aFe Drop in filter with scoop flutter sound?

[BIGW0RM]

Hey all,

I recently installed an aFe drop in filter (dry one) and scoops. I made sure to install my intake cover the exact way it came off. I had already read about how to install the filter and saw many posts of guys who did not seat the cover back on correctly. My cover is on correctly.

That said, I now hear a funky flutter sound between 3-4K that does not sound normal to me. I also noticed that the top of the aFe dry filter (that the spring loaded nipped presses against) seems flimsy.


A buddy of mine has a K&N filter and he said he doesnt have any flutter sounds with his at all. Ive seen a few posts in here saying its normal. Or somethings on my cover is not sealed, and others say its just how this filter sounds.

Any one have any experience with this? At this point, Im not to thrilled with this piece at all.

[binz135]

I suspect that you have purchased wrong model year of AFE filter ! Yours M3 is newer model from 09~now ! The filter on TOP is different.

[BIGW0RM]

Thanks, but nope. I got the correct part for the 2011. Mine was a kit. filter and scoops for the 11.

[kitw]

My AFE didn't do this. Take a picture and post it, even though you may have ordered the right one, you might not have the right one

[THE TECH]

I've used the AFE stuff on other vehicles and never have been impressed by their quality or their power claims.

[ModBargains III]

The only instances where I've heard of an intake fluttering, regardless if it was aFe or not, was if you either A. Installed the incorrect filter from the wrong year (as mentioned), or if the top of the intake cover wasn't installed correctly, or torqued down to the right spec to avoid any air getting in from the seems. Other than that, there shouldn't be a problem, so I would check, and double check to make sure there aren't any seems that are open that shouldn't be open.

Best Regards,

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Hey all,

I recently installed an aFe drop in filter (dry one) and scoops. I made sure to install my intake cover the exact way it came off. I had already read about how to install the filter and saw many posts of guys who did not seat the cover back on correctly. My cover is on correctly.

That said, I now hear a funky flutter sound between 3-4K that does not sound normal to me. I also noticed that the top of the aFe dry filter (that the spring loaded nipped presses against) seems flimsy.


A buddy of mine has a K&N filter and he said he doesnt have any flutter sounds with his at all. Ive seen a few posts in here saying its normal. Or somethings on my cover is not sealed, and others say its just how this filter sounds.

Any one have any experience with this? At this point, Im not to thrilled with this piece at all.

If you are in the Anaheim area anytime soon, feel free to drop by and we can take a look for you and verify correct installation.

[DylanMckay]

This is actually normal with the high flow filters on this car. Some others describe the sound with different adjectives but in essense it is the ITB and vanos chatter that resonates at certain RPM's which is the loudest at 3-4.5k. The reason you do not hear it with OEM filter is it is more restrictive and keeps more sound out.

Some call this a "rattle" as well. As long as you do not mind it there is nothing wrong with the filter or install. IMO I think it is worth the sound it makes after 4k but some do not agree.

Good luck!

[GIdriver]

Originally Posted by DylanMckay

This is actually normal with the high flow filters on this car. Some others describe the sound with different adjectives but in essense it is the ITB and vanos chatter that resonates at certain RPM's which is the loudest at 3-4.5k. The reason you do not hear it with OEM filter is it is more restrictive and keeps more sound out.

Some call this a "rattle" as well. As long as you do not mind it there is nothing wrong with the filter or install. IMO I think it is worth the sound it makes after 4k but some do not agree.

Good luck!

^ This. Even with the OEM filter, in the lower gears (e.g. 3rd gear), when you accelerate (but not WOT), if you listen very very carefully (AC off, radio off, etc), you can hear it. Very distantly, but is there.

[BPMSport]

Totally normal from my experience. I had the same thing with my AFE intake mainly between 3,200 and 3,700 RPM - it's like a crazy resonance sound.

I'd have to hear it but initial gut feeling says its normal.

[sard]

My BMC does it.. sounds like shit .. oh and the Macht Schnell did it also... I'm guessing it's normal

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by **********s III

The only instances where I've heard of an intake fluttering, regardless if it was aFe or not, was if you either A. Installed the incorrect filter from the wrong year (as mentioned), or if the top of the intake cover wasn't installed correctly, or torqued down to the right spec to avoid any air getting in from the seems. Other than that, there shouldn't be a problem, so I would check, and double check to make sure there aren't any seems that are open that shouldn't be open.

Best Regards,

Thanks, But I dont hear this on my stock filter, or my buddies K&N. I tried it, heard it, opened it up, removed it, replaced it, tried again, same sound. Put my friends K&N on, and it sounded normal. I then put my stock back on and I dont hear anything. The filter in the package is the labeled with a PN that is what Af3 shows for a 11. At this point, I would really like to return this since my wife bought it from you guys. I spoke to a lady there a couple days ago and havent hear back... She was going to call afe and see if they would allowe her to return it since I test fitted it twice.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

If you are in the Anaheim area anytime soon, feel free to drop by and we can take a look for you and verify correct installation.

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the support. Im 99.999% positive my lid was on correctly. I did it twice and had a friend who did his with me. Considering the K&N one didnt make this odd noise, Im pretty sure I did it correctly. Im OCD about things being done right and I made sure it all lined up.

However, I would like to come see you for some wheel spacers! And perhaps some new painted reflectors. I bought clear ones and they fogged up.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the support. Im 99.999% positive my lid was on correctly. I did it twice and had a friend who did his with me. Considering the K&N one didnt make this odd noise, Im pretty sure I did it correctly. Im OCD about things being done right and I made sure it all lined up.

However, I would like to come see you for some wheel spacers! And perhaps some new painted reflectors. I bought clear ones and they fogged up.

The lid isn't the issue, the AFEs have a very soft polyurethane cap that can distort the seat when pressure is placed from the centering pin.

Drop on by, we'll take a look when you have time. Spacers are always in stock and a large shipment of Prepainted reflectors just arrived from IND.

[ModBargains III]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Thanks, But I dont hear this on my stock filter, or my buddies K&N. I tried it, heard it, opened it up, removed it, replaced it, tried again, same sound. Put my friends K&N on, and it sounded normal. I then put my stock back on and I dont hear anything. The filter in the package is the labeled with a PN that is what Af3 shows for a 11. At this point, I would really like to return this since my wife bought it from you guys. I spoke to a lady there a couple days ago and havent hear back... She was going to call afe and see if they would allowe her to return it since I test fitted it twice.

Sent you a PM, we'll see what we can do for you

[dagolfpro]

This is one of my fears of installing aftermarket air filter.

[DylanMckay]

Fears? Its 90 bucks. Drop it in, if you do not like it than take it out. Not worth 90 dollars to even worry about it or waste time thinking about it.

[Limey]

I just installed the bmc filter and personally love the more pronounced growl/flutter. Perfectly normal. This vid depicts it well several times: