Macht Schnell Air Filter Review

MrHarris · 02-14-2009, 03:57 AM

I went down to EAS today to pick up and install a Macht Schnell OEM replacement air filter. The filter was good quality and the body had little flex. Installation was the same as any other drop in filter.

Observations:
After installing the filter, I immediately noticed increased throttle response and an extra gurgle in mid-range RPMs. The improvement is minor, but noticeable throughout the RPM band. The combination of the filter plus the RPi scoops make it a tough combo to beat in terms of performance for the dollar. The performance improvements are very noticeable when both are put together. I had an AFE air filter before, and the quality of this filter feels better plus i doesn't rattle when stepping on the gas. It's a solid upgrade at an affordable price (around $100), and should definitely be given a second look when comparing this to the AFE.

Here's a pic Tom at EAS snapped after the install was done.

BimmerRob08 · 02-14-2009, 04:31 AM

interesting, is there a web sight for this filter and scoops?

psuwcc112 · 02-14-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHarris

I went down to EAS today to pick up and install a Macht Schnell OEM replacement air filter. The filter was good quality and the body had little flex. Installation was the same as any other drop in filter.

Observations:
After installing the filter, I immediately noticed increased throttle response and an extra gurgle in mid-range RPMs. The improvement is minor, but noticeable throughout the RPM band. The combination of the filter plus the RPi scoops make it a tough combo to beat in terms of performance for the dollar. The performance improvements are very noticeable when both are put together. I had an AFE air filter before, and the quality of this filter feels better plus i doesn't rattle when stepping on the gas. It's a solid upgrade at an affordable price (around $100), and should definitely be given a second look when comparing this to the AFE.

Here's a pic Tom at EAS snapped after the install was done.

Is this oil or dry?? What was wrong with your AFE, was there any fitment issue. I am wondering because i have AFE oil version, it seems fine to me..

MrHarris · 02-14-2009, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

interesting, is there a web sight for this filter and scoops?

Here's the site to order.

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=2207

Quote:

Originally Posted by psuwcc112

Is this oil or dry?? What was wrong with your AFE, was there any fitment issue. I am wondering because i have AFE oil version, it seems fine to me..

The filter is oiled. The AFE rattled when moderately accelerating, so you hear a rattle and the extra gurgle which was a bit annoying. The Macht Schnell doesn't rattle so you only hear the added intake/engine noise

MMMorish · 02-14-2009, 10:13 AM

I bought an aFe filter and returned it before I even installed it because of all the rattling stories I heard. One Member even cut out a piece of his OEM filter and attached it next to his aFe filter to eliminate the rattle, but to me that seemed a bit of a butcher job (a good idea nonetheless).

fittment issues aside, how does the Macht Schnell filter feel in terms of performance compared to your old aFe?

doba_s · 02-14-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHarris

Here's the site to order.

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=2207

The filter is oiled. The AFE rattled when moderately accelerating, so you hear a rattle and the extra gurgle which was a bit annoying. The Macht Schnell doesn't rattle so you only hear the added intake/engine noise

There is nothing wrong with the AFE filter ... I have it on my car and have 0 problems ... you just need to install it right ... I bet that both these filters perform exactly the same if they were installed right.

MrHarris · 02-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMMorish

I bought an aFe filter and returned it before I even installed it because of all the rattling stories I heard. One Member even cut out a piece of his OEM filter and attached it next to his aFe filter to eliminate the rattle, but to me that seemed a bit of a butcher job (a good idea nonetheless).

fittment issues aside, how does the Macht Schnell filter feel in terms of performance compared to your old aFe?

The filter's feel pretty much the same as far as performance goes, both noticeable gains.

RT8_M3 · 02-14-2009, 04:41 PM

Looks pretty good, stilll getting use to the shape of the intake.

tom @ eas · 02-20-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

interesting, is there a web sight for this filter and scoops?

Macht Schnell's website is www.machtschnell.com, we have the complete lineup on our site also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psuwcc112

Is this oil or dry?? What was wrong with your AFE, was there any fitment issue. I am wondering because i have AFE oil version, it seems fine to me..

Oiled filters offer the best flow.

The Macht Schnell filters are a cotton-gauge preoiled filter and are 7 layer design. The aFe filters are good, however the polyurethane end cap on the aFe version is a bit soft and falls inward when pressed on by the airbox's filter centering pin - we showed this to Mr. Harris when he was here getting his filter installed.

