The K&N 33-2391 is a panel-style, high-flow replacement air filter built on layered, oiled cotton gauze media, which K&N's own materials describe as a design meant to improve airflow while capturing contaminants. The manufacturer lists it for the 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter with the 3.0L V6 diesel (DSL). It is a drop-in unit sized to sit in the factory airbox, so no cutting or modification is needed to swap it in.
The main reason to pick this over a disposable paper element is lifetime cost. The filter is washable and reusable, so you clean and re-oil it instead of replacing it at every service. The manufacturer's spec page rates it at up to 99% overall filter efficiency. Owners on user forums are split on K&N filters for turbo diesels: some report clean oil analysis after long use, while others worry that fine dust can pass the filter and reach the turbo. If you run one, keep it cleaned and properly oiled, and inspect the intake tube and turbo inlet at service intervals. Searches for K&N 33-2391 Sprinter 3.0 diesel, 2007 Sprinter V6 DSL drop-in air filter, and washable Sprinter diesel air filter all point to this exact application.
The manufacturer states the filter is engineered to drop into the factory air box, so no cutting or fitting is required. Confirm your van's engine code and model year against the manufacturer's fitment lookup before ordering.
The manufacturer describes the filter as washable and reusable. Owners on user forums commonly recommend washing with dish soap and water or K&N's filter cleaner rather than blowing it out with compressed air, then re-oiling with K&N filter oil before reinstalling.
Opinions in user forums are mixed. Some owners report long, trouble-free use with clean oil results, while others caution that a poorly maintained oiled filter can let fine dust reach the turbo. Keep the filter clean and oiled on a regular schedule, and confirm suitability for your engine with the manufacturer.
This is a drop-in swap. Open the airbox, remove the factory paper element, and wipe down the airbox sealing surfaces so no dirt can slip past the new filter. The manufacturer's install guidance for its filters says to seat the filter with the engraved "this side up" marking facing up, then close the lid. Make sure every lid tab is fully seated, because a loose tab can let the lid pop open while driving. On some airboxes, disconnecting the intake tube from the lid makes it easier to manipulate the lid. Lightly coating the hinge side's sealing surface with silicone spray can reduce closing friction. Confirm the orientation and seal on your specific airbox before closing it up.
