K and N filters

[525ifreak]

I have a 2001 525i and I had a question regarding aftermarket air filters. My dealership said that using a K and N air filter would possibly ruin something in the intake because of the oil that is used to catch all the impurities. I have also heard that that would happen if you used to much oil when re-oiling it. Is it worth it to change out my stock paper air filter?

 

[flyinH]

it will only hurt things like the HFM if the filter is oiled too much.you should always spray the oil on sparingly,let it sit for at least 20min, then re-oil as needed.

 

[jonnyz16]

The problem is with inexperienced people re-oiling their filter with way too much oil and the intake sucks the oil from the filter thru the intake tube and messes things up . All you have to do is follow the directions when cleaning . I've used them for years and never had a problem . I recommend them personally. other members don't like them though.

 

[MrElussive]

K&N air filter is not a bad idea, but it will only give you like a 1-2hp gain....nothing you will really notice. And if you're that concerned about re-oiling, maybe you can just buy a new air filter every time? You're supposed to replace it every 2 years, right? So $30-$40 every 2 years isn't that bad considering you are not risking the safety of your engine.

 

[jonnyz16]

K&N air filter is not a bad idea, but it will only give you like a 1-2hp gain....nothing you will really notice. And if you're that concerned about re-oiling, maybe you can just buy a new air filter every time? You're supposed to replace it every 2 years, right? So $30-$40 every 2 years isn't that bad considering you are not risking the safety of your engine.

Or you can use the second filter while cleaning the original

 

[wantanM3]

Guys,
Have thought about using a K&N as they would last quite a while with maintenance, a friend of mine won't use them as he reckons they make the engine too noisy. How much difference does it make?...ok if you floor it I bet you do get a nice induction roar but for "normal" road driving would it be that noticeable?....just don't want to sound like a boy racer (which round here are old bangers with big bore exhausts on, which an egg-whisk could out drag).
Cheers

 

[flyinH]

changing just the replacement filter will only make the intake noise alittle louder if at all. but if you're switching to a cone type filter,it'll be noticeably louder. the smaller displacement engines respond better (crisper throttle response and maybe acouple extra hp) to k&n filters,whereas changing to a k&n,say on a bbc 454 you won't really notice a thing.