What aftermarket drop-in filter are you guys using with stock airbox?

///M1 · 02-24-2010, 12:25 PM

I assume most people here use K&N? Any issues with it? (on some applications, e.g. E39 M5 which has dual intakes, many poeple complained the oil off the filter poluted their MAFSs)

Anyone actually dynoed pre- and post filter install? FWIW, I did so on my Audi a couple of weeks ago, a whopping...3whp

But wonder if on forced induction it may be a bit better.

What's best place to get one, would prefer a board sponsor to give some lovin' back in appreciation for supporting the board.

david @ eas · 02-24-2010, 01:01 PM

We've been getting a lot of great response with the Macht Schnell filters we have. If you don't want to get an intake, this panel filter will be the best you can get on the market today.

Sending more info over PM.

SV Concepts III · 02-24-2010, 01:10 PM

aFe is the way to go. The problem with many aftermarket filters is that they cast the urethane surrounds without a comb set in place so you get drips of urethane down into the filter element. This blocks air flow and reduces surface area of the element. aFe is one of the few filters I have seen without this problem.

tom @ eas · 02-24-2010, 01:35 PM

Nick brings up a good point. Most cotton-gauze filters will share the same characteristics - cotton, oil, mesh and rubber/polyurethane construction. The MS54B32 goes a bit further, which we'll get into:

Layers
The Macht Schnell N54B30 are an 8-layer construction, twice as many cotton piles as K&N and 3 more than aFe. This allows more filtering and greater oil saturation for dust collection.

Wicking
An important factor not really talked about in the past is the bleed area or "wicking". This is the urethane bleed that is soaked up by the gauze, reducing the surface area of the filter and limiting airflow:

Here's an example of poor wicking on a panel-type filter:

This example (using the Macht Schnell MS54B32 filters as an example) shows very little bleed, keeping the wick area to a minimum and permitting maximum airflow:

Is it the cheapest? probably not. The best? Without a doubt. Rest assured - you are getting the best stock-replacement filter for your N54's powerplant.

Look into this thread here, which will show Mr 5's 335, with the current world record-holding N54 on the dragstrip, equipped with MS filters: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349293

mad chemist · 02-24-2010, 01:38 PM

///M1,

Been using K&N for 24,000 miles with no issues, & just replaced with new K&N.

Mad.

BrokenVert · 02-24-2010, 01:47 PM

I feel like this thread is going to end in a cage match between EAS and Jlevi

tom @ eas · 02-24-2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I feel like this thread is going to end in a cage match between EAS and Jlevi

Not the intention at all, just putting the facts out there.

///M1 · 02-24-2010, 03:03 PM

Thx for the feedback guys, and appreciate the board-sponsor's exchange. At the end, more enlightenment for the end-user. A couple of quick follow-ups:

The aFe - we are talking about a drop filter, right, not their dual cone? Not intending to put an open-air design CAI. Any links to the product?

Will these drop-filters fit the Dinan CAI? I am not sure if I get one, but if I ever get a CAI, it will be that one (or hopefully another vendor's closed CAI similar in design to Dinan but not in price!)

tom @ eas · 02-24-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M1

Thx for the feedback guys, and appreciate the board-sponsor's exchange. At the end, more enlightenment for the end-user. A couple of quick follow-ups:

The aFe - we are talking about a drop filter, right, not their dual cone? Not intending to put an open-air design CAI. Any links to the product?

Will these drop-filters fit the Dinan CAI? I am not sure if I get one, but if I ever get a CAI, it will be that one (or hopefully another vendor's closed CAI similar in design to Dinan but not in price!)

The MS filter will fit the Dinan airbox, since they are only increasing plenum size with the airbox lid.

///M1 · 02-24-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The MS filter will fit the Dinan airbox, since they are only increasing plenum size with the airbox lid.

Awesome, just what I wanted to hear!

BTW, what would you recommend in terms of maintenance/replacement? How often would you clean it, does it need to be re-oiled, eventually replaced at how many miles? Appreciate it, Tom.

tom @ eas · 02-24-2010, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M1

Awesome, just what I wanted to hear!

BTW, what would you recommend in terms of maintenance/replacement? How often would you clean it, does it need to be re-oiled, eventually replaced at how many miles? Appreciate it, Tom.

Any of the cleaning kits on the market will be fine, most are essentially the same - the important part is making sure regular cleaning intervals are followed.

The aFe uses a vegetable-based oil, for environmental reasons.

Si-M240i · 02-25-2010, 02:11 AM

I have the "Helene Streamine" drop in panel filter and love it.

esscolab · 02-25-2010, 02:31 AM

AFE's here. Cleaned them for the first time in a year, what a difference on acceleration, unless I am imagining it....

mineo77 · 02-25-2010, 07:22 AM

can one of the vendors PM for pricing...i have been looking at the same thing and am on the fence with which drop-in.

thanks

BBBluey · 02-25-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mineo77

can one of the vendors PM for pricing...i have been looking at the same thing and am on the fence with which drop-in.

thanks

+1 here. But please include shipping costs. If it's gonna run $15+ for shipping then forget it. I'm APO AE.

