Oil Based Or Dry Panel Filter?

[GTS4-32]

Hey guys, im at the stage of getting my defective parts out of the way, so that means getting rid of my pod filter.

Now i have the stock airbox to put back in but im going to replace the panel filter with a hi-flow one.

This is my confussion, some people recommend the oil based k&n panel filters because they work a treat, but then other people say that they could damage your afm?

And they recommend the dry because its pretty much the same and doesnt affect your afm???

I dont know which to go for, thats why i thought id ask here and see if you guys could help me out?

Cheers,

Steve.

[cowie165]

G'day Steve.

I've used both and my money goes to the oil based. My opinion is due to:

1. Oil based filtration is more effective (but can't remember the study that proved it )

2. Cleaning an AFM is a piece of cake and would only be necessary if you dipped you panel filter in olive oil. The K&N filters are soaked but in my experience the amount of oil the separates from the filter and goes to the AFM is negligible.

Just to confirm, the oil will not damage the AFM. Worst case scenario is there would be an oil build-up on the hotwire sensor (the part in the airflow) which may interfere with the AFM reading -> erratic voltage output to the ECU. To fix, take out the AFM, spray with brakekleen, refit, voila. Takes maybe 10mins every six months.

Cheers

Mark

[TurboX]

Yes, I agree with Cowie165.

Oiled filter is more efficient and it's easy to clean the AFM anyway.

When you eventually wash the filter out you just have to be careful not to oil it to much as well.

[Kinks]

http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/filters_test/2/

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/BMWT...r%20Test%20Data

I'll be sticking to paper filters..

[khunjeng]

paper is def. better.

Infact many studies show the difference between K&N and the stock paper is SFA. Although I'm not 100% convinced based on my own research.

What power are u running? If its low numbers I would be sticking to a paper OEM job and give ur engine the best protection..I filter is to filter...if its not doing that, then why bother.

On the other hand i have seen much evidence though oil anlysis that the K&N jobs filter ok anyway and no to much Si is found in the samples.

lol I have a Trust filter...and an oiled UniFilter pod. The take a look on the inside of the unifilter after 10000kms its clean as new...take a look at the otherside of K&N...see for urself.

Each to his own. Paper ftw in low power apps. Once u get to a decent power level, as recently discussed in another thread, the stock box in a gtst has some restrictions itself.

[GTS4-32]

What power are u running? If its low numbers I would be sticking to a paper OEM job and give ur engine the best protection..I filter is to filter...if its not doing that, then why bother.

Im running 200rwkw, is that enough to stick to paper or is the oil based the way to go?

btw thanks for your contribution so far.

Cheers,

Steve.

[khunjeng]

Im running 200rwkw, is that enough to stick to paper or is the oil based the way to go?

btw thanks for your contribution so far.

Cheers,

Steve.

I use both. Depends on what u want...paper will def give u the best filter and protection. Which oil based one are u thinking of?

[GTRgeoff]

In Vic, EPA consider an oiled filter a defect.

Apexi FTEW!!

[GTS4-32]

I use both. Depends on what u want...paper will def give u the best filter and protection. Which oil based one are u thinking of?

i was thinking of the k&n filter but now that 'GTRgeoff' told me the oil based is a defect, i think i may have to go for the dry apexi since theres not much difference in performance and much better to maintain by the sounds of it. As long as the dry filter can take the 200kw without restricting power, then its settled.

Cheers fellas,

Steve.

[khunjeng]

ya its s defect...oiled element not as obvious as an oiled pod mind u.

[GTS4-32]

ya its s defect...oiled element not as obvious as an oiled pod mind u.

yea tru, the only way they'll get me for it is if they take me to EPA i guess.