Mercedes Cold Air Intake—When Sucking Air for Power doesn't suck at all

It sure is a beautiful sight to see a workhorse of a Mercedes engine. With a well-oiled machine burning the air-fuel mixture the needed power to rev up the vehicle, Merc pundits and aficionados alike will get a field day experience the power of this German steed.

But in order to up the ante, more power is needed to further take the engine to greater heights. Since cleaner and denser air is needed to mix with fuel for combustion, the Mercedes cold air intake plays a vital role in order to make an upgrade.

Colder and denser air is needed for a more efficient combustion. And this combustion produces more power for the engine to pack on in the cylinder. The Mercedes cold air intake functions as a feeder of this air for a more power-inducing combustion process in the engine.

This would even be more efficient as the air filter (a multi-layer cotton gauze with urethane body, then through a smooth aluminum duct to reduce the drag losses in the airflow which is excellent filtration and great power-boosting intake charge) is relocated outside the engine compartment. Simultaneously, is saves on fuel mileage. While sucking in cooler air form the outside to the engine, the hot underhood air is ingested by the factory systems. Extensive temperature testing was conducted to locate the air filter in the coolest area of the engine compartment to get the lowest results in inlet temperature.

Cold air intake may come in plastic, metal, rubber (silicone) or composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber or Kevlar) in composition. Since it is only for a limited for the air to be remained inside the intake tubing, the materials often do not impact a kit's ability to deliver cool air. Basic cold air intake replaces the stock airbox with a short metal or plastic tube leading to a conical air filter, or a Short ram air intake. The power gained by this method can vary depending on how restrictive the factory airbox is. The placement of the filter is usually directly in the engine compartment. Other improved intake designs utilizes heat shields to isolate the air filter from the rest of the engine compartment, providing cooler air from the front or side of the engine bay.

Keep in mind that there are two things to remember to gain more horsepower and torque—airflow and ambient temperature. The Mercedes cold air intake performs efficiently as it is designed to do so. It should therefore be a habit to check it regularly. If busted, have it replaced in the nearest auto parts store or online for faster and more convenient purchase.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.