Thanks.

brandon @ eas · 02-25-2010, 11:51 AM

PM's coming your way

SV Concepts III · 02-25-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mineo77

can one of the vendors PM for pricing...i have been looking at the same thing and am on the fence with which drop-in.

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBBluey

+1 here. But please include shipping costs. If it's gonna run $15+ for shipping then forget it. I'm APO AE.

Thanks.

Sending you both PMs

///M1 · 02-25-2010, 12:07 PM

Any chance for a GB, sponsors?

mineo77 · 02-25-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M1

Any chance for a GB, sponsors?

me likey that idea!!! sign me up!

bimmerboy · 02-25-2010, 02:29 PM

imo drop in filter is not worth it.... I would create a DIY cold air intake for the same amount of money and get real gains
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=mr.5+intake

tom @ eas · 02-25-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerboy

imo drop in filter is not worth it.... I would create a DIY cold air intake for the same amount of money and get real gains
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=mr.5+intake

Mr. 5 is actually using a MS panel and cone filter in those tests.

135forthewin · 02-25-2010, 03:25 PM

I believe S&B filters manufacture both the "Macht Schnell" and "BMS" filter, and they used to produce the "Helene Streamline" filter also.
IMO, your best bet is buying the BMS filter. Highest quality and one of the lowest price, where can you go wrong?

