K&N Filter & other tidbits

[christyles]

So while I was at Cross getting "oil changed", the techs also did tune up, inspection of everything, and saw my K&N filter.
Sam the man gave me shyte, explaining that "Yes, theses filters are good but not for every car especially BMW's cause of the oil that comes off the filters and f*cks with the sensors." Sam ripped out the filter and tossed it. Popped in an "oiless" Mann filter.
I asked "so how come I've never heard of any negative reviews and why would K&N make filters if such a thing could happen?
He replied with "Because not everybody knows what certain things can do to your car... K&N just makes the filters for every line."

Now my 323 is K&Nless and has a Mann filter now.

Other things done. I don't know if you consider them mods: :p
Serpentine belt
NGK platinum sparkplugs
Motul Synthetic oil
Power steering pulley

Sam also made an attempt to reprogram the ECU via mushroom input to remove the unplugged DRL's that's showing on my dash due to the halo installation. Result was unsuccessful for now but he says is possible. In the very near future, my 323 will be used as guinea pig to do the testing.

Will keep all posted about the DRL's mod.

[Quickid]

The use of K&N filters is a subject of never ending controversy. I always suggest that if you don't strongly believe in it, you should stay away from it.

More flow means better performance but of course more flow means more dirt can go through. You have to decide what is important to you and you have to consider where you live. If this is Saudi Arabia, I'll be the first to throw away my K&N filter.

Does the recharging oil really mess up the sensors? I don't know but what I know is several family members with BMWs use K&N filters and their cars have, on average, over 200K kms and no such problems so far. My E46 only has 57K kms so it's not a good example.

I wonder why GruppeM uses K&N filter though. Hmm.... Even ECIS used it in the beginning before they decided to make their own because they couldn't get a re-distribution deal from K&N.

If you no longer want your K&N, I'll take it from you. Unless you really let it get thrown in garbage... you didn't, did you???

[christyles]

The use of K&N filters is a subject of never ending controversy. I always suggest that if you don't strongly believe in it, you should stay away from it.

More flow means better performance but of course more flow means more dirt can go through. You have to decide what is important to you and you have to consider where you live. If this is Saudi Arabia, I'll be the first to throw away my K&N filter.

Does the recharging oil really mess up the sensors? I don't know but what I know is several family members with BMWs use K&N filters and their cars have, on average, over 200K kms and no such problems so far. My E46 only has 57K kms so it's not a good example.

I wonder why GruppeM uses K&N filter though. Hmm.... Even ECIS used it in the beginning before they decided to make their own because they couldn't get a re-distribution deal from K&N.

If you no longer want your K&N, I'll take it from you. Unless you really let it get thrown in garbage... you didn't, did you???
Probably it is debatable. Like what I asked Sam, how come no complaints from other K&N filter users?

But i guess..yes, depending where you live, where you drive your car and other factors will determine wether the product is fit or not.
I don't know about your family members and their BMW's and how often they drive and where to, but I clock an easy 900kms a week driving all over the city. I put the K&N in around June, when we took it out y-day, it was pretty gross like a dutty nose.

We left on the worktable. I'll see if it's still there.

[Quickid]

but I clock an easy 900kms a week driving all over the city. I put the K&N in around June, when we took it out y-day, it was pretty gross like a dutty nose.

Geez, you're supposed to clean it man :mad:

[christyles]

Geez, you're supposed to clean it man :mad:
Quickid, also take into consideration, not everyone is as mechanically inclined under the hood or under the car as you.

I look at things like scratches, water spots, stains, grime sitting on the exterior and interior where as others would drive their black car like it was a grey haze.

[Quickid]

Quickid, also take into consideration, not everyone is as mechanically inclined under the hood or under the car as you.

I look at things like scratches, water spots, stains, grime sitting on the exterior and interior where as others would drive their black car like it was a grey haze.
No offense intended. Was just giving you a hard time in a joking fashion but I can see how it can be taken differently. My apologies....

[christyles]

No offense intended. Was just giving you a hard time in a joking fashion but I can see how it can be taken differently. My apologies....
None taken Quickid. I know your style already so it's no big deal. :)
Like I told you when you were one of the first to come onboard e46toronto.ca, your DIY and tech/mech knowledge will prove beneficial to the members including me. ;)

[Jersey]

damn, i was hoping you two were going to rumble....

[Surk]

Hmmm, What do I carefully say here... I have used K&N's on Motorcycles, past cars and never had a prob..as long as you wash\service it properly\regularly...

I saw Sam a few mths ago and he didn't like my CAI setup... too much turbulance.. which I can see possible... If your in doubt get a Comforti Foam filter..it'll fit on your intake and then there is O debate...

Chris, we understand that sometimes not all owners are mech inclined as Quickid and I...we just forget sometimes... we are both on this forum to help others (and seek help too) in exchanging opinions... we are not guru's by any means, otherwise we would be in Germany... ;) I will say that Jos has inspired me in many mods in his choices that have proven him well..and I have been fortunate enough to follow along :thumbsup:

[audiophilia]

damn, i was hoping you two were going to rumble....
I wouldn't recommend it...

