AFE Dry Air Filter on '08 *review*

[GtiGyver]

This will be short.
Not a complex upgrade, if it is even an upgrade.



Basically it is a drop-in replacement for the OE filter, except unlike the OE filter, it is not reinforced on either end making it not seem to provide a good seal.
The pressure of the plastic thumb on the opposite end of the filter from the opening is enough to warp the filter slightly. To add insult to injury, the opening of the filter is soft enough that it never feels like it mates solidly to the plastic mouth of the intake