Biggest gains will be felt going from a stock paper/charcoal filter to the Macht Schnell filter.

tom @ eas · 02-20-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMMorish

I bought an aFe filter and returned it before I even installed it because of all the rattling stories I heard. One Member even cut out a piece of his OEM filter and attached it next to his aFe filter to eliminate the rattle, but to me that seemed a bit of a butcher job (a good idea nonetheless).

fittment issues aside, how does the Macht Schnell filter feel in terms of performance compared to your old aFe?

I've never heard a case of the aFe filters rattling, but to be painfully honest - we haven't sold an aFe since the MS units were announced.

Either filter is a good choice, just get the oiled version.

ebohon · 02-20-2009, 02:52 PM

Tom,
Do you have any in stock? Can I drive down and purchase/pick one up? Thanks,

Ed

tom @ eas · 02-20-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebohon

Tom,
Do you have any in stock? Can I drive down and purchase/pick one up? Thanks,

Ed

Plenty. Drive on down and bring the M!

ebohon · 02-20-2009, 02:59 PM

Good... see you guys in about an hour. Thanks!

ebohon · 02-22-2009, 10:13 PM

Like MrHarris...I too installed the filter this weekend. I must admit that I was skeptical about any 'noticeable' improvements but was pleasently surprised. The car seems to rev a bit easier and feels a bit sharper throughout the rpm range. I'm not sure if it is 'faster' but feels smoother on all rpms. I can't really hear any difference but my son tells me that it does sound different upfront from outside. The guys at EAS were helpful and even went out of their way to show me their in-house M3 with lots of mods. I recommend this simple mod. It took me no more than 10 minutes to do the swap.

BilletDesign · 02-22-2009, 10:48 PM

i can t hear it over my aftermarket exhaust...
running straight pipes , 2 magnaflow mufflers, and 2 dual aftermarket tips

///Monster · 02-26-2009, 05:26 PM

DAMN! That looks awesome!

MrHarris · 02-26-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BilletDesign

i can t hear it over my aftermarket exhaust...
running straight pipes , 2 magnaflow mufflers, and 2 dual aftermarket tips

You can definitely hear it over the stock exhaust.

Eliminator · 02-26-2009, 08:47 PM

This filter does not close out to the opening in the hood. Any ill effects? Does it still draw air from the hood vent? From the lower drivers side front vent? It's not a true "Cold Air Intake" like the original equipment. Is it still better?

tom @ eas · 02-26-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliminator

This filter does not close out to the opening in the hood. Any ill effects? Does it still draw air from the hood vent? From the lower drivers side front vent? It's not a true "Cold Air Intake" like the original equipment. Is it still better?

The picture is the stock airbox with the lid removed to show the filter. Only the filter was changed, which offers much improved flow over the stock unit.

Same airflow characteristics are retained.

Eliminator · 02-26-2009, 09:07 PM

Dam you're fast! I'm quickly becoming an EAS fan!

BimmerRob08 · 02-27-2009, 12:51 PM

I just orderd one and it's on it's way. I'm out of town for a few weeks so will post my "butt dyno" results when I get back. I'm still running everything else stock so should stand out if its got any noticable improvements.

Cheers,

REP1KRR · 02-28-2009, 02:26 PM

I installed mine last night! I love it.

A very noticeable change in sound. A whoosh at about 2500 rpm is quite cool! Also, increased crispness feel of the engine and throttle response.

Huge value to this mod.

