Quote:
Originally Posted by eROCK
Yes, I'm sure. I have had vehicles in the past with a factory filter (dirty), and replaced it with another factory filter (clean), and didn't feel much difference in the "butt dyno" if you know what I mean. So then I would put in a high flow filter like the K&N, and did actually feel a difference. It made a difference in my old Saturn SL2, not so much in my Ford Focus ZX3, and better throttle in my VW GTI. Since this filter is practically the only aftermarket performance mod thats available for my X3, I just wanted to know if anyone here has actually installed one.
I appreciate everyone chiming in with their theories, but I'm more interested in hearing from someone who has actually installed one on their X3. Did it make a difference or not?
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A new K&N panel filter will let in more air when new, if you step on the gas the same amount as you use to, the mass air flow sensor will detect more air due to the new K&N, therefore the ECM will give it more gas to maintain the correct air to fuel ratio. What is really happening here is that you are not really gaining any horse power or saving any gas but what you have done is make the throttle more responsive. You can pretty do the same thing by stepping on the gas a little more. Some power will be gain at the very top rpms, but how many times do you really floor your car on a daily basis. Like I mention earlier, the K&N filter let more dirt into your combustion chamber and the filter itself will clog up faster than paper filters. The little gain on the very top end of the rpm for a few months is simply not worth the trade off of possible damage to the engine and the mass air flow sensors.