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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > NA Engine (non-turbo) / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Surprised how much the charcoal filter catches ...



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      11-21-2020, 11:31 PM   #1
JonOhh
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Surprised how much the charcoal filter catches ...

So, while changing my engine air filter and cleaning the charcoal filter (as I do with each filter change) I can't help but notice just how much crap the charcoal filter catches.

I guess it makes sense, of course the air filter can't catch everything, and I imagine everything in the charcoal filter turning the water dark was extremely fine particles, but it's just a bit surprising to see. 20k ago after it was cleaned, the water in the sink after a rinse would be perfectly clear. Do you think there is any added benefit to the engine by leaving a charcoal filter in? Of course having no charcoal filter is perfectly fine, as most cars don't, and even the bmw euro intakes, but it does leave me wondering.

I'll probably go for a euro intake in the next few months, but with me living on a beach and in a generally dusty area, it does make me wonder.
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      11-23-2020, 01:30 PM   #2
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The charcoal filter isn't meant to catch dust from the outside air. The air filter is supposed to do that, unless it isn't sealing correctly.

The charcoal filter is for emission purposes, and it meant to catch any emissions gases from the engine that may escape.
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      11-24-2020, 01:28 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTinline-six View Post
The charcoal filter isn't meant to catch dust from the outside air. The air filter is supposed to do that, unless it isn't sealing correctly.

The charcoal filter is for emission purposes, and it meant to catch any emissions gases from the engine that may escape.
Exactly, which is why I am so surprised at the state of it. I guess it is possible that some of the darkness is coming from the charcoal itself, but I'm doubtful.

The air filter (a MANN replacement) was properly seated, and the airbox was properly bolted together, so it's just a bit surprising for that much to be coming from the secondary filter which, like you said, isn't there for anything but emissions.
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      11-25-2020, 12:12 PM   #4
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When I removed mine I noticed it had a lot of black dust and bs it was letting off. Similar to what you see in the water. But I felt it was the charcoal itself coming off
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      11-25-2020, 08:07 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by E92William View Post
When I removed mine I noticed it had a lot of black dust and bs it was letting off. Similar to what you see in the water. But I felt it was the charcoal itself coming off

I really didn't want to cut up this airbox but man, if the charcoal bits are actually starting to fall through the filter, I don't want to leave it that way. Next time I get it apart I'll try to see if I can get some of the particles to fall out of it and see if they're charcoal-ey.

Trying to get a euro airbox from Germany and save the crazy upcharge for ones over here, I just have to find a seller that ships to the US.
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      11-25-2020, 11:23 PM   #6
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I removed mine and felt a very minuscule difference. Maybe it wasn't even a difference and just a bit colder day lol.

Some sellers will agree to ship over here if you go and contact them. Some of the prices here for those air boxes are hefty..
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      11-26-2020, 01:08 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E92William View Post
I removed mine and felt a very minuscule difference. Maybe it wasn't even a difference and just a bit colder day lol.
Does it have any effect on induction noise or throttle response?
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      11-26-2020, 03:57 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by 850CSi View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by E92William View Post
I removed mine and felt a very minuscule difference. Maybe it wasn't even a difference and just a bit colder day lol.
Does it have any effect on induction noise or throttle response?
I didn't notice any difference in intake sound at all. Throttle response felt a bit better but it could just have been how it was running that day. I think the filter delete is greatly overstated in how much a difference it makes. Maybe mine wasn't clogged and someone who's filter is, would have it make a way bigger difference.
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      12-04-2020, 01:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JonOhh View Post
Exactly, which is why I am so surprised at the state of it. I guess it is possible that some of the darkness is coming from the charcoal itself, but I'm doubtful.

The air filter (a MANN replacement) was properly seated, and the airbox was properly bolted together, so it's just a bit surprising for that much to be coming from the secondary filter which, like you said, isn't there for anything but emissions.
Dude, just cut the stupid thing out. EU versions don't have this. This is mainly for emissions. Your throttle response will be better, you might get better mpg, you will pick up few HP. By now, most of these filters are probably clogged. Fortunately, MAF is located after them so them being clogged is not upsetting AF ratio.
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      12-04-2020, 07:59 PM   #10
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Pretty positive that residue is coming from the charcoal itself, as opposed to the dust it would have collected. Charcoal does grind and gives off a fine dust fairly easily. When washing it, this helps expedite it as well.
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      12-05-2020, 12:40 PM   #11
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Euro airbox gets here in a few days, can't wait.
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      12-05-2020, 03:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Euro airbox gets here in a few days, can't wait.
Do the "dinan" mod to it. You will feel the difference.

This : https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1696371
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