Air Filters - One to rule them all

[ekseniks]

I see that this is not an easy subject so let's all do the right thing and get a poll going.

If you vote please try back it up with links (pics don't really work in this case) or if you just know for sure/experience...

We are talking about the bigger E36's (323i, 325i, 328i, M3)

And we are looking for performance vs. filtration

So without further adieu...

 

[Sankekur]

In terms of intakes I have read that guys with e36's get some decent gains with a cone filter and a proper hear shield.

In term of filtration and flow you will probably have to experiment yourself, I have read an article once that compared the filtration of different filters and the K&N came out on top if I remember correctly.

But if it was my car I would keep it stock just replace the filter with a clean one every time you change the oil.

 

[ekseniks]

Thanks Sank, I have decide that until I'm 100% sure of what i'm getting myself into i'll keep what I have.

I want to ask someone with a CAI kit to help me test the filtration, then i'll post findings and let people decide for themselves.

 

[sclass]

So how does one improve intake but remain with the OEM filter then????

 

[Sankekur]

I have often wondered how well the e46 intake would work on the e36.

 

[ekseniks]

I have often wondered how well the e46 intake would work on the e36.

Interesting... I've heard the e46 intake system is great as is, but an e46 330i intake on a e36 328i could be epic...

 

[gconry18]

I agree that if you could retrofit the E46 system on an E36 it will be great. But the 6pot E36 is fanfukkntastic with a decent CAI system and anyone who says otherwise should try it rather than troll :rollsmile:

 

[moranor@axis]

So how does one improve intake but remain with the OEM filter then????

this is why im making a custom CAI with the round filter from the e90... it has way more surface area then the flat panel it will replace...

 

[whattingh]

here is a test someone did
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm

 

[Sankekur]

I have often wondered how well the e46 intake would work on the e36.

Interesting... I've heard the e46 intake system is great as is, but an e46 330i intake on a e36 328i could be epic...

The biggest problem with this is the different sized maf and pipes leading to the intake manifold, but is should not pose to much of a problem.

 

[Lev]

I read an article that was written by Jim Conforti (apparently). His findings showed that a performance filter does have a higher air flow rate, but with that there was more dust. It basically boiled down to the fact that if you are running your car as a road car you might as well go OEM to get cleaner air. That's why I kept the filter OEM.

If you have a track car or something of that nature, a proper induction kit would be needed,something from aFe/K&N etc. I did see the aFe intake on an M3 Coupe, looks really good, and the owner mentioned the car runs better with it.

 

[Coisman]

imp:
I got a K&N flat pan filter, the one that fits in the standard airbox, in my car, and you don't really hear a change in the sound of the car, but you do feel a small change in the pull-away reaction of the car, so I think it does make a difference.