TunedMercedes M157 and M278 Air Intakes

Description

Open Up the Sound & Flow

TunedMercedes Open Air Intakes for M157 & M278

• Noticeably freer breathing vs. stock—especially up top
• Sharper spool & response; lets your ECU tune make more usable power
• Plug-and-play install with MAP sensor extender included

Plug-and-Play
High-Flow Filters
Support Included
Return-to-Stock Ready

What’s Included

• Custom intake tubes (PPA-CF or PPS-CF) with smooth transitions
• Pair of inverted high-flow cone filters (K&N)
• Custom MAP sensor extender for correct reading & placement
• Printed Color Instructions
• Live install support
• Clamps & hardware for a clean, reversible install
• Shipping within USA
• 12 Month warranty (please inspect tubes periodically)

What’s Not Included

• Boxes
  • Can be purchased separately later or as alternatively as a complete kit
• Front intake tubes
  • The tubes from the front of the car to the area around the air filters is not included in this kit but can be added

What You’ll Feel

• Stronger mid-to-high RPM pull where stock boxes start to choke
• Quicker turbo response and addicting induction sound
• With proper ECU calibration, customers commonly see ~22–33whp improvement from airflow headroom. (Fuel, altitude, and tune dependent.)

Fitment

For Mercedes M157 (E63/CLS63/etc.) and M278 (E550/CLS550/etc.) applications using the factory airbox locations. Unsure? Drop your VIN in Order Notes and we’ll confirm fitment before shipping.

Open vs. Sealed: Which Should You Choose?

• Open (this page): maximum sound & top-end flow, simplest install.
• Sealed Box Upgrade: better heat control and weather isolation with similar flow—ideal for hotter climates or track days. See the sealed kit.
• Full Sealed Kit w/ Inlets: end-to-end solution with front inlets for the best IAT control and airflow path. See the full kit.

Install & Time

1. Remove the stock airboxes & tubes (no permanent mods).
2. Fit the TunedMercedes tubes, transfer MAP sensor to the extender, and mount the filters to tubes. Check tube fitment on each side and choose which way has the filters sit lower.
3. Tighten clamps, verify clearances, and take a short test drive.

We’re happy to hop on a call or remote session if you want guidance during install.

Tech Notes

• Tubes are precision-printed in engineering filament on Core-XY equipment for strength and heat resistance.
• Smooth bell-mouth profile acts like a velocity stack to reduce turbulence into the compressor.
• MAP extender places the sensor in a more representative airstream to help avoid under-read at high flow.

What to Expect After Install

• Immediate sound & response change; ECU may trim slightly as it adapts.
• For best results, pair with our ECU tune and, if applicable, our TCU tune to keep shifts clean under added torque.

FAQ

Daily-driver friendly?

Yes. No permanent changes; you can return to stock in minutes if desired.

Check-engine lights?

Proper MAP placement and sealing are key. If you see a code after install, contact us and we’ll help diagnose (vacuum leaks, sensor seating, etc.). However, there is a small chance of a low vacuum under WOT code which would need to be tuned out but does not present any drivability issues.

Do I need a tune?

Not required to drive, but an ECU calibration maximizes airflow benefits (especially at higher RPM) and can smooth trims for best results.

Compare Your Options

Kit	Best For	IAT Control	Sound	Install
Open Intakes	Max sound, simple install	Good (moving), Fair (traffic)	Loudest	Easiest
Sealed Boxes	Daily drivers, hot climates	Better	Balanced	Easy
Full Sealed + Inlets	Max performance & repeatability	Best	Subtle	Moderate

Want cooler IATs in traffic? Consider our Sealed Boxes or
Full Sealed + Inlets.

Sound & Heat Expectations

Scenario	Open Intakes	Sealed Boxes
Idle/traffic heat soak	Fair	Better
Back-to-back pulls	Good → Fair as temps rise	More consistent
Turbo sound	Loudest	Balanced

Pair with an ECU Tune to maximize airflow gains and TCU Tune to maximize performance.

Pro Tips: Avoiding CEL After Install

• Seat the MAP sensor O-ring fully in the extender; no gap or tilt.
• Tighten clamps evenly—tiny leaks near the sensor can cause under-read at WOT.
• If you see a code after install, contact us—we’ll walk you through a quick smoke-test/inspection.

Material Choice

• PC – Durable, impact-resistant polymer with balanced heat and strength characteristics.  Only clear offered by special order.
• PET-CF – Legacy carbon-fiber composite; lighter and stiffer than PET. No longer offered.
• PA6-GF – Heat-resistant glass-fiber nylon with strong structural performance.
• PPA-CF – High-temperature carbon-fiber nylon designed for demanding performance applications. Our standard material as of 1/26/26.
• PPS-CF – Rigid, dimensionally stable composite with OEM-like finish and excellent under-hood durability. Our upgraded material offer as of 1/26/26.
• PEEK – Aerospace-grade polymer.  Not currently offered.

Policies & Notes

No emissions defeat is provided or implied. By purchasing, you acknowledge that performance parts may affect drivetrain wear and dealer warranty. Our liability is limited to the transaction amount.

Add to Cart — Open Air Intakes

Add up to 40+hp with this is important upgrade! If you are considering going stage 2 or 3, some stage 1 tunes may not work right without air intakes and will experience a feeling of dropping out of gear.

These intakes may throw codes: p1ce7 or similar due to the measurement of vacuum at Wide Open Throttle being less than anticipated due to higher flow rates.  Some but not all customers have this error with these and similar air intakes and risers across the market. These codes are should not affect drivability.