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      07-20-2019, 01:34 PM   #1
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K&N Air Filter

Hey guys! I just ordered a K&N air filter for my 320i. I wanted to know if this is a downgrade from the OEM paper filter. Will the new filter damage my engine? Will it worsen my performance? Will it worsen my MPG?

Thank You!
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      07-20-2019, 02:55 PM   #2
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Shouldn't you have asked these questions before ordering it? IMO if something so inexpensive did what it claims to do BMW would use it as OEM.
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      07-20-2019, 02:58 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Shouldn't you have asked these questions before ordering it? IMO if something so inexpensive did what it claims to do BMW would use it as OEM.
Lmao you're right. I shouldn't have. But my thinking was that I'll use it once in a while if I'm planning to show off the car or have fun driving
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      07-20-2019, 05:34 PM   #4
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I've only heard good things about k&N filters so it's either good or better than oem
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      07-20-2019, 05:47 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ishan99 View Post
Hey guys! I just ordered a K&N air filter for my 320i. I wanted to know if this is a downgrade from the OEM paper filter. Will the new filter damage my engine? Will it worsen my performance? Will it worsen my MPG?

Thank You!
I have one...works great. I clean it once a year. Just don't over oil it when you clean it and you'll be fine.
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      07-20-2019, 10:43 PM   #6
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Thank you all for your helpful responses!
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      07-20-2019, 11:00 PM   #7
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Im using stock intake and filter on stage 2 bm3. I’ve hear mixed opinions on K&n for the n20/26 engines. Some have experienced cels with tunes after using K&n.
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      07-21-2019, 12:04 AM   #8
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I always use dry filter, it would be oem or aftermarket.
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      07-21-2019, 03:31 AM   #9
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It will have a negligible impact on performance. You're better off staying stock IMO. I've run a K&N for a while without issue, but I don't think it's worth the money/maintenance.
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      07-21-2019, 08:21 AM   #10
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A higher flow filter might, and it's a big 'might', give better results with a normally aspirated engine. With a turbo it won't do doodily squat. If you don't think BMW engineers know enough to specify an OEM filter that is up to the job you should own a ricer.
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      07-21-2019, 08:35 PM   #11
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I got the K&N filter, no issues.
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      07-21-2019, 09:05 PM   #12
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2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
Running KN filter with no issues. I let mine bake in the sun (after oiling) while I change my motor oil.

Was cleaning and oiling every 10k miles but Ive since found out that this is overkill. Going with once per year from now on (20-25k).
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      07-28-2019, 03:38 PM   #13
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I use an aFe Pro 5R drop-in air filter which is their oiled air filter equivalent of the K&N filter. That's the only performance part on the car at the moment. I'd recommend using it if for no other reason than the fact that it will be the last air filter you have buy.

Does it actually increase HP? If it does you won't notice it since it's likely in the single digits.
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      07-28-2019, 05:27 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ishan99 View Post
Hey guys! I just ordered a K&N air filter for my 320i. I wanted to know if this is a downgrade from the OEM paper filter. Will the new filter damage my engine? Will it worsen my performance? Will it worsen my MPG?

Thank You!
I've been told by many BMW mechanics never to use an oiled filter because it puts oil into your air intake system which can gunk up the expensive sensors there. Who wants to pay for hours of expensive troubleshooting only to find that you caused your own problem with an oiled filter.

I use a lifetime aFe Pro Dry filter. Definitely feel a difference from better breathing. About $70 and cleans easily by soaking in warm dishsoapy water. Then rinse it with warm clean water in the opposite direction of normal engine airflow. You'll be amazed how much dirt comes out even if the filter appears clean upon visual inspection. Let airdry for a day or so. Save your OEZ filter to pop in while the aFe filter is drying.

Hope this helps!
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      07-28-2019, 06:03 PM   #15
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K&N are great filters BUT, it has shown over the years that the oil can become detrimental to the MAS. Since our cars run MAS I would go with a dry high flow filter. Though a HF in a factory box is probably only good to give a mild gain, but if nothing else the last filter you'll have to buy so it's a win either way.
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      07-28-2019, 09:33 PM   #16
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An oiled filter clog the MAF sensor and cause carbon deposits on the intake valves and manifold. Those in the know install an oil catch can to prevent oil from the crankcase making its way via the PCV to the valves, causing carbon build up. Intentionally putting something in that will cause carbon build up is totally illogical. It might not be a problem with cars that don't have direct injection, but ours do.
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      07-29-2019, 09:51 AM   #17
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I've had a k&n filter for a while with no issues but this thread is making me reconsider stock 😂
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Sounds pizzagatey.
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      07-30-2019, 11:58 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by floridaorange View Post
I've had a k&n filter for a while with no issues but this thread is making me reconsider stock 😂
Its fine, as long as you dont overoil the filter when cleaning, if concerned just wash the MAF with a proper cleaner periodically.
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      07-30-2019, 12:20 PM   #19
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Congrats OP
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      07-30-2019, 12:34 PM   #20
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Its fine, as long as you dont overoil the filter when cleaning, if concerned just wash the MAF with a proper cleaner periodically.
Cleaning the MAF is a routine maintenance item that should be done yearly in any event. It's the potential for added carbon deposits on the intake valves that would concern me. I clean my valves yearly, when I've got the MAF sensor out to clean it, but I have to think that very few owners clean their valves, or their MAF sensor either.
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      07-31-2019, 12:49 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Cleaning the MAF is a routine maintenance item that should be done yearly in any event. It's the potential for added carbon deposits on the intake valves that would concern me. I clean my valves yearly, when I've got the MAF sensor out to clean it, but I have to think that very few owners clean their valves, or their MAF sensor either.
I cleaned mine when i switched out my intake, was pretty darn clean already and im sure it has never been cleaned in its life (60k miles), regardless its easy and i guess once a year isnt too much.
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      07-31-2019, 07:30 AM   #22
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Cleaning the MAF and intake valves is part of my spring maintenance, along with changing the oil and filter, cleaning the A/C coils and doing a full interior and exterior detailing. It may not be necessary to clean the MAF and valves yearly, but it can't hurt, and I can afford the twenty bucks for the cleaners.
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