is huge. You won't better it.

That said, removing restriction from the air box to your throttle body will help, an aftermarket silicone hose for example, but even that won't change your world.

Not to beat a dead horse with a stick but I've never had any issues with using a K&N air filter on any of my vehicles EVER. MY 2000 BMW 740IL runs as smooth as glass and it has K&N filters on it since I purchased it 6 years ago and after 75,000 additional miles and at least 6 cleanings of the air filters there are no issues what so ever! And as far as seeing through it....I can't see through mine. They work fine as far as I'm concerned and 5.5 microns is better than paper any day...just my .02 cents worth.

Here I go against the grain. Been using K&Ns for years w/o any engine wear issues. Used them up to 325K miles. Currently have 270K on my 300sdl and no issues, still have 15 sec 0-60, 25mpg City, and 28-30mpg hwy; all well within MB specs. AOBTW did I say I use extended oil changes, Diesel Purge, and Seafoam? Oh, wo is me, my cars life will be shortened by such abuse... that is just a bunch of BS, they run like new. But at 68 I am not going to argue with 50+ years of success with over 30-40 different vehicles.

lol dont listen to anyone saying the air filter will damage you car.... dear lord k&n have been making performance filters forevvverr and in my opinion mercedes are over-engineered. go for the air filter the fuel filter is your call the only issue id have with it is fittement. also the air filter is rechargable and are made to last a lonnnngggg time