This K&N 33-2412 is a panel-style replacement engine air filter for the 5.5L twin-turbo V12 in the Mercedes-Benz CL600. The manufacturer says it is built for high air flow while maintaining filtration levels. The cotton gauze media is pre-oiled and washable, so you clean and re-oil it instead of replacing it. Over stock paper, the main case is longevity: the manufacturer rates it for up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required, depending on driving conditions, and it is emissions legal in all 50 US states. Owners on user forums who run this V12 are most often chasing cleaner intake air for its twin-turbo setup. Buyers searching for a K&N CL600 5.5L V12 drop-in, Mercedes CL600 high-flow air filter, or washable V12 intake filter will find this part's fit and care details below.
Fitment and install are straightforward. The manufacturer lists this filter for the MERCEDES BENZ CL600 V12-5.5L F/I, 2002-2014 application, sold as a pair. Because the product title references 2003, confirm the exact model year against your VIN before ordering. The manufacturer's install listing for this CL600 application rates the job as easy, with a screwdriver as the typical tool and a 5-10 minute install time. Owners on user forums describing the related S600 airbox note that the filters sit in plastic boxes near the intercoolers and are secured with Torx screws, so check your engine bay layout before starting. Clean the filter with a dedicated K&N cleaner, rinse with low-pressure water, let it dry completely, then oil it lightly.
The manufacturer lists this filter for the CL600 V12-5.5L from 2002 through 2014. Other compatibility listings vary on years, so confirm your exact model year and VIN with the manufacturer before ordering.
The manufacturer states the filter can last up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required, depending on driving conditions. Inspect it at service intervals and clean it sooner if you drive in dusty conditions.
This is a drop-in filter that goes into the factory airbox, so no tuning or modifications are required. Plan for about 5-10 minutes with basic tools per the manufacturer's install listing for this CL600 application. Before removing the airbox lid, check the screw types and clip locations, and avoid overtightening the plastic fasteners. Make sure the new filter's rubber seal sits flat all the way around so unfiltered air cannot bypass it. Do not use compressed air or high-pressure water when cleaning. Let the filter dry fully before re-oiling, and apply oil lightly so the filter does not get over-oiled.
