Free Power (charcoal filter removal) - Page 10 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

younghov85 · 05-09-2006, 04:40 PM

I just finished removing my charcoal filter and went out for a test drive. The car seems to have a cleaner acceleration and a better tone under heavy acceleration. It seemed just a tad bit quicker but having a nicer tone was about the biggest change noticed.

visor · 05-11-2006, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javajaws

But if you are doubting that a carbon filter can become exhausted then I suggest you read up on how carbon filters work....in short they clean air by trapping chemicals in the pores of the carbon...which lose their efficiency over time as the pores of the carbon fill in and eventually become "full". Once the carbon has been used up it is doing nothing but getting in the way. BTW, the chemical process for this is adsorption (not absorption).

You're correct on the adsorption part, but it is not a permanent bond.

The carbon will be regenerated (ie. the trapped gas molecules that permeated out from the engine will be released) everytime when the car is started up and air flows into the airbox past the regular and charcoal filters into the engine.

ball · 05-11-2006, 08:40 AM

I removed the filter last night and took a test drive. It does seem to rev easier or quicker. I don't think It's much louder, just sounds better. Hard to explain but sounds a bit more "mechanical" sounding or not as muted as before. A little more like past BMWs (to me). I was reluctant at first, took me about 20 minutes of staring at the thing until I finally decided to start cutting.

KC Bimmer · 05-16-2006, 09:47 AM

I'm doing mine on Thursday (have the afternoon off). I'm really interested to see if I notice a difference.

javajaws · 05-17-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visor

You're correct on the adsorption part, but it is not a permanent bond.

The carbon will be regenerated (ie. the trapped gas molecules that permeated out from the engine will be released) everytime when the car is started up and air flows into the airbox past the regular and charcoal filters into the engine.

You can't reactivate a carbon filter by simply blowing some air into it. The bond between the carbon and the pollutants is stronger than that. Reactivating carbon ususally requires a specialized heat treating process which is obviously not applicable here due to the non-removable aspect of the filter.

Richwm · 09-20-2006, 11:47 AM

It’s been two weeks since I did this mod and here is my opinion, I have better acceleration and better gas mileage. One thing of note I just went over 32k miles and I think that filter was wearing out. Last year I was getting from 29.2 to 30.7 mpg at 75 Mph and right before I cut the filter out I was down to 27.2 to 27.8 at 75 Mph and the car was starting to feel sluggish. Now all my power is back and maybe a little more and my gas mileage is 29.7 to 31.2 at 75 Mph.
These tests were done with the cruse control on 75 for most of the trip and during my 72-mile trip to work almost all freeway 1/2 hills and the other half is flat ground.

JWadle · 08-05-2007, 02:19 PM

I assume this would have littlle benefit on a 335? From what I've read, increased airflow for a turbo does not have the benefits it does for an NA engine.

I am far from an expert on this topic, so if I'm wrong please say so.

Ch3rry_m3 · 01-29-2008, 11:21 PM

so technically we are just removing that charcoal filter?

///AFRO · 01-30-2008, 01:31 AM

So, can this charcol thing work for the e90/e92 335i?

imaznumkay · 01-30-2008, 01:52 AM

i dont think there are charcoal filters in 335i stock boxes imo

BoLaS · 01-30-2008, 01:55 AM

charcoal filter on 335 = big fat negative ghost rider...

NPDAN · 01-30-2008, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoLaS

charcoal filter on 335 = big fat negative ghost rider...

I didnt read thru the entire thread. Does this mean that there are NO charcoal filters in the E92 335's?

Ch3rry_m3 · 01-31-2008, 01:42 AM

I did it to my car today...and I am pleased with it. Smoother acceleration and i actually do believe the throttle response has improved. It also has a nicer sound to the engine now, a bit more noticeable then before. I recommend it.

BoogeyMan'sBMW · 11-03-2011, 02:31 PM

so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K&N filter)?

joegeeZe · 11-03-2011, 08:20 PM

[quote=BoogeyMan'sBMW;10736001]so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K

joegeeZe · 11-03-2011, 08:21 PM

[quote=BoogeyMan'sBMW;10736001]so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K

jaceaholic · 11-03-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoogeyMan'sBMW

so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K&N filter)?

you just cut out the charcoal filter that sits right behind the paper filter.. you can use the paper filter over again or you can buy a K&N filter.. its up to you~!

