Oiling Air Filters?

Fritzables · 09-23-2011, 08:50 PM

Hi All,

I typically do all my service work on my E90. One of the purchases I have made is replace the stock Air Filter with the K&N.

After washing the filter, The K&N Spray Oil container doesn't produce an even amount over the filter due to the way it comes out of the spray nozzle.

It would be great if the oil would come out as a mist - but this just doesn't happen.

How do you ensure you get an even coat of oil over the filter?

Fritzables.

Chriztofor · 09-23-2011, 09:27 PM

Go back to paper filter, I heard the oil will gum up the mass flow sensor wire.

Fritzables · 09-23-2011, 10:40 PM

Thanks Chriztofor, So far this hasn't happened (touch wood). I was considering finding a fluid that evaporates that wouldn't destroy the integrity of the filter then put a oil mix within then just let it sit to dry.

Glim · 09-23-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritzables

Thanks Chriztofor, So far this hasn't happened (touch wood). I was considering finding a fluid that evaporates that wouldn't destroy the integrity of the filter then put a oil mix within then just let it sit to dry.

They also sell the oil as a liquid, you soak the filter in a pan and let it drip off, the spray version does not have to be 100% even as it will spread itself over the gauze.

I am skeptical of using this filter as right behind it is the MAF, at least pick up some MAF cleaner and clean your MAF when recharging the filter and once again after the first 5k.

tibra1 · 09-23-2011, 11:12 PM

+1 I would run a dry filter..its safer

aj555 · 10-08-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Go back to paper filter, I heard the oil will gum up the mass flow sensor wire.

That's only if you over oil it. Follow the directions when oiling it. Let it sit for a while, and you can wipe it some with a paper towel to get any extra oil off of the filter. Thousands of people do it, and never have a problem. If you have oil dripping off of it when you put it in your car, then you will have a problem.

brett_duenas · 10-08-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aj555

That's only if you over oil it. Follow the directions when oiling it. Let it sit for a while, and you can wipe it some with a paper towel to get any extra oil off of the filter. Thousands of people do it, and never have a problem. If you have oil dripping off of it when you put it in your car, then you will have a problem.

+1^ I have a K&N cone type filter and have never had problems...

krnboy817 · 10-08-2011, 12:27 PM

i believe you are only supposed to oil the high exposed ridges... meaning not oiling in between the crests. plus only oil one side of the filter... the inlet side.

GoRomeo · 07-29-2013, 03:47 PM

I am about to oil mine but how often you need oil your K&N filter? I bought it new last September I think so it has been almost a year.

Efthreeoh · 07-29-2013, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

I am about to oil mine but how often you need oil your K&N filter? I bought it new last September I think so it has been almost a year.

Every 50,000 miles per K&N service instructions.

Phil325i · 07-30-2013, 05:01 AM

The key is not to over-oil. The oil bottle has a graduated marking - don't use more than recommended.

ashmostro · 07-30-2013, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

The key is not to over-oil. The oil bottle has a graduated marking - don't use more than recommended.

+1. you need a LOT less oil than you think, and wait overnight once oiled for the coating to spread evenly - it will.

GoRomeo · 07-30-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Every 50,000 miles per K&N service instructions.

50k wow. That sounds like a lot. Ok thanks!

mlifxs · 07-31-2013, 05:08 AM

I've had a K&N for over two years, no problems. The squeeze bottle of oil works pretty well. That said, I don't like the oiling process and will probably switch to a dry filter next rime around.
If you live in a humid climate (like Florida), getting the filter completely dry for oiling is down time, about a half day.

Efthreeoh · 07-31-2013, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlifxs

I've had a K&N for over two years, no problems. The squeeze bottle of oil works pretty well. That said, I don't like the oiling process and will probably switch to a dry filter next rime around.
If you live in a humid climate (like Florida), getting the filter completely dry for oiling is down time, about a half day.

I put K&N's in everything I've had and got rid of all of them over time, just too much a PIA to clean and oil. I never noticed any benefit vs. paper filter, no improvement in MPG or performance. Throw in the possibility of damaging the MAF, not worth it to me. Waste of time in a street car IMO.

mlifxs · 07-31-2013, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlifxs

I've had a K&N for over two years, no problems. The squeeze bottle of oil works pretty well. That said, I don't like the oiling process and will probably switch to a dry filter next rime around.
If you live in a humid climate (like Florida), getting the filter completely dry for oiling is down time, about a half day.

I put K&N's in everything I've had and got rid of all of them over time, just too much a PIA to clean and oil. I never noticed any benefit vs. paper filter, no improvement in MPG or performance. Throw in the possibility of damaging the MAF, not worth it to me. Waste of time in a street car IMO.

yeah I hear you. I tried the K&N when I did the charcoal filter delete. I'm inclined to think the delete had some minor benefits but not the K&N.

09-23-2011, 08:50 PM	#1
Fritzables Private First Class 8 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 2007 323i M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA iTrader: (0)	Oiling Air Filters? Hi All, I typically do all my service work on my E90. One of the purchases I have made is replace the stock Air Filter with the K&N. After washing the filter, The K&N Spray Oil container doesn't produce an even amount over the filter due to the way it comes out of the spray nozzle. It would be great if the oil would come out as a mist - but this just doesn't happen. How do you ensure you get an even coat of oil over the filter? Fritzables.
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09-23-2011, 09:27 PM	#2
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	Go back to paper filter, I heard the oil will gum up the mass flow sensor wire. __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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09-23-2011, 10:40 PM	#3
Fritzables Private First Class 8 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 2007 323i M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA iTrader: (0)	Thanks Chriztofor, So far this hasn't happened (touch wood). I was considering finding a fluid that evaporates that wouldn't destroy the integrity of the filter then put a oil mix within then just let it sit to dry.
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09-23-2011, 11:12 PM	#5
tibra1 Banned 127 Rep 6,773 Posts Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	+1 I would run a dry filter..its safer
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10-08-2011, 12:27 PM	#8
krnboy817 Major 44 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 2008 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: DFW texas iTrader: (3)	i believe you are only supposed to oil the high exposed ridges... meaning not oiling in between the crests. plus only oil one side of the filter... the inlet side. __________________ driving is poetry in motion.
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07-29-2013, 03:47 PM	#9
GoRomeo Brigadier General 956 Rep 3,837 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	I am about to oil mine but how often you need oil your K&N filter? I bought it new last September I think so it has been almost a year.
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07-30-2013, 05:01 AM	#11
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,193 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	The key is not to over-oil. The oil bottle has a graduated marking - don't use more than recommended. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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07-31-2013, 05:08 AM	#14
mlifxs Diamond Geezer 212 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 VW Golf Sportw ... [10.00]	I've had a K&N for over two years, no problems. The squeeze bottle of oil works pretty well. That said, I don't like the oiling process and will probably switch to a dry filter next rime around. If you live in a humid climate (like Florida), getting the filter completely dry for oiling is down time, about a half day.
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