Quick Question - Is the K&N filter as good as BMC?

[gandrade1]

Hi guys,

It is time for me to replace the air filter on my '01 Boxster and I am considering adding a non-paper filter.

The guy I source some of my parts from no longer carries the BMC element since he said the K&N is as good as for a fraction of the price. $34 for the K&N, $90 for the BMC.

Are both filters equivalent?

On another note, any reason I should stick with the paper (OEM) filter - I like the induction noise and will let the oiled filter rest for a while wrapped in newspaper if I decide to go that route? Anything else that could go wrong with these?

Thanks,

Gus

Edited September 5, 2008 by gandrade1

[70Sixter]

On another note, any reason I should stick with the paper (OEM) filter - I like the induction noise and will let the oiled filter rest for a while wrapped in newspaper if I decide to go that route? Anything else that could go wrong with these?

Thanks,

Gus

A good number of folks have had problems with the oil fouling the MAF sensor. I use K&N on my old -6 with no problems.

[1schoir]

On another note, any reason I should stick with the paper (OEM) filter - I like the induction noise and will let the oiled filter rest for a while wrapped in newspaper if I decide to go that route? Anything else that could go wrong with these?

Thanks,

Gus

Gus:

Ditto for me. The chance of fouling the MAF is not worth the sweeter sound of the intake with a K&N. The Boxster throws enough CEL's without adding another possible source.

Also, those new MAF's aren't cheap.

I understand that the later model MAF's are not as susceptible to fouling because they are a different design.

Regards, Maurice.

[gandrade1]

Gus:

Ditto for me. The chance of fouling the MAF is not worth the sweeter sound of the intake with a K&N. The Boxster throws enough CEL's without adding another possible source.

Also, those new MAF's aren't cheap.

I understand that the later model MAF's are not as susceptible to fouling because they are a different design.

Regards, Maurice.

So....no go for the K&N (or BMC) ?

How do I know if my MAF is one of these 'improved' ones? I have a 2001 2.7L Boxster.

Thanks, guys.

All the best,

Gus

[gandrade1]

Just came across these comments...K&N Claims

I will call them and ask if they replace my MAF if I get a CEL immediately after I install the filter...

:rolleyes:

[grover]

Just came across these comments...K&N Claims

I will call them and ask if they replace my MAF if I get a CEL immediately after I install the filter...

:rolleyes:

In the video they have, it sounds like they'll take the failed MAF and do a full diagnostic and chemical analysis on it. They talk about having tested 107 MAF sensors so far, and give a breakdown of what they found. So, yeah, they MAY replace the MAF for you :)

[jmatta]

Gus, as you mentioned, most of the problems that arise from a bad MAF are caused by improper oiling of the filter. I've had an Evo Hi-Flow on my '02 S for the last three years without problems. Yes, oil it and wrap it in newspaper (been doing this for years on my 911s). I don't know if the K&N breaths the same as the BMC, but I think either would be perfectly acceptable when used properly.

[RFM]

gandrade1, do you have already cut out the foam on top of the air filter, it will give you a different intake sound, not as a K & N but you try it.