Does the K&N Filters really work?

[adrian.b]

Right, didnt think of that!!!! DOH!

[X5 AFICIONADO]

This Is what the K&N page says about Mass air sensor

Will a K&N filter cause my vehicle’s mass air sensor to fail?

At this time, K&N is unaware of any evidence that K&N air filter oil from a K&N air filter can damage or cause the malfunction of a MAF sensor, regardless of the make of the vehicle involved. K&N takes seriously any claim that one of its products is incompatible with its designated application or can damage or cause the malfunction of any automotive component. Such claims are thoroughly investigated and, when appropriate, testing is undertaken to determine their merit. In the case of MAF sensors, ongoing tests have shown that contamination from K&N air filter oil has not caused any failures or malfunctions of the MAF sensors in the test vehicles. K&N is aware that MAF sensors can become contaminated for a variety of reasons, unrelated to a K&N air filter (such as backfiring, blowby, leaking airbox or leaking intake duct)

[TimmmyD]

The potential problem with the MAF has to do with people putting too much oil on the paper filter when "recharging" (ie. cleaning) it. I have used K&Ns for years on other vehicles and never had this problem. You just have to be careful not to get overzealous with the pink oil when periodically cleaning the filter.

My ongoing concern with K&N filters is their effectiveness. I think I do get more power with it in my M3, but I have lingering fears that it lets more grit by than the stock airbox/filter. I continue to use a K&N in my M3, but I would never use one on a vehicle that sees a lot of miles in a more dirty environment.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Goes in the airbox.

Unlike the X5 petrol models,the 3.0 Diesel airbox is built-in on the right side of the engine (opposite side of the Inlet Manifold) and is hidden by the engine cover and inside it you will find the +/- 15" long cone shaped air-filter....... Which is an absolute nightmare to replace!!!!!!

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by TimmmyD

The potential problem with the MAF has to do with people putting too much oil on the paper filter when "recharging" (ie. cleaning) it. I have used K&Ns for years on other vehicles and never had this problem. You just have to be careful not to get overzealous with the pink oil when periodically cleaning the filter.

My ongoing concern with K&N filters is their effectiveness. I think I do get more power with it in my M3, but I have lingering fears that it lets more grit by than the stock airbox/filter. I continue to use a K&N in my M3, but I would never use one on a vehicle that sees a lot of miles in a more dirty environment.

Key word there is "THINK". You THINK you are getting more power. Thats about as far as the gains go. Why risk harm to your engine for a gimmick. Yea, I'm going to oil a rag and stuff it in my air box. Just think about how that sounds. While you guys are at it, tell me what you think of the "hurrican" air intake thingy.

[adrian.b]

Originally Posted by powers1

Unlike the X5 petrol models,the 3.0 Diesel airbox is built-in on the right side of the engine (opposite side of the Inlet Manifold) and is hidden by the engine cover and inside it you will find the +/- 15" long cone shaped air-filter....... Which is an absolute nightmare to replace!!!!!!

Thanks for the "normal" reply, glad somebody could reply without trying to seem smart!

I`ll take a look under the cover, see how easy/hard it looks. if it`s too hard I`m not going to mess.

Thanks.