air filter question

[cavx5]

hi everyone just a question..i recently replaced my airfilter with a k & n air filter..some on this site said it is no good because the oil in the filter element may damage the maf..i just found on ecs tuning an afe pro dry s filter which is oil free..what do you think..or should i use oem or a fram filter...thanks rob

[JCL]

I am not sure why you would not just buy the OEM filter. Most tests have shown that OEM filters outperform aftermarket filters, which trade off cleaning capability for restriction (or, in the case of K&N, for reusability).

There are specific results showing that K&N filters have variable performance over their life between cleanings. The only risk of MAF damage is if you overoil it.

[rlabair]

I currently use the AFE dry filter on my X5, an ITG on my M3, an OEM on my wifes 530i, and two Racing Dynamics on my Lx450. Through all the debate, I have yet to see any of my engines damaged by an air filter. Don't over oil the filter, clean the maf occasionally and change your oil regularly, that's it! By the way my e30 track car had over 230K when I sold it, my M3 track car has 128K, my Lexus 450 has 140K and my wifes 530i is at 104k. By all means though, do your research and make the decision that feels best for you. To each his own!

[powers1]

Originally Posted by cavx5

hi everyone just a question..i recently replaced my airfilter with a k & n air filter..some on this site said it is no good because the oil in the filter element may damage the maf..i just found on ecs tuning an afe pro dry s filter which is oil free..what do you think..or should i use oem or a fram filter...thanks rob

I agree with JCL!I used to be a reseller of major "performance" air-filters and I never saw any gains on a rolling road.On some tests we made on panel filters,we lost torque ,although HP was similar at the top end!
On tests on a filter that had been used/cleaned after 15,000 kms,we even found that the engine lost power.
On tests with some K&N Direct Induction kits,we found that we lost quite a bit of HP/Torque!Some kits were so badly designed that not only did they get all the hot air from the engine,but even worse,the breather pipe was receiving air from the filter as well as breathing!
I sold them mainly as "longlife " filters ,eventhough customers bought them for "performance".I can understand why some people say that they find them better than standard filters!This is because they replace a dirty standard filter with a new "performance filter"!
Never used them on my road cars for reasons already known.