K&N Air Filter - Yes or No?
01-30-2018, 02:19 PM
#1
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K&N Air Filter - Yes or No?
Just picked up a 2012 4.2 S5 with AWE pipes. The independent shop that I took it to for a once over recommended a new air filter. The current one is a K&N, the mechanic (through my wife, who picked up the car from the shop) said to not replace with another K&N air filter - any idea as to why he'd recommend against a K&N filter. What's the consensus - OEM, K&N, Pipercross, clean existing?
01-30-2018, 02:20 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Brit, welcome aboard. Primary concern is oil migration onto the MAF sensor.
01-30-2018, 02:49 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
The paper filters, while not "sexy", have vast surface area compared to all these other wallet-draining add-ons.
01-31-2018, 02:59 PM
#5
AudiWorld Member
I've been using K&N (type) filters on all of my cars for almost 20 years. Those that encounter issues with them are usually the same ones who don't know how to properly clean and re-oil them or let them get too dirty. If the cleaning / re-oiling process is done right, there is zero chance of contaminating the MAF.
I follow the cleaning directions on the K&N filter cleaning kit but with an added touch. After cleaning with K&N cleaning solution, I let the filter stand in the warm breezy air for a day. The next morning I re-oil as per directions and once again let stand in the warm breeze outside for the rest of the day. Later that night or next morning I re-install. This process has never failed me yet.
I also added an S-Flow silicone hose to the airbox to facilitate less turbulent air intake.
I follow the cleaning directions on the K&N filter cleaning kit but with an added touch. After cleaning with K&N cleaning solution, I let the filter stand in the warm breezy air for a day. The next morning I re-oil as per directions and once again let stand in the warm breeze outside for the rest of the day. Later that night or next morning I re-install. This process has never failed me yet.
I also added an S-Flow silicone hose to the airbox to facilitate less turbulent air intake.
02-01-2018, 06:42 AM
#6
Maybe you shouldn't replace a K&N with another K&N because the K&N is a life time filter, whereas mechanics and stealerships can dip into your pockets at every oil change and say you need a paper filter replacement.
Totally agree with jschrauwen, properly cleaned, oiled & dried. A K&N will serve you well for many miles and years. Had one on our '10 Q5 for 4 years with no problems. Removed it when trading in the car and placed the dirty OEM back.
Now have one in my S5 for 4 plus years, again no issues. And have a K&N cold air intake on my Silverado for 10+ years and when first installed, the better throttle response was immediately felt.
Totally agree with jschrauwen, properly cleaned, oiled & dried. A K&N will serve you well for many miles and years. Had one on our '10 Q5 for 4 years with no problems. Removed it when trading in the car and placed the dirty OEM back.
Now have one in my S5 for 4 plus years, again no issues. And have a K&N cold air intake on my Silverado for 10+ years and when first installed, the better throttle response was immediately felt.
Last edited by lmariorod; 02-01-2018 at 06:49 AM.
02-01-2018, 06:53 AM
#7
AudiWorld Member
I looked into these after market filters and decided against them. I found several articles and tests that show while these filters allow increased air flow they also allow more contaminants/dirt in as well. Also, in order to take full advantage of the increased air the car must then adjust the fuel/air mixture to realize any increase in performance which has shown to be minimal.
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02-01-2018, 07:02 AM
#8
I looked into these after market filters and decided against them. I found several articles and tests that show while these filters allow increased air flow they also allow more contaminants/dirt in as well. Also, in order to take full advantage of the increased air the car must then adjust the fuel/air mixture to realize any increase in performance which has shown to be minimal.
02-01-2018, 07:40 AM
#9
AudiWorld Super User
Just picked up a 2012 4.2 S5 with AWE pipes. The independent shop that I took it to for a once over recommended a new air filter. The current one is a K&N, the mechanic (through my wife, who picked up the car from the shop) said to not replace with another K&N air filter - any idea as to why he'd recommend against a K&N filter. What's the consensus - OEM, K&N, Pipercross, clean existing?
My take on washable filters is just don’t because of the risk to MAP hot wire sensor.
That being said, I have a washable media Dinan cold air intake on my M3 for several years and it has not given me any trouble with the MAP sensor on the S54 engine. BMW/Dinan warranty the parts/mod so I’m not worried although the warranty has long expired. The key was to have a spare air filter element prepared for install...ithen take the dirty one and wash/dry/oil it and seal it up in a plastic baggie for the next time.
02-01-2018, 09:42 AM
#10
AudiWorld Member
That's fine if you're comfortable with them and have had no ill affects. I, on the other hand, would not feel comfortable using these filters after seeing the results of the tests.
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