02-24-2010, 12:25 PM	#1
///M1 Brigadier General 273 Rep 3,164 Posts Drives: Many Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of 7K RPM iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00] 1994 Audi RS2 Avant [0.00] 2021 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] 1988 BMW E30 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW 1///M [0.00] 2017 BMW F80 M3 30 ... [0.00] 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 [0.00] 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 1998 Porsche 993 C4S [0.00] 1994 Lancia Delta I ... [0.00] 2008 Audi RS4 [0.00]	What aftermarket drop-in filter are you guys using with stock airbox? I assume most people here use K&N? Any issues with it? (on some applications, e.g. E39 M5 which has dual intakes, many poeple complained the oil off the filter poluted their MAFSs) Anyone actually dynoed pre- and post filter install? FWIW, I did so on my Audi a couple of weeks ago, a whopping...3whp But wonder if on forced induction it may be a bit better. What's best place to get one, would prefer a board sponsor to give some lovin' back in appreciation for supporting the board. __________________ *2011 BMW E82 1///M: AW, all options; Renntech, Akrapovic, Forge, P3, RevoZ CF bits, many mods 1988 BMW E30 M3: Hennarot, S14, stock 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3: PtS, CXX, LWBS, PCCB 1998 Porsche 993 C4S: Zenith Blue, last aircooled widebody, Bilstein PSS10, Fister II + Fabspeed exhaust 2008 Audi B7 RS 4*: Sprint Blue, Audi Exclusive Euro Bucket Interior, Premium+Titanium, many mods
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-24-2010, 01:01 PM	#2
david @ eas 254 Rep 4,048 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anaheim iTrader: (5)	We've been getting a lot of great response with the Macht Schnell filters we have. If you don't want to get an intake, this panel filter will be the best you can get on the market today. Sending more info over PM.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2010, 01:10 PM	#3
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	aFe is the way to go. The problem with many aftermarket filters is that they cast the urethane surrounds without a comb set in place so you get drips of urethane down into the filter element. This blocks air flow and reduces surface area of the element. aFe is one of the few filters I have seen without this problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2010, 01:35 PM	#4
tom @ eas General 8108 Rep 18,797 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (19) Garage List 2018 BMW i3s [0.00] 2010 BMW M3 [6.50] 2015 BMW M4 [5.25]	Nick brings up a good point. Most cotton-gauze filters will share the same characteristics - cotton, oil, mesh and rubber/polyurethane construction. The MS54B32 goes a bit further, which we'll get into: Layers The Macht Schnell N54B30 are an 8-layer construction, twice as many cotton piles as K&N and 3 more than aFe. This allows more filtering and greater oil saturation for dust collection. Wicking An important factor not really talked about in the past is the bleed area or "wicking". This is the urethane bleed that is soaked up by the gauze, reducing the surface area of the filter and limiting airflow: Here's an example of poor wicking on a panel-type filter: This example (using the Macht Schnell MS54B32 filters as an example) shows very little bleed, keeping the wick area to a minimum and permitting maximum airflow: Is it the cheapest? probably not. The best? Without a doubt. Rest assured - you are getting the best stock-replacement filter for your N54's powerplant. Look into this thread here, which will show Mr 5's 335, with the current world record-holding N54 on the dragstrip, equipped with MS filters: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349293 __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
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02-24-2010, 01:38 PM	#5
mad chemist Lieutenant 59 Rep 416 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South East iTrader: (0)	///M1, Been using K&N for 24,000 miles with no issues, & just replaced with new K&N. Mad.
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02-24-2010, 01:47 PM	#6
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	I feel like this thread is going to end in a cage match between EAS and Jlevi __________________
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02-24-2010, 03:03 PM	#8
///M1 Brigadier General 273 Rep 3,164 Posts Drives: Many Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of 7K RPM iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00] 1994 Audi RS2 Avant [0.00] 2021 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] 1988 BMW E30 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW 1///M [0.00] 2017 BMW F80 M3 30 ... [0.00] 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 [0.00] 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 1998 Porsche 993 C4S [0.00] 1994 Lancia Delta I ... [0.00] 2008 Audi RS4 [0.00]	Thx for the feedback guys, and appreciate the board-sponsor's exchange. At the end, more enlightenment for the end-user. A couple of quick follow-ups: The aFe - we are talking about a drop filter, right, not their dual cone? Not intending to put an open-air design CAI. Any links to the product? Will these drop-filters fit the Dinan CAI? I am not sure if I get one, but if I ever get a CAI, it will be that one (or hopefully another vendor's closed CAI similar in design to Dinan but not in price!) __________________ *2011 BMW E82 1///M: AW, all options; Renntech, Akrapovic, Forge, P3, RevoZ CF bits, many mods 1988 BMW E30 M3: Hennarot, S14, stock 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3: PtS, CXX, LWBS, PCCB 1998 Porsche 993 C4S: Zenith Blue, last aircooled widebody, Bilstein PSS10, Fister II + Fabspeed exhaust 2008 Audi B7 RS 4*: Sprint Blue, Audi Exclusive Euro Bucket Interior, Premium+Titanium, many mods
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02-25-2010, 02:11 AM	#12
Si-M240i Major 137 Rep 1,450 Posts Drives: M240i LCI Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England iTrader: (0)	I have the "Helene Streamine" drop in panel filter and love it. __________________ M240i LCI (Mineral Grey):- M2 Door Mirrors, M2 Black Kidney Grills, Lower grille inserts, MP Exhaust, Dinan Carbon Fibre CAI, hot climate intake elbow
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02-25-2010, 02:31 AM	#13
esscolab Brigadeer 73 Rep 728 Posts Drives: Black 135i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colchester - UK iTrader: (0)	AFE's here. Cleaned them for the first time in a year, what a difference on acceleration, unless I am imagining it.... __________________ Eibach Sports springs, Evole Remap, Quafe LSD, AR Downpipes, Forge FMIC, Hart'ge Quads, BMS Intake.
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02-25-2010, 07:22 AM	#14
mineo77 Lieutenant Colonel 121 Rep 1,926 Posts Drives: 2010 135i,1989 PRO3,2001 530i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland,OR iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i coupe [7.56]	can one of the vendors PM for pricing...i have been looking at the same thing and am on the fence with which drop-in. thanks __________________ 135i coupe  6MT  TiAg  ///M sport http://www.rhominnovations.com www.musicarNW.com www.unitedBMWonline.com
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02-25-2010, 11:51 AM	#16
brandon @ eas 516 Rep 3,613 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (10)	PM's coming your way
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02-25-2010, 12:07 PM	#18
///M1 Brigadier General 273 Rep 3,164 Posts Drives: Many Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of 7K RPM iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00] 1994 Audi RS2 Avant [0.00] 2021 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] 1988 BMW E30 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW 1///M [0.00] 2017 BMW F80 M3 30 ... [0.00] 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 [0.00] 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 1998 Porsche 993 C4S [0.00] 1994 Lancia Delta I ... [0.00] 2008 Audi RS4 [0.00]	Any chance for a GB, sponsors? __________________ *2011 BMW E82 1///M: AW, all options; Renntech, Akrapovic, Forge, P3, RevoZ CF bits, many mods 1988 BMW E30 M3: Hennarot, S14, stock 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3: PtS, CXX, LWBS, PCCB 1998 Porsche 993 C4S: Zenith Blue, last aircooled widebody, Bilstein PSS10, Fister II + Fabspeed exhaust 2008 Audi B7 RS 4*: Sprint Blue, Audi Exclusive Euro Bucket Interior, Premium+Titanium, many mods
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02-25-2010, 02:29 PM	#20
bimmerboy Captain 23 Rep 601 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	imo drop in filter is not worth it.... I would create a DIY cold air intake for the same amount of money and get real gains http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=mr.5+intake __________________ *--2009 BSM 135i--* -Manual, Sport Package, BMW Assist
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02-25-2010, 03:25 PM	#22
135forthewin Lieutenant 48 Rep 546 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: U.S. iTrader: (0)	I believe S&B filters manufacture both the "Macht Schnell" and "BMS" filter, and they used to produce the "Helene Streamline" filter also. IMO, your best bet is buying the BMS filter. Highest quality and one of the lowest price, where can you go wrong? __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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