Chris -- I'm glad that you got it sorted...I've been out all day and missed a lot of board fun...

I wonder why BMW recommend Inspection I and II...:)

So, now you're clean on the inside and out...:thumbsup:

[Quickid]

damn, i was hoping you two were going to rumble....
We'll try harder next time but it won't be free... $100 ok for front row seats? ;) ;)

[christyles]

We'll try harder next time but it won't be free... $100 ok for front row seats? ;) ;)
What do you mean $100... I thought the deal was $150. ;)

[christyles]

Hmmm, What do I carefully say here... I have used K&N's on Motorcycles, past cars and never had a prob..as long as you wash\service it properly\regularly...

I saw Sam a few mths ago and he didn't like my CAI setup... too much turbulance.. which I can see possible... If your in doubt get a Comforti Foam filter..it'll fit on your intake and then there is O debate...

Chris, we understand that sometimes not all owners are mech inclined as Quickid and I...we just forget sometimes... we are both on this forum to help others (and seek help too) in exchanging opinions... we are not guru's by any means, otherwise we would be in Germany... ;) I will say that Jos has inspired me in many mods in his choices that have proven him well..and I have been fortunate enough to follow along :thumbsup:
Oh trust me... I'm being careful. I'm not not shutin tdown K&N filter, but hey, it doesnt hurt to try other stuff too. Everything all the members say wether it be advice or there 50cents, I take mental notes of. As I will admit I'm not the expert in tech/mech, and if I really need to find out stuff or info, I know who to get in touch with on this board. (ahem, Quickid ;) [example: trim moulding painting DIY]

But due to all this typing, expressions/phrases are sometimes misinterpreted which is why I replied with "No offense taken." As Quickid thought I had taken to his comment. Don't worry Bro.

We're all here to learn, especially me. That Differential thread really enlightened me on a lot thanks to you (Surk) and Quickid. :thumbsup:

[M007]

Chris, I agree with Quickid about the K&N filter. I can't say for the oil filter but I have never heard or experience a problem with air filter. Have you tried Mobil 1 yet? :)

[christyles]

Chris, I agree with Quickid about the K&N filter. I can't say for the oil filter but I have never heard or experience a problem with air filter. Have you tried Mobil 1 yet? :)
Again, I'll reiterate, I'm not shutting down K&N filters, I've only passed on info from a tech. That's all. And seeing as Cross is taking care of my car, and I trust my car in their hands, I leave it at that. For those on the other hand that do their own oil changes, brake changes or what have you, opinions vary.

Cheers to whatever filter you choose. :)

[audiophilia]

seems that Mobil 1 and Motul are loved by BMW guys...


me, I like Castrol...used it for years...

[M007]

seems that Mobil 1 and Motul are loved by BMW guys...


me, I like Castrol...used it for years...Castrol is good too, I believe that is what's on the BMW oil.

[M333ee]

Hmmmmmm....

Oil, inspection, filters, K&N....
Very good discussion thread and a lot of well placed points and observations.

I don't know if it's still on sale but I saw the 4L jugs of Mobile 1 full syn. at Canadian Tire for $25. I should have grabed a few :(

[M007]

Hmmmmmm....

Oil, inspection, filters, K&N....
Very good discussion thread and a lot of well placed points and observations.

I don't know if it's still on sale but I saw the 4L jugs of Mobile 1 full syn. at Canadian Tire for $25. I should have grabed a few :(Grab it Eric, I did. You can't go wrong. :)

[Chopper]

HOw many of you are doing your own oil changes?

[christyles]

Castrol is good too, I believe that is what's on the BMW oil.
One time when I got an oil change out here in Scarborough, the mech was using some oil from a purple jug. I forgot the name. I know its synth, but dont know if it's as good or equal to other brands.

I couldnt tell you the difference anyways.

[Jersey]

royal purple

[Canuck328i]

HOw many of you are doing your own oil changes?

I do my own, mostly for two reasons. 1 - I'm frighteningly cheap, and 2 - in Barrie, it would shock me to no end if any quick lube place would have a clue as to where the oil filter is on these puppies, so not a lot of confidence there. And I'll add in a #3 - I get to spend more time with my baby. :) :)

Anybody here do a rear end oil change? Did it last weekend and man that's almost as easy as the engine oil! Just need the right tools. Used Redline 75w90 synthetic.

(Oh BTW - Quaker State for engine oil.)

Mark

[Jersey]

i do my own too...but i need to do one soon...i think eric and i may do it together...he has an oil extractor....ill either use Motul or Mobil 1

[M333ee]

Can somebody check the price at Canadian Tire or Walmart for Mobile 1 5w30.

[rost12]

K&N filters seem to be blamed a lot for screwed up MAFs on the M5 board as well. Since BMW's MAFs are pretty expensive lil' buggers, from what I understand, I'd rather not screw around in that area in general, save for getting some nicely designed and overpriced Dinan CAI, lol.

[audiophilia]

i do my own too...but i need to do one soon...i think eric and i may do it together
WTF...

Chris, rule No. 1!!!

:) ;)

[Jersey]

ugh....oh ant...you are too dated... :P