Panel filter or induction kit

Post Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:55 pm

I have a 318is, what's the best induction mod performance wise? A replacement filter in the standard airbox, or an induction kit?

Post Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:16 pm

k+n cone filter every time

Post Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:23 pm

K and N bolted on to your AFM will more likely loose you power and torque.
stock is best at present (i think)
unless you prefer sound?

to answer your question i would go panel filter.

flame suit on

Post Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:45 pm

The airbox is a good design and actually provides cold air, which a cone will not.

Panel filter every time.

Someone did a few tests with a leaf blower a while ago, showing the stock filter is actually better than the K&N too.

Post Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:58 pm

A completely standard set up with a clean OE filter is the best set up. K&N panel filter won't lose any power, but it's not to hot on the filtering bit.

Post Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:27 am

Omi wrote:The airbox is a good design and actually provides cold air, which a cone will not.

Panel filter every time.

Someone did a few tests with a leaf blower a while ago, showing the stock filter is actually better than the K&N too.

the K&N flows better full stop i did before and after dyno runs with ~7hp across the board but as brianmoooore said the filtering abilities of the K&N Panel Filter are the only question mark.

Post Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:06 am

reggid wrote:
Omi wrote:The airbox is a good design and actually provides cold air, which a cone will not.

Panel filter every time.

Someone did a few tests with a leaf blower a while ago, showing the stock filter is actually better than the K&N too.
the K&N flows better full stop i did before and after dyno runs with ~7hp across the board but as brianmoooore said the filtering abilities of the K&N Panel Filter are the only question mark.

Was this with compared to a clean OE filter?

I find it hard to believe a K&N panel filter can gain you 7HP, more like 1/2 a HP and lots of throttle response in my experience...

Con

Post Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:45 am

reggid wrote:the K&N flows better full stop i did before and after dyno runs with ~7hp across the board

Sorry, this is just not possible. That 7hp was coming from somewhere else!

Post Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:49 pm

In my experience a k+n panel filter does make the car more responsive than the standard filter but not 7bhp more responsive. Also remember a dirty filter is not as good as a clean one and K+n's need cleaning way more often than the manufacturers state.