Storage length of new and unopened oiled air filters?

[dkdariusz555]

Hey guys, haven't seen anyone address this specific topic in relation to cars so thought I would see what gear-heads think.

I am picking up my new 2012 E92 M3 in a few days. I already bought a new BMC air filter for the car but though I would wait to replace the stock OEM filter for a year when it gets dirty and then go with the BMC.

Since I already bought the BMC however, and it's unopened and I presume sealed in a plastic bag, do you all think it's ok to store it at room temperature for a year without risks of it drying out so thats it's good for use in one year? I assume these filters are stored for months before being sold, but thought I would see what you all think. Thanks in advance!

-Dave

[mark896]

It'll be fine for a year.

[Moxie]

It'll be fine, but just put on the BMC & enjoy it now. You can clean your BMC next year when it's dirty. Your not saving anything by shelving it other than one cleaning.

[tibra1]

Indefinitely as long as its kept in a cool dry place

[nchan50]

Originally Posted by Moxie

It'll be fine, but just put on the BMC & enjoy it now. You can clean your BMC next year when it's dirty. Your not saving anything by shelving it other than one cleaning.

+1 There's no "wear and tear" on the new filter. It just needs to be cleaned which is not that frequent anyways. Just use it now as there's no reason to wait.

[dkdariusz555]

Thanks guys! I bought the BMC filter b/c I am getting the car with the Dinan ECU flash so I figured the engine could use some better air flow. I have read that since the new OEM filter MY 2010+ don't have the charcoal layer anymore, that they flow very well, so I just don't know if I should keep the BMC or stay stock. MY gut and research says the BMC will flow better, maybe let in a little more dirt, but that should be relatively negligible. Thanks for the replies!

-Dave