Aftermarket Air Filters - BMC or K & N?

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

I have not even opened the air boxes yet to see if they are filthy, old or aftermarket already. But I am planning on replacing these soon and I have considered going to the oiled filter option which does seem quite popular here? I am coming from an E46 BMW M3, many discussions on this platform about changing the stock airbox/filter ended in forum battles over the value, etc. I don’t want to rehash those by any means. On that platform, unless you go to a full CSL airbox (incredible but $$$) the CAI’s are generally considered an HAI and to be avoided. So, many people just put a drop in panel filter in the already excellent design stock US airbox. BMC filters in this market had a great reputation, so…does anyone here use them or have any opinion on the value over K&N? They are available on eBay for $150 shipped for the pair, K&N can be had for under a hundred shipped with online specials from many vendors.

I welcome any thoughts, opinions, thanks!

#2

Sounds like you did your home work. The HAI or hot air intakes are a waste. I have seen a few people in the past try it and given the under hood heat and the fact that the stock air boxes actually are under pressure the HAI is a waste.

As you pointed out the OEM air boxes are not bad and when you do the math the volume of air provided between the two air filters tells you that you have more then enough available air to feed the motor.

Over all. I would say just save the money and get the K&N units. They are very good for what they are. they fit nice and unless there is a price compedtive air filter out there. They are a good filter to use. Price wise its hard to argue against K&N

#3

thanks for the feedback and suggestion. I went ahead with the K&N filters, $95 shipped from Autozone with December20 coupon.

Does anyone have a pictorial DIY for changing them (or is it totally self explanatory?) Thanks in advance.

#4

Don’t know much about BMC filters, but I have K&Ns and no complaints from my end so far…

#5

I used the k&n with the little airbox flaps removed…and with k&n you have a lifetime warranty…I’m to lazy to clean mine so i just defect exchange them every year or so.

#6

on seat leon 2.0 tdi i had bmc panel filter, and it was perfect after couple years of use, and cleaned every 10000-15000km. only once i used cleaning shampoo from K&N, i wasn’t happy, it toke couple time by washing and still was not clean properly. went to car shop store and buy “super concentrated external detergent - phosphate free” (degreaser). put water in bucked lite of that degreaser, couple time sink in-out, wash out with water, do it again, results like bran new
on audi i have k&n and same story about cleaning,

#7

Yeah those flaps aren’t on the EU models. imm have to remove one to replace one of the turn signal bulbs so ill check out how the k&n filters are looking that i installed a few months back