Air Filters Compared

sinbad4 · 11-18-2018, 07:06 PM

Dude at Engineering Explained posted a good video comparing air filters. Dirty OEM vs. Clean OEM, Cheap Performance, and K&N Performance filters.

While I'd have liked to see high HP engine used, results should scale - all else being equal. It could be suggested our X3s would see similar increases in power & performance. A similar 3% increase would give the M40i 10+ RWHP. That's not too shabby. Much better than a stick in the eye. ;-)

I purchased drop in replacement from K&N for $59 last May. I thought it helped... but 'Butt Dyno' not very exacting - the 10-11HP seems about right.

If you like the video.. he did another one where he tries (and fails) to measure shift times in a McLaren.

GT500R · 11-19-2018, 07:46 AM

Saw this the other day and made me want to get an air filter just to try it with my Draggy.

Ugh... maybe I will in December when I have some free time.

Neo1130 · 11-19-2018, 11:55 AM

Just be cautious of the oil on the filters with MAF metered cars. I'd do an oil-less setup before a K&N.

XXX3 · 11-19-2018, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo1130

Just be cautious of the oil on the filters with MAF metered cars. I'd do an oil-less setup before a K&N.

Agreed. I’ve used aFe Power and AEM dry filters and no worries. I’ve checked with these mfg’s, and they don’t currently produce a dry air filter for the X3 with B58. Recommendation: keep those OEM filters clean until hi-performance dry filters are available.

GT500R · 11-19-2018, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXX3

Agreed. I’ve used aFe Power and AEM dry filters and no worries. I’ve checked with these mfg’s, and they don’t currently produce a dry air filter for the X3 with B58. Recommendation: keep those OEM filters clean until hi-performance dry filters are available.

https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10...y-s-air-filter

This is essentially what you recommend for a dry filter, correct?

ParadigmDawg · 11-19-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500R

https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10...y-s-air-filter

This is essentially what you recommend for a dry filter, correct?

Will that fit our car?

XXX3 · 11-19-2018, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500R

https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10...y-s-air-filter

This is essentially what you recommend for a dry filter, correct?

Yes. I called aFe and they said no filter yet, but we didn’t look at another model with a B58. If the air boxes are the same, then it will work. Great filters.

GT500R · 11-19-2018, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

Will that fit our car?

According to the K&N website it shows two different part numbers (340 vs X3) which makes me think it’s not the same.

XXX3 · 11-20-2018, 10:39 AM

I called aFe Power again yesterday, and they would not guarantee the fit if the filter is listed for a different model, despite having the same engine.

i4M50Guy · 08-14-2019, 06:13 AM

Is there any update on this?

I have a filter from my B58 M140i that I can fit to the X3 M40i. If it fits then the AFE Dry filter for the other B58 cars should work on the X3 M40i.

GGEVOX · 08-14-2019, 06:47 AM

^^ Interesting.

jcorallo · 08-16-2019, 02:03 PM

K and N is the only one and im not sure I want an oiled on this turbo car.

AFE has no plans to make one.

FTP Motorsports has one and it is a dry one.

LouKango · 08-16-2019, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcorallo

K and N is the only one and im not sure I want an oiled on this turbo car.

AFE has no plans to make one.

FTP Motorsports has one and it is a dry one.

!!!!

I could have used information yesterday before I ordered a K&N filter. I returning it anyway because today I ordered BMS intake

Thanks for sharing.

lo_cheng · 08-16-2019, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M140iGuy

Is there any update on this?

I have a filter from my B58 M140i that I can fit to the X3 M40i. If it fits then the AFE Dry filter for the other B58 cars should work on the X3 M40i.

I would love to have confirmation it fit G01, M40i.

I use aFE Dry pro for 12 years (My old E90) and love it.

wdeerfield · 04-30-2021, 10:22 AM

Bumping an old thread but i saw this
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html

looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits

suby01 · 04-30-2021, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

Bumping an old thread but i saw this
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html

looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits

If it says it fits 2018+ that means it WILL fit 2018 - 2019.
It will NOT fit 2020 2021.

providenceleaf · 05-03-2021, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

Bumping an old thread but i saw this
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html

looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits

I just purchased and installed this. I can confirm it fits in my 2019 M40i.

I like the dry filter option as well.

BMWApp · 05-05-2021, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by providenceleaf

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

Bumping an old thread but i saw this
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html

looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits

I just purchased and installed this. I can confirm it fits in my 2019 M40i.

I like the dry filter option as well.

What do you think of the aFe filter so far? Do you notice any slight power or sound increases?

TXBDan · 05-05-2021, 08:28 AM

Modern paper factory filters are surprisingly efficient. Fuel economy and efficiency standards dictate it. I'd be REALLY surprised if there were any gains to be had at all. Absolutely not 10-11whp, that's absurd.

Imo, reducing the filtering capacity and decreasing service interval isn't worth the psychological gains. Especially don't use an oiled filter, those have long been proven inferior.

swreefkeeper · 06-09-2021, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suby01

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

Bumping an old thread but i saw this
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html

looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits

If it says it fits 2018+ that means it WILL fit 2018 - 2019.
It will NOT fit 2020 2021.

