[daveleach]

Getting car serviced on friday.
Air filter also due to be changed.
Is it worth getting one from BMW and fitting myself, or are there any benefits to be had from fitting a pipercross/k&n type panel filter.

[jimmylad]

I bought a pipercross one IIRC off ebay. Had it 18months ( since I bought the car) & have cleaned it just once (not that dirty).

No need to buy another paper filter & can clean when I see fit. No probs running wise as some say the oil from a sporty filter can play havoc with a MAF sensor. I dont bother with oiling mine. Really cant see the point & it can oly hinder air flow IMHO.

Performance wise who knows as I have no dpf, a remap & can get very good mpg if I feel like it but I'm sure the filter does it's bit.

[seanblee]

Cotton gauze filters don't filter properly without any oil. By not oiling it, you're letting more small particles through into the engine, which slightly defeats the object of the filter in the first place

[jimmylad]

no cotton gauze in my filter. It's vey fine sponge.

[seanblee]

Same applies, I'm afraid - no oil for dust particles to stick to means they'll get pulled through the filter media, effectively rendering it useless.

[NJ 1161]

We are all talking replacement panel filters i take it?

Any one in the uk fitted or researched a cone filter and heat shield??

[Dr Dave]

I agree - these filters need oil to work. You might aswell be running without one.

Not a fan of these performance filters, I much prefer the "replace the paper one sooner" way.

[GreekboyD]

How often should we be replacing the air filters in the 335d?

[xs2man]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

How often should we be replacing the air filters in the 335d?

I would imagine every service, so 2 years / 18k or whatever the schedule is.

Originally Posted by NJ 1161

We are all talking replacement panel filters i take it?

Any one in the uk fitted or researched a cone filter and heat shield??

Dont know about in the UK, but here is a side by side test of performance filters and induction / cold air filters. Done in Oz right enough, but all compared against normal paper filters:

Based on their findings, I wouldn't waste my time on anything other than a normal filter. Ok, a performance panel doesn't need to be changed, but as they are only getting changed every service, you would need to keep the car 8 years or something to get your money back.

[Tyso335]

just bought a pipercross one so goin to see how it goes, if i do wash it how do u re oil it and what do yoou use??