Air Filter in a Brabus Roadster

[RiverBrab]

I just bought a Brabus Roadster Coupe today to replace my Brabus Fortwo (that's currently up for sale - see For Sale section if interested).

Anyway, I replaced the air filter with the PipeX one that I used in my Fortwo and was interested to note an unusual feature of the standard OEM filter in my Brabus Roadster. It's a paper conical filter (as you would expect) but it has a cotton sock (for want of a better description) surrounding it. My guess is that this is for noise silencing in the open cabin of the Roadster Coupe which seems to amplify the engine sounds compared to the Roadster. But the consequence of this silencing sock is to reduce airflow to the engine, which seems a strange compromise. With the PipeX now fitted the acceleration is stronger but the induction noise is also noticeably louder.

I just thought I would comment since I've never seen anything mentioned on here before and I'm certain that the standard filter compromises air flow more than would be expected. Seems a simple and beneficial modification if you don't mind a little extra noise.

[Pedro Romao]

Interesting subject, since my Roadster (note, not a Coupe, not a Brabus) came factory fitted with a filter just like the one you describe... which I have replaced with the PiperX to the same results. Have you also noticed quicker shifting?

[RiverBrab]

I don't think I've noticed any quicker shifts but then the Brabus is notably quicker than the regular roadster anyway. It certainly sounds better and there's more mid-range torque which is nice.

Maybe other roadster owners should make this change a priority unless they've already done so.

[madDan]

I don't think I've noticed any quicker shifts but then the Brabus is notably quicker than the regular roadster anyway. It certainly sounds better and there's more mid-range torque which is nice.

Maybe other roadster owners should make this change a priority unless they've already done so.

What buying a Brabus? :eek:

Or the filter?

[RiverBrab]

Step 1 - buy Brabus

Step 2 - change filter..

Only kidding... if all roadsters have the same kind of filter then if you don't mind a bit more noise it seems worth doing.

[madDan]

Had mine since Billing (filter that is) and am perfectly happy with the results, slicker changes etc I only occasionally hear the SUCK, but hey when you have the top off who hears anything above the wind noise anyway

[RiverBrab]

I drove mine with the top off on Sunday and it was far better 'roadster' than the Boxster S I used to own. Brilliant cars these roadsters and so useable too.

[zorrosmart]

get a proper brabus foam air filter, it does make a difference.

I have got it in my bluewave and it goes better than piperX

[RiverBrab]

Where from?

[zorrosmart]

good luck.

not availible from smart or brabus(i have asked on many occasions). Sometimes escape/fall out from the smart performance packs for the mk5 coupe/cabrio, but fit the roadster perfect.

very very very rare but worth it.

[Evilution]

Zorro - I would be interested to know some sizes of the Brabus foam filter, maybe a picture?

RiverBrab - Contact me.

[zorrosmart]

evilution

i know a coupe of smart owners with remaped smart coupes (1 being a 67bhp diesel) running the brabus air filter with no problems at all. It is oiled and comes with a sexy Brabus 'B logo' on it.

I will try and drop you a pic.

dan