K&N air filter on X28i?

[miataken]

Anyone have tried any after market air filter, e.g. K&N? Any difference?

http://www.amazon.com/33-2963-High-P...dp/B00370V8QA/

Thanks

[HBWT]

Originally Posted by miataken

Anyone have tried any after market air filter, e.g. K&N? Any difference?

http://www.amazon.com/33-2963-High-P...dp/B00370V8QA/

Thanks

tried them on several cars a few years back. A waste of $$$ as I saw zero power gain. Some owners report issues with using them. Not worth it IMO.

[CIWS]

Negligible power gains if that's what you're looking for. Best thing about them is their potential longevity vs a standard filter, but then they cost more too. Some makers warn of their use (oil based filter) because some of that might dirty the MAF sensor.

[Grovsnus]

I haven't tried it on the X1, but the effect on a naturally aspiring V8 was more than just noticeable - it was almost like driving without an air filter. Lots more power. Granted, the 5.0 l sucks a lot more air due to the larger volume, so the effects would be higher. Engine volume * compression * rpm pretty much is how much air you need.

This also means that the benefits will be minimal if you drive in eco mode and try to avoid high rpms, but much bigger if you drive like petrol were free.

I've also tried it on a straight four 1.9 l Honda, where I honestly can't say whether a perceived power improvement was a placebo effect. There was a slight improvement in mileage, but not enough to quickly pay for the filter.

The question is whether it will throw an error code - the air stream is measured, and you may get warnings about lean mixture.

[CIWS]

When I had the M56 (N/A Japanese V8 420HP) I took the time to do baseline dynos. Then swapped out the air filters (M56 has two separate ducts/filters) with K&N. Re-dyno and no real difference, within % of error, at the wheels as measurable on the dyno.

Not all vehicles are the same, some will benefit from a swap odds are. Just depends on stock design and how easy it already breathes.

[miataken]

Thanks everyone. I agree that the experience varies from model to model, hence I wonder if there's any changes in throttle response, mileage or error code. It's unlikely it will pay for itself, and throttle response is controlled by the MCU. Just wondering if it's indeed the case.

I actually have used K&N replacement in my previous car as well, it was mainly for better throttle response more than anything else. I actually experienced worse mileage when I put into a modified, higher compression engine.

[Express_GD]

Just ordered my 2014 s28i and I'm glad I read this before ordering the filter. I have one on my 530i, but it's been on so long that I can't even remember what it felt like before the swap.