Has anyone tried the K&N filters

[Feelin Nauti]

In past vehicle I have used the K&N filters and was happy with them. They usually have more air flow over the stock filter. I am looking at all air filter options and ran across this.

https://www.knfilters.com/blog/kn-of...d=6242958&rw=2

The writeup says flows 50% more air than the stock filter

Does the M filters allow the same as these or less...

Thoughts ???

[Kzang]

I've tried K&N filters back early 2000's on my mustang GT and noticed nothing has changed... maybe couple of times I've tried to convince myself that my GT is faster and sounds better with the K&N drop filter.. but I know deep down inside it isn't.

I would suspect that I'd feel the same now in 2018.

[Feelin Nauti]

Originally Posted by Kzang

I've tried K&N filters back early 2000's on my mustang GT and noticed nothing has changed... maybe couple of times I've tried to convince myself that my GT is faster and sounds better with the K&N drop filter.. but I know deep down inside it isn't.

I would suspect that I'd feel the same now in 2018.

If you are completely stock I would guess there would not be much to notice..

If you are tuned I would think more airflow will net some more ponies or quicker response... Maybe its just me but I do see people installing the stock M filters for this very reason of more air flow...

[AlpineX]

filter oil is bad for your MAF is more current outlook I believe

[DuSh]

So it’s about $200 for 2 filters, while you can get a pair of x5m filters for $100. X5M air filters were tested on a flow bench and they flow 14% better compared to stock x5 50i filters.
Now the thing with K&N claim of 50% is that it’s a play of words. Notice they never mention it flows 50% better than stock x5 50i filters. They say “it” after mentioning cotton gauze. So it’s cotton gauze vs paper material that has 50% more air flow. They never directly compare x5 50i filters to their filter. Another thing is - they use “up to” 50% - basically that could mean anywhere from 0% to 50% based on some unknown to us setup and circumstances. Basically this could be a lab setup with a sheet of 1sq.ft of cotton gauze lubricated with their oil vs paper material used in stock 50i filter and air blown and measured after the filters. “Up to 50%” can even mean that at usual air flow stock filter gets more flow lol, and only at some specific high speed (could be even theoretical 300mph speed that you never going to get in x5) it could have 50% more air flow.
Basically, unless they have a link with proper setup on a flow bench with intact stock 50i filter vs their filter - we don’t know for sure and “up to 50%” claim can be anything.
I would like to know if it’s true or not, but if you will come across a flow bench test - please let us know. It might be worth extra $100 compared to x5m filters. We just don;t really know. Just my opinion man.

[DuSh]

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1430312
Check this thread. Also, note that K&N filters are made based on low profile of 50i filters - so even if cotton gauze can flow better it won’t be able to make it up the lost surface compared to x5m filter. So I would say K&N needs a proper testing on flow bench to back up data. Many companies often claim increases, but few back it up with direct tests.

[turboawd]

They're not worth it in my opinion. 50% more airflow? Come on...

[Feelin Nauti]

Originally Posted by DuSh

So it’s about $200 for 2 filters, while you can get a pair of x5m filters for $100. X5M air filters were tested on a flow bench and they flow 14% better compared to stock x5 50i filters.
Now the thing with K&N claim of 50% is that it’s a play of words. Notice they never mention it flows 50% better than stock x5 50i filters. They say “it” after mentioning cotton gauze. So it’s cotton gauze vs paper material that has 50% more air flow. They never directly compare x5 50i filters to their filter. Another thing is - they use “up to” 50% - basically that could mean anywhere from 0% to 50% based on some unknown to us setup and circumstances. Basically this could be a lab setup with a sheet of 1sq.ft of cotton gauze lubricated with their oil vs paper material used in stock 50i filter and air blown and measured after the filters. “Up to 50%” can even mean that at usual air flow stock filter gets more flow lol, and only at some specific high speed (could be even theoretical 300mph speed that you never going to get in x5) it could have 50% more air flow.
Basically, unless they have a link with proper setup on a flow bench with intact stock 50i filter vs their filter - we don’t know for sure and “up to 50%” claim can be anything.
I would like to know if it’s true or not, but if you will come across a flow bench test - please let us know. It might be worth extra $100 compared to x5m filters. We just don;t really know. Just my opinion man.

Very good points... Maybe the M filters is just an easier and cheaper way to go...Since at best with a tune we can get the 50i up to HP gains of a stock M so I'm sure the M filters will be a proven filter to go with...

It was just a thought and using searches I could not find anything on these K&N filters posted on here..

[Kzang]

I thought it was common knowledge in the auto community that these K&N filters are crap. I guess not.

[alphaod]

K&N claims their filter removes 98% of airborne contaminants which seems great until you find that the Mahle (OE manufacturer of the 50i and M filter) filter filters 99.9% of airborne contaminants.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Feelin Nauti

In past vehicle I have used the K&N filters and was happy with them. They usually have more air flow over the stock filter. I am looking at all air filter options and ran across this.

https://www.knfilters.com/blog/kn-of...d=6242958&rw=2

The writeup says flows 50% more air than the stock filter

Does the M filters allow the same as these or less...

Thoughts ???

Check out this thread. https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1510900

I think this would be the only option if you don't go with the M filters but I would like to see flow testing and IAT numbers b/c you won't be able to put the lid back on with these Dinan filters. My guess is when you're sitting idle, IATs will be higher but when you're moving (when it matters), I bet IATs are almost the same as with the M filters.

[Feelin Nauti]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

Check out this thread. https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1510900

I think this would be the only option if you don't go with the M filters but I would like to see flow testing and IAT numbers b/c you won't be able to put the lid back on with these Dinan filters. My guess is when you're sitting idle, IATs will be higher but when you're moving (when it matters), I bet IATs are almost the same as with the M filters.

Yes I saw this one. Its not cheap and I'm not sure if it fits with the cover and not sure I want to chance it unless someone else comes up with a fix for the cover issues.

BTW... I finally had time to install all my M Performance spoilers and such. Its looking really good. Next month I will probably be the performance mods.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Feelin Nauti

BTW... I finally had time to install all my M Performance spoilers and such. Its looking really good. Next month I will probably be the performance mods.