The K&N VF8004 is a washable, reusable cabin air filter for the engine-compartment cabin filter housing on 2020-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans with the 2.1L L4 diesel. Its non-woven synthetic media is electrostatically charged to trap dust, pollen, mold, and spores before air reaches the HVAC system, and the manufacturer says it also helps control cab odors from outside air. Because the element is cleaned and reinstalled rather than replaced, it can cost less over the life of the van than repeatedly buying disposable filters, which is the main reason to pay more than for a basic replacement.
The manufacturer recommends refreshing this filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, using its refresher kit (part 99-6000). Keeping the media clean is what preserves the heating and cooling benefit, so a regular cleaning schedule matters more with this filter than with a disposable one. Searchers looking for a 2021 Sprinter 3500 2.1L diesel cabin air filter, a washable Sprinter 2500 cabin filter, or a reusable engine-compartment cabin filter for a Sprinter will find this part matches those applications.
Installation centers on the cabin filter housing on the passenger side of the firewall. The job involves removing the housing cover, moving the cowl drain tube for access, swapping the element with the K&N logo and part number facing up, and reversing the steps. The manufacturer's VF8004 instruction sheet also suggests applying its stop decal to mark the housing as holding a reusable filter.
The manufacturer lists the VF8004 for the 2.1L L4 diesel Sprinter 2500 and 3500. Its listings show the 3.0L V6 diesel using a different cabin filter, the VF8000. Confirm your engine before ordering.
The manufacturer recommends refreshing the filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles and provides refresher kit 99-6000 with its own instructions for the cleaning process.
The manufacturer lists the location as the engine compartment. Its VF8004 install sheet describes the housing as sitting on the passenger side of the firewall, under the hood.
Per the manufacturer's VF8004 install sheet, open the hood and locate the cabin filter housing on the passenger side of the firewall. Grasp the cover tab and slide the cover toward the rear of the vehicle, then disconnect the cowl drain tube and move it aside for access. Remove the old filter and install the K&N with the logo and part number facing up, as the sheet shows. Reverse the steps to close up, then clean an area of the housing and apply the stop decal. The sheet advises referring to the owner's manual where applicable. The sheet is written for a different truck platform, so confirm the steps against your van's owner's manual before starting. Tool requirements and difficulty level were not confirmed in the manufacturer's documentation.