Looks like AFE now says it offers a dry filter for 20-21. Anyone try it yet? https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10...er-w-pro-dry-s

Drexel_Lake · 06-09-2021, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXBDan

Modern paper factory filters are surprisingly efficient. Fuel economy and efficiency standards dictate it. I'd be REALLY surprised if there were any gains to be had at all. Absolutely not 10-11whp, that's absurd.

Imo, reducing the filtering capacity and decreasing service interval isn't worth the psychological gains. Especially don't use an oiled filter, those have long been proven inferior.

Only if not oiled properly. K&N oiled filters are actually more efficient than non oiled filters. If you follow the simple instructions you'll have no problems. 8-10hp gain is about right for the B58.

Paper filters are cheap and restrict flow much easier and sooner. Use whatever you like. I've been using K&N since the 1970's and they haven't failed me yet.

Drexel_Lake · 06-09-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swreefkeeper

Looks like AFE now says it offers a dry filter for 20-21. Anyone try it yet? https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10...er-w-pro-dry-s

I'm pretty sure if you compare you'll find the oiled works best. Just follow the oiling instructions and never oil on the MAF side.

11-18-2018, 07:06 PM	#1
sinbad4 Captain 783 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Air Filters Compared Dude at Engineering Explained posted a good video comparing air filters. Dirty OEM vs. Clean OEM, Cheap Performance, and K&N Performance filters. While I'd have liked to see high HP engine used, results should scale - all else being equal. It could be suggested our X3s would see similar increases in power & performance. A similar 3% increase would give the M40i 10+ RWHP. That's not too shabby. Much better than a stick in the eye. ;-) I purchased drop in replacement from K&N for $59 last May. I thought it helped... but 'Butt Dyno' not very exacting - the 10-11HP seems about right. If you like the video.. he did another one where he tries (and fails) to measure shift times in a McLaren.
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11-19-2018, 07:46 AM	#2
GT500R Major 800 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: BMW X3M Join Date: May 2018 Location: NE iTrader: (0)	Saw this the other day and made me want to get an air filter just to try it with my Draggy. Ugh... maybe I will in December when I have some free time. __________________ X3M Alpine White - SOLD Fastest Tune Only Record - Mission Performance 10.84@127.43 / +1912 DA NH Dragway \| 10.6@130 Dragy / +820 DA The Streets \| NOW: Tesla Model Y Performance
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11-19-2018, 11:55 AM	#3
Neo1130 Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 2019 X4 M40i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Rochester, WA iTrader: (0)	Just be cautious of the oil on the filters with MAF metered cars. I'd do an oil-less setup before a K&N.
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11-20-2018, 10:39 AM	#9
XXX3 Second Lieutenant 155 Rep 230 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I called aFe Power again yesterday, and they would not guarantee the fit if the filter is listed for a different model, despite having the same engine. __________________ 2018 GO1 X3 M40i Alpine White 2018 Acura RDX Tech Pearl White 2016 Tundra TRD Pro (sold) 2013 Boss 302 Race Red (sold)
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08-14-2019, 06:13 AM	#10
i4M50Guy Private First Class 87 Rep 169 Posts Drives: M140i Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Is there any update on this? I have a filter from my B58 M140i that I can fit to the X3 M40i. If it fits then the AFE Dry filter for the other B58 cars should work on the X3 M40i. __________________ If this post helped, please click the Appreciate button!
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08-14-2019, 06:47 AM	#11
GGEVOX Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 201 Posts Drives: G01 M40i, F36 440xi Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	^^ Interesting.
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08-16-2019, 02:03 PM	#12
jcorallo Private 27 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (0)	K and N is the only one and im not sure I want an oiled on this turbo car. AFE has no plans to make one. FTP Motorsports has one and it is a dry one.
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04-30-2021, 10:22 AM	#15
wdeerfield A family of bimmers 2747 Rep 7,742 Posts Drives: '18 G01 X3M40i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clifton Park, NY iTrader: (0)	Bumping an old thread but i saw this https://www.bimmerworld.com/Intake-F...1-G02-G05.html looks like the AFE dry will fit our 2018-2019 M40i. Has anyone else purchased? Im about to if someone can confirm it fits __________________ 2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i \| 699M \| ZDA \| ZPP \| ZPX \| Maxton front lip \| X3M vents \| 15mm Spacers \| Diamond G20 style grills
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05-05-2021, 08:28 AM	#19
TXBDan Private First Class 46 Rep 104 Posts Drives: X3 30e, Cayman S, E30 racecar Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Modern paper factory filters are surprisingly efficient. Fuel economy and efficiency standards dictate it. I'd be REALLY surprised if there were any gains to be had at all. Absolutely not 10-11whp, that's absurd. Imo, reducing the filtering capacity and decreasing service interval isn't worth the psychological gains. Especially don't use an oiled filter, those have long been proven inferior.
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