Filter or No Filter

[Rodney///Marsh]

Soooooo, my car has a K&N airfilter in it from the previous owner. I cleaned it up and she is nice and fresh. now, is the K&N airfilter better than the stock paper one or vice versa.

the reason for my dumb ass question is, she is nice and responsive but also barks like a Rottweiler that was neutered.. and, no I am not getting old, I like my car to be quiet and more like a sleeper. I want you to hear the exhaust tone and have never been impressed with that airbox sound that makes. I makes the car sound like a guy that fell out of a bottle of brandy that has some serious encouragement to talk shit..

any way, long and short. there have been a few e36 M3 refurbs that I have seen Peter and Gizmo do, did you guys use stock filters and in your experience, what difference does it make

would really appreciate your help.:chef:

 

[danieljames]

I can't give u a definite answer with regards to which is better.....but is this a cone filter or drop in panel filter. I've had both on my e36 and the drop in filter sounds close to standard.

 

[Ga-3M]

Hey bud, if you research this on the web you will get a million different opinions as I did when I wanted to check up on this. There are guys saying that aftermarket replacement filters such as BMC/K&N are the way to go, others are adamant that the standard paper filters are best, really does seem to come down to personal preference.

There are claims of power increases with this filter and that filter as well, and then dyno results showing loss of power using cone filters and the like.

So, if you are happy with the K&N, leave it in there, replacement flat pad filters like BMC/K&N do give a slight bit of an induction noise increase but nothing major. The standard paper filters are pretty cheap so maybe get one and put it in and then decide which one you prefer.:coolShake:

 

[DieselFan]

I have the K&N filters on my car. Mainly because they are reusable.

 

[Rodney///Marsh]

its the drop in filter.. i despise cone filters.. LOL

thanks guys..

Ga-3M - i get what you saying.. maybe i buy one the weekend and see what is so fantastic between the 2. LOL

Diesel - That's the only reason i haven't changed it because it can be washed..

 

[DieselFan]

Are you re-oiling it after washing?

 

[sash]

The main issue i found on the interwebs was the fact that reusable filters have to be oiled. This oil if applied too liberally can affect throttle bodies and sensors.

There was one comparison i came across which was as scientific as it gets and the result was that the KNN when new functions better, but as it ages it gets worse than a paper filter. This test included other filters as well. I will check if i can find it.

 

[Rodney///Marsh]

Are you re-oiling it after washing?

yebo. when i saw it had the K&N airfilter, I bought the K&N cleaning kit that comes with oil.

i am actually not as stupid as what i look.. LOKL.. ja ja ja, i know i dissed myself.

 

[DieselFan]

Just checking . I never noticed any difference in sound from the replacement filters I use

 

[Rodney///Marsh]

Just checking . I never noticed any difference in sound from the replacement filters I use

oooooh ok.. My buddy was sitting shotgun and he said to me its louder than one we test drove before

 

[danieljames]

Is your buddy a petrolhead? I experimented with that once.......told him I changed something but I actually didn't.....He was convinced my car was louder......and faster.......

Placebo

 

[Sankekur]

Stick to the stock paper filter and replace it every time you change the oil.

 

[B16A4]

get the induction snorkel that fits infront of airbox the noise will lessen a bit and also check if yu have the cushion on the inner bonnet lining it dampers the noise