FILTER CHOICE: AFE or BMC

[Esmanolo]

I need some help on selecting a filter.
I have read that the AFE works well but I was told that it loses power and that the BMC is a better choice.

Feedback please.

[Mischievous M]

Originally Posted by Esmanolo

I need some help on selecting a filter.
I have read that the AFE works well but I was told that it loses power and that the BMC is a better choice.

Feedback please.

I would second the choice of a BMC replacement filter.

Its an awesome product and brand because their R&D has done significant homework on getting the air-flow to be free flowing. I have a BMC CDA Box on my JCW MCS, fitted several BMC filters/CDA boxes to vehicles from Audi R8 to VW R32 and Mercs to find consistent gains and high sung praises.

Although i won't be using an drop in filter on my M this time round, I would still recommend you to give BMC a good shot.

[MMMorish]

A lot of the guys on this forum are using the the AFE filter but I've also heard that the BMC filter is top notch.

Anyone else want to comment on this?

[spyderco10]

who told you the AFE causes a loss of power?

[Sticky]

Is the BMC for the M3 even out yet?

[Esmanolo]

http://www.bmcairfilters.com/VisModel.asp

I am new guys so forgive my ignorance on the subject. I just want whats best for my car. Also, now that we are on the subject who makes a better air scoops RPI or AFE?

Thanks

[SlammedR8]

Where do you get this filter?

[Speedtrap]

I use the oiled AFE and it is great Do not feel any loss of power at all.

[BMW F22]

We carry AFE filters and have never heard of any power loss on the M3. If anything people actually love the filters. As for the scoops, both RPI and AFE are fine. There is not significant differences between them. Again, we've sold a lot of AFE scoops and the responses have been great.

[The Shiekh]

No problem with my AFE oiled. However Ive heard many great thing from BMC but also many great things from AFE, so in other words you can't go wrong with either

[SV Concepts III]

aFe is a solid product, never seen a power loss with their replacement filters on the M3. In fact, they are a great and effective way to improve airflow with minimal installation and need for change. I encourage you to drive the car for 200-300 miles to allow the ECU to adjust to the improved air flow before making your claims on the power increase or output. After going over the design with the head engineer and sales manager at aFe at SEMA this past week, I am thoroughly confident in the thought and R&D that has gone into this particular setup. I would not hesitate to put their filter on my own car, in fact, I'll be doing their intake system for my 135.

[SlammedR8]

ive asked before and never got a proper answer...whats the difference between oiled and non-oiled. i know 1 has less maintenance, but that 1 with more maintenance - does it offer more advantages too?

[dvpouldar26]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

ive asked before and never got a proper answer...whats the difference between oiled and non-oiled. i know 1 has less maintenance, but that 1 with more maintenance - does it offer more advantages too?

Dry filters have a 99% filtration efficiency while oiled have a 98% filtration efficiency. This just means that the dry filter filters 1% better than oiled, but the oiled filter's airflow is like 30% better than the dry filter.

[drft92]

What's up Manuel. How have you been ? Got my lights so thanks for the hook up. I think that they are both top notch companies (AFE/BMC) and you probably won't go wrong either way. I could'nt see one having that much greater of a diffrence in performance gains over the other. I personally just installed the Afe oiled filter and air scoops and honestly don't feel a difference positive or negative in driving performance. That's not to say that there are'nt gains however I just do not feel them. Honestly I think that most people are full of it, its extremley difficult to feel a 10 hp gain in a 400 hp car, so I find it silly when people make outragous claims about how much faster the car feels from small upgrades. If you want I can hook you up with the guy I got the filter from I think it was $85 shipped. Hope this helps you.

[spyderco10]

Originally Posted by dvpouldar26

Dry filters have a 99% filtration efficiency while oiled have a 98% filtration efficiency. This just means that the dry filter filters 1% better than oiled, but the oiled filter's airflow is like 30% better than the dry filter.

+1
Also the dry doesn't require much maintenance. When it gets dirty, just tap/vaccuum the dirt off. When the oiled gets dirty, you must wash it in a soap solution, then reoil it.

But, IMO, if you're serious about perfomance (and I'm assuming you are since you want more airflow to your engine), then oiled is the smarter option.

[SlammedR8]

oiled BMC it is for me, thanks guy!
now where do i get it ?

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by dvpouldar26

Dry filters have a 99% filtration efficiency while oiled have a 98% filtration efficiency. This just means that the dry filter filters 1% better than oiled, but the oiled filter's airflow is like 30% better than the dry filter.

That essentially sums it up. The oiled is going to offer the best performance but a bit less filtration and more maintenance. The dry will be more restrictive but easier to maintain.

[itz16v]

When is K&N filters for the M3 coming out?