My 98 E430's engine note sounds wimpy to me. The sound of the E55, C43 and perhaps the CLK430 may be a bit deeper due to the dual air units and less baffling. My E430 single air box is baffled to much for my aural taste. How much trouble and what parts are needed to modify the air units/intakes like the ones found on the other V-8 models.

In my experience with this model car the tone is good, it is just quiet enough to be in keeping with the general nature of the vehicle. Upgrading to the twin-tube cleaner shouldn't be that hard, finding the space around the radiator/fans/etc to get cool air from outside the engine bay is a little harder. Right now it draws from a single inlet on the passenger side. I'd give AMG http://www.performances.com a call and ask them about the feasability of swapping in a E55 air-cleaner. Just because something will fit, does not mean it will work. The CLK bits are for a CLK or C class chassis. I'd check into getting the E55 parts. If you just want noise, then put some K&N filters in. You wont get much extra power, but you will get more noise. Just keep them oiled every 1-2K miles.

Hope this helps...Lee