BoogeyMan'sBMW · 11-04-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaceaholic

you just cut out the charcoal filter that sits right behind the paper filter.. you can use the paper filter over again or you can buy a K&N filter.. its up to you~!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

so that is the filter correct^ is that the paper filter or the charcoal filter or both? lol sorry for my noobish questions

branmace · 11-04-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoogeyMan'sBMW

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

so that is the filter correct^ is that the paper filter or the charcoal filter or both? lol sorry for my noobish questions

That is the charcoal filter. You might want to sand down the edges of the box, where you cut out the charcoal filter (if they are rough). If you do that, i would recommend to pull out the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, the thing that is inside the air box pipe opening on your picture behind the charcoal filter you cut out, so you don't dust it. Wipe/wash out the air box afterwords, air/blow dry it, clean the MAF with CRC MAF cleaner (from you local AutoZone, Checkers, O'Rileys etc), a K&N filter is always nice p/n 33-2332, assemble back together and enjoy the difference.

BoogeyMan'sBMW · 11-04-2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branmace

That is the charcoal filter. You might want to sand down the edges of the box, where you cut out the charcoal filter (if they are rough). If you do that, i would recommend to pull out the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, the thing that is inside the air box pipe opening on your picture behind the charcoal filter you cut out, so you don't dust it. Wipe/wash out the air box afterwords, air/blow dry it, clean the MAF with CRC MAF cleaner (from you local AutoZone, Checkers, O'Rileys etc), a K&N filter is always nice p/n 33-2332, assemble back together and enjoy the difference.

so i will be replacing this filter:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

with the K&N filter correct?

branmace · 11-04-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoogeyMan'sBMW

so i will be replacing this filter:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1149463043

with the K&N filter correct?

No. That filter is the charcoal filter. You throw that away. The other filter in your box. I hope you had another filter in your box. It is paper filter, white with orange/yellow rubber all abound the edge. This paper filter you replace it with the K&N filter. If you search online the K&N filter part number i posted above (K&N 33-2332), you will see what it looks like the filter you are replacing it.

BoogeyMan'sBMW · 11-04-2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branmace

No. That filter is the charcoal filter. You throw that away. The other filter in your box. I hope you had another filter in your box. It is paper filter, white with orange/yellow rubber all abound the edge. This paper filter you replace it with the K&N filter. If you search online the K&N filter part number i posted above (K&N 33-2332), you will see what it looks like the filter you are replacing it.

thanks that makes a lot more sense!

09-20-2006, 11:47 AM	#204
Richwm Captain Drives: 06 E90 330i 6MT, 01 E46 330i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canyon Country, CA. Posts: 857 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 530 Sport [3.50] 2006 330i BMW Perfo ... [4.00] 2001 330i [4.00] 2006 (Mar 05 build ... [4.00] 2006 (Mar 05 build ... [0.00]	It’s been two weeks since I did this mod and here is my opinion, I have better acceleration and better gas mileage. One thing of note I just went over 32k miles and I think that filter was wearing out. Last year I was getting from 29.2 to 30.7 mpg at 75 Mph and right before I cut the filter out I was down to 27.2 to 27.8 at 75 Mph and the car was starting to feel sluggish. Now all my power is back and maybe a little more and my gas mileage is 29.7 to 31.2 at 75 Mph. These tests were done with the cruse control on 75 for most of the trip and during my 72-mile trip to work almost all freeway 1/2 hills and the other half is flat ground. Attached Images __________________ Mar 05 Build date,2006 E90 330i, Sport Package, Premium Package, TR MT-1's . V-1 Hard-wired power with custom V-1 Concealment Display . Rear fogs, Rear power outlet's, M short shifter knob, BlackLines, BMW Strut tower bar, CDV Delete, M3 wishbones + tension struts, BMW Performance shocks and springs, BMW Performance Brake kit F&R, OEM short shift kit. 161k miles.