02-14-2009, 03:57 AM	#1
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Macht Schnell Air Filter Review I went down to EAS today to pick up and install a Macht Schnell OEM replacement air filter. The filter was good quality and the body had little flex. Installation was the same as any other drop in filter. Observations: After installing the filter, I immediately noticed increased throttle response and an extra gurgle in mid-range RPMs. The improvement is minor, but noticeable throughout the RPM band. The combination of the filter plus the RPi scoops make it a tough combo to beat in terms of performance for the dollar. The performance improvements are very noticeable when both are put together. I had an AFE air filter before, and the quality of this filter feels better plus i doesn't rattle when stepping on the gas. It's a solid upgrade at an affordable price (around $100), and should definitely be given a second look when comparing this to the AFE. Here's a pic Tom at EAS snapped after the install was done. Attached Images __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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02-14-2009, 04:31 AM	#2
BimmerRob08 Major 110 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, Space Gray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: KIKR (ABQ), NM iTrader: (0)	interesting, is there a web sight for this filter and scoops?
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02-14-2009, 10:13 AM	#5
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	I bought an aFe filter and returned it before I even installed it because of all the rattling stories I heard. One Member even cut out a piece of his OEM filter and attached it next to his aFe filter to eliminate the rattle, but to me that seemed a bit of a butcher job (a good idea nonetheless). fittment issues aside, how does the Macht Schnell filter feel in terms of performance compared to your old aFe? __________________ MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights "M3 drivers have no friends"
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02-14-2009, 04:41 PM	#8
RT8_M3 drives a BMW 6 Rep 470 Posts Drives: e46 M3/F10 535i/e93 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: La Jolla & Walnut iTrader: (0)	Looks pretty good, stilll getting use to the shape of the intake. __________________ -2oo3 AW E46 M3 -2o11 SG F10 535i 6MT -2o12 AW E93 335i
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02-20-2009, 02:52 PM	#11
ebohon Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe, 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA iTrader: (2)	Tom, Do you have any in stock? Can I drive down and purchase/pick one up? Thanks, Ed __________________ 2009 M3 : 6MT : Carbon : Silverstone : Fox Red Novilo : Aluminum Trim : Tech Package : iPod : MODS: Performance Spoiler: Clear Reflectors : H&Rs : Escort 9500ix hardwired : Tint : Macht Schnell Filter : RPI Scoops : Rogue Pulley : Fabspeed resonated x-pipe with Remus Race : ESS Tune: TVinMotion
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02-20-2009, 02:59 PM	#13
ebohon Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe, 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA iTrader: (2)	Good... see you guys in about an hour. Thanks! __________________ 2009 M3 : 6MT : Carbon : Silverstone : Fox Red Novilo : Aluminum Trim : Tech Package : iPod : MODS: Performance Spoiler: Clear Reflectors : H&Rs : Escort 9500ix hardwired : Tint : Macht Schnell Filter : RPI Scoops : Rogue Pulley : Fabspeed resonated x-pipe with Remus Race : ESS Tune: TVinMotion
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02-22-2009, 10:13 PM	#14
ebohon Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe, 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA iTrader: (2)	Like MrHarris...I too installed the filter this weekend. I must admit that I was skeptical about any 'noticeable' improvements but was pleasently surprised. The car seems to rev a bit easier and feels a bit sharper throughout the rpm range. I'm not sure if it is 'faster' but feels smoother on all rpms. I can't really hear any difference but my son tells me that it does sound different upfront from outside. The guys at EAS were helpful and even went out of their way to show me their in-house M3 with lots of mods. I recommend this simple mod. It took me no more than 10 minutes to do the swap. __________________ 2009 M3 : 6MT : Carbon : Silverstone : Fox Red Novilo : Aluminum Trim : Tech Package : iPod : MODS: Performance Spoiler: Clear Reflectors : H&Rs : Escort 9500ix hardwired : Tint : Macht Schnell Filter : RPI Scoops : Rogue Pulley : Fabspeed resonated x-pipe with Remus Race : ESS Tune: TVinMotion
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02-22-2009, 10:48 PM	#15
BilletDesign Private 7 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2008 e90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: s. florida iTrader: (0)	i can t hear it over my aftermarket exhaust... running straight pipes , 2 magnaflow mufflers, and 2 dual aftermarket tips
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02-26-2009, 05:26 PM	#16
///Monster Private First Class 11 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	DAMN! That looks awesome! __________________ 2009 E92 AW M3 Living the Dream
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02-26-2009, 08:47 PM	#18
Eliminator First Lieutenant 33 Rep 311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 SSII 6M, '87 911 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	This filter does not close out to the opening in the hood. Any ill effects? Does it still draw air from the hood vent? From the lower drivers side front vent? It's not a true "Cold Air Intake" like the original equipment. Is it still better?
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02-26-2009, 09:07 PM	#20
Eliminator First Lieutenant 33 Rep 311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 SSII 6M, '87 911 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Dam you're fast! I'm quickly becoming an EAS fan!
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02-27-2009, 12:51 PM	#21
BimmerRob08 Major 110 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, Space Gray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: KIKR (ABQ), NM iTrader: (0)	I just orderd one and it's on it's way. I'm out of town for a few weeks so will post my "butt dyno" results when I get back. I'm still running everything else stock so should stand out if its got any noticable improvements. Cheers,
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02-28-2009, 02:26 PM	#22
REP1KRR My other car is a Scooter'ia 85 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: M3 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Salt Lake City iTrader: (8)	I installed mine last night! I love it. A very noticeable change in sound. A whoosh at about 2500 rpm is quite cool! Also, increased crispness feel of the engine and throttle response. Huge value to this mod. __________________ A91 Edition Supra \| Armytrix \| Rays M3 Saloon \| Akrapovic EVO \| B&G Sport M3 Saloon \| VF540 \| Klässen ID M52-R \| Akrapovic \| Vorsteiner GTS5 \| KarbonWerke CSL [SOLD]
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