FILTER CHOICE: AFE or BMC

Esmanolo · 11-06-2008, 10:34 AM

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 · 11-06-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

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 · 11-06-2008, 02:44 PM

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 · 11-07-2008, 05:53 AM

who told you the AFE causes a loss of power?

Sticky · 11-07-2008, 05:55 AM

Is the BMC for the M3 even out yet?

Esmanolo · 11-07-2008, 01:22 PM

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

SlammedM6 · 11-07-2008, 01:40 PM

Where do you get this filter?

Speedtrap · 11-07-2008, 02:28 PM

I use the oiled AFE and it is great

Do not feel any loss of power at all.

BMW E90 · 11-07-2008, 03:21 PM

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 · 11-07-2008, 03:50 PM

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 · 11-07-2008, 04:22 PM

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.

SlammedM6 · 11-07-2008, 09:32 PM

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 · 11-08-2008, 12:26 AM

Quote:

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 · 11-08-2008, 01:10 AM

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 · 11-08-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

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.

SlammedM6 · 11-08-2008, 09:57 AM

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

SV Concepts III · 11-08-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-14-2008, 11:53 AM

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

11-06-2008, 10:34 AM	#1
Esmanolo New Member Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	FILTER CHOICE: AFE or BMC 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.
	Tweet

11-06-2008, 02:44 PM	#3
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,838 iTrader: (5)	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? __________________ 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"

11-07-2008, 05:53 AM	#4
spyderco10 Colonel Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,417 iTrader: (0)	who told you the AFE causes a loss of power? __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

11-07-2008, 01:40 PM	#7
SlammedM6 Brigadier General Drives: 2011 RR Sport Autobiography Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 4,923 iTrader: (2)	Where do you get this filter? __________________

11-07-2008, 02:28 PM	#8
Speedtrap Lieutenant Colonel Drives: A very fast car :) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London Posts: 1,800 iTrader: (0)	I use the oiled AFE and it is great Do not feel any loss of power at all. __________________

11-07-2008, 05:55 AM	#5
Sticky Banned Drives: E92 Jerez DCT M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills / Malibu Posts: 2,244 iTrader: (0)	Is the BMC for the M3 even out yet?

11-07-2008, 01:22 PM	#6
Esmanolo New Member Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	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

11-07-2008, 03:21 PM	#9
BMW E90 Major General Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Around the Bay Posts: 7,948 iTrader: (8)	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.

11-07-2008, 03:50 PM	#10
The Shiekh Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 267 iTrader: (1)	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 __________________ -James aka The Shiekh 2008 E92 M3 6MT SSII/Silver Novillo/Sycamore BPU+ lol

11-07-2008, 04:22 PM	#11
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara Posts: 17,029 iTrader: (13)	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.

11-07-2008, 09:32 PM	#12
SlammedM6 Brigadier General Drives: 2011 RR Sport Autobiography Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 4,923 iTrader: (2)	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? __________________

11-08-2008, 01:10 AM	#14
drft92 Giggity Drives: e92m Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Jersey Posts: 292 iTrader: (3)	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.

11-08-2008, 09:57 AM	#16
SlammedM6 Brigadier General Drives: 2011 RR Sport Autobiography Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 4,923 iTrader: (2)	oiled BMC it is for me, thanks guy! now where do i get it ? __________________

11-14-2008, 11:53 AM	#18
itz16v Lieutenant Drives: 997 Turbo///E63 AMG Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Socal/Ko'Olina Posts: 479 iTrader: (1)	When is K&N filters for the M3 coming out? __________________

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