08-05-2007, 02:19 PM	#205
JWadle Since '75: 530i/733i/745Turbo/M5/M6/325iX/540i Drives: '07 335xi 6MT Sp Grph Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 191 iTrader: (3)	For 335? I assume this would have littlle benefit on a 335? From what I've read, increased airflow for a turbo does not have the benefits it does for an NA engine. I am far from an expert on this topic, so if I'm wrong please say so. __________________ '07 E90 335xi 6MT Sparkling Graphite Options: Premium~Sport~iDrive~Nav~HD Radio~iPod 6FL~Comfort Access~Rear Sunshade Mods: Short Shift Knob~M-Tech Wheel~CF Interior~BBS RGRs~Passport HW~Blacklines~Rear Fogs~Shadowline Trim~Euro Xenons~Lux 4~M-Tech Front & Sides~Blackout Grille~Rear Power Outlets~Berber Mats

01-30-2008, 01:31 AM	#207
///AFRO Stage 1 Juice Box - Boosted' Drives: 07 AW E92-335i TT Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,524 iTrader: (0)	So, can this charcol thing work for the e90/e92 335i? __________________ 2007 *335i* -Coupe Alpine White Mods: JB1 \| Exposed Intercooler \| Black Grills/Emblems \| Golf-Tee Mod \| Reflectors \| 35% Tints Next: Aero-Lip \| H&R Race Srings \| Dual Cone Intake \| Straight-Pipes Soon: 2006 ///M3 Coupe Imola Red - [CSL Project]

01-30-2008, 01:52 AM	#208
imaznumkay O RLY? Drives: '07 335i e90 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: ze internet Posts: 1,103 iTrader: (2)	i dont think there are charcoal filters in 335i stock boxes imo __________________ bone stock

01-30-2008, 01:55 AM	#209
BoLaS Captain Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MIA Posts: 664 iTrader: (1)	charcoal filter on 335 = big fat negative ghost rider... __________________

05-09-2006, 04:40 PM	#199
younghov85 Captain Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland Posts: 890 iTrader: (0)	I just finished removing my charcoal filter and went out for a test drive. The car seems to have a cleaner acceleration and a better tone under heavy acceleration. It seemed just a tad bit quicker but having a nicer tone was about the biggest change noticed.

05-11-2006, 08:40 AM	#201
ball Enlisted Member Drives: '06 325i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	I removed the filter last night and took a test drive. It does seem to rev easier or quicker. I don't think It's much louder, just sounds better. Hard to explain but sounds a bit more "mechanical" sounding or not as muted as before. A little more like past BMWs (to me). I was reluctant at first, took me about 20 minutes of staring at the thing until I finally decided to start cutting.

05-16-2006, 09:47 AM	#202
KC Bimmer Private First Class Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 136 iTrader: (0)	I'm doing mine on Thursday (have the afternoon off). I'm really interested to see if I notice a difference.

01-29-2008, 11:21 PM	#206
Ch3rry_m3 Captain Drives: E93,E63,E60,E89 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: los angeles Posts: 783 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [2.68] 2007 328i [0.00]	so technically we are just removing that charcoal filter?

01-31-2008, 01:42 AM	#211
Ch3rry_m3 Captain Drives: E93,E63,E60,E89 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: los angeles Posts: 783 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [2.68] 2007 328i [0.00]	I did it to my car today...and I am pleased with it. Smoother acceleration and i actually do believe the throttle response has improved. It also has a nicer sound to the engine now, a bit more noticeable then before. I recommend it.

11-03-2011, 02:31 PM	#212
BoogeyMan'sBMW Captain Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Queens NY Posts: 858 iTrader: (3)	so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K&N filter)?

11-03-2011, 08:20 PM	#213
joegeeZe Private First Class Drives: 2007 328i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Freehold Posts: 164 iTrader: (1)	[quote=BoogeyMan'sBMW;10736001]so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K

11-03-2011, 08:21 PM	#214
joegeeZe Private First Class Drives: 2007 328i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Freehold Posts: 164 iTrader: (1)	[quote=BoogeyMan'sBMW;10736001]so do we just cut out the filter and thats that or do we have to replace that filter with something else (ie a K

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