Oil change guy said my airfilter is dirty on my 2000 C280, is it something I can do my self? Keep in mind, I am only 16 y/o with not that many tools.

Also, if I do it my self, what kind of air filter should I buy?

 

Yep, open the hood and on the passenger side there is a box toward the front, unsnap the releases and there is your air filter. I like K&N myself, but you will probably have to order one. They are reusable and give you a bit more punch. Get a cleaning kit along with it. I think the web address is www.K&NEngineering.com. Have you ever owned a car before, this is DIY maintenance. Also, Auto Zone carriers K&N, if you don't want to go that route, buy one from Mercedes or get a Fram at an auto parts store. This is easy to do.

If the address is not correct do a goodle search for K&N Engineering.

 

Half the K&N filters we see cause MAF sensor contamination from dirty HFM film plates...
Stay stock OEM...

 

I see. Yes, this is the first car I have ever owned. Thank you so much for you help.

Do you think a K&M filter would actually improve gas milage? How much HP are we looking at in improvment?

I'm also thinking about the OEM route. []

 

nice question.

 

I've had my K&N filter on my 99 C280 for 3 years and no MAS problems and it improves fuel mileage a bit, but I noticed a nice increase in power. As long as you clean it once or so a year AND DON'T OVER OIL THEM, you shouldn't have any MAS problem. People tend to over oil these filters and the DON'T FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ON CLEANING, DRYING, OIL AND DRYING AGAIN, and that is how the MAS gets fouled up. Direction are made for a purpose and should be followed.

 

True...
The problem is no one does that and I see bad MAFs b/c of it..
...so... experience tells me to recommend OEM as the MAFs cost more than an arm and a leg.
The Hot Wire ones burn it off, but the Film ones get coated and then the dirt just piles up to the point that
the ECU adaptation numbers get beyond limit and can not correct anymore.

 

Your correct. most people are lazy and don't change their air filter and some too stupid to read directions on how to properly clean and re oil a K&N. So being as it may, I would go OEM.