Need to replace air filter. Which one? aFe, MS, AA?

[808MGuy]

I currently have an APE filter and after about 50k miles on it, the rubber gasketing around the inlet side is starting to melt and get very sticky. I was to change it out because that area is getting deformed to the point where I don't think there is a good seal there.

I see MS is pretty popular as well as the AA. They look to be pretty similar. I know aFe also makes and oiled and a dry version. I just put an aFe dry filter in my wifes Audi but it's still on it's first cycle so I haven't cleaned it yet and don't really have long term experience with it.

I was ready to order an AA but I'm having a hard time find somewhere to get it that won't charge me 50% of the cost of the filter to ship it to Hawaii.

[s65e90]

search for "Green" filters that what the AA is . Maybe you can find it local. I run a K&N; get it on Amazon for @ $50

[thekurgan]

I got the MS because of this:

Maintains OEM filter's 99% debris collection efficiency to meet ISO 5011 standards

Other than that, most of them are the same in terms of flow.





http://www.machtschnell.com/product/...-filter-e9x-m3

[robert @ eas]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

I currently have an APE filter and after about 50k miles on it, the rubber gasketing around the inlet side is starting to melt and get very sticky. I was to change it out because that area is getting deformed to the point where I don't think there is a good seal there.

I see MS is pretty popular as well as the AA. They look to be pretty similar. I know aFe also makes and oiled and a dry version. I just put an aFe dry filter in my wifes Audi but it's still on it's first cycle so I haven't cleaned it yet and don't really have long term experience with it.

I was ready to order an AA but I'm having a hard time find somewhere to get it that won't charge me 50% of the cost of the filter to ship it to Hawaii.

We do sell and install quite a bit of the Macht Schnell Performance Panel Filter.

The Macht Schnell filter does have a sturdy sidewall construction that does ensure the filter will last the life of the vehicle.

[Richbot]

I've not been impressed with my MS filter after 40k miles. Too much flex in the thing relative to the OE filter. Ordered the tried and true K&N, can't be any worse and it's significantly cheaper with similar construction. Would not be surprised if MS is a rebadged K&N from looking at them side by side

From a filtration standpoint I doubt there's a whole lot of difference between the various filters on the market. Foam filters like the ones ECS is selling typically flow a little better which is why they're the hot ticket in low-hp applications where every 1/10th of a horsepower counts

[THE TECH]

We use the AA filters.

[s65e90]

Originally Posted by Richbot

I've not been impressed with my MS filter after 40k miles. Too much flex in the thing relative to the OE filter. Ordered the tried and true K&N, can't be any worse and it's significantly cheaper with similar construction. Would not be surprised if MS is a rebadged K&N from looking at them side by side

From a filtration standpoint I doubt there's a whole lot of difference between the various filters on the market. Foam filters like the ones ECS is selling typically flow a little better which is why they're the hot ticket in low-hp applications where every 1/10th of a horsepower counts

K&N may be a fluke as I have never had an issue with the past 3 I had in all my m cars

[Richbot]

I'm saying I don't see the point of the MS when it's not really any better than the cheaper K&N, and looking at them side by side the K&N is equivalent or if anything appears better made

[s65e90]

Originally Posted by Richbot

I'm saying I don't see the point of the MS when it's not really any better than the cheaper K&N, and looking at them side by side the K&N is equivalent or if anything is better made

I agree the MS looks like a K & N and I don't think the EAS/MS guys make their own filters. K & N also warranties the filter/car should any issues arrive from its install. They have also been around forever.

Even on the e46 m3 K&N includes a small piece of foam as no A/M filter seems to fit the stock airbox 100%.

I like it for the convenience of a re-useable design and slight induction noise increase, otherwise I would probaly just stick to the OE paper filter.

[Richbot]

Actually, after taking my MS filter out and comparing it to the K&N there is no way It's the same part, the K&N actually seats properly to the transition piece between the airbox and the elbow just like the oem filter, where the MS just flexes and you have to get lucky. My oil analysis says filtration was fine with the MS but the K&N is much easier to install

[BIU]

AA green here no complaints

[808MGuy]

I ended up ordering the AA directly from AA. Thanks everyone!

[SflBimmer8484]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

I ended up ordering the AA directly from AA. Thanks everyone!

You won't be disappointed !

[FVM3]

k&N or AA

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Actually, after taking my MS filter out and comparing it to the K&N there is no way It's the same part, the K&N actually seats properly to the transition piece between the airbox and the elbow just like the oem filter, where the MS just flexes and you have to get lucky. My oil analysis says filtration was fine with the MS but the K&N is much easier to install

I can't flex my MS for anything, it's a solid piece, even when it's warm in the engine bay. It also fits perfectly, although the spring assembly in my airbox is very tight so perhaps they loosen over time.

[crispy tofu]

I got the AA Green and love it. install was a breeze and the intake noise is amazing

[beam3er]

Just got my AA today. Can wait to install it

[Robmaster]

i have a BMC filter in mine. my second choice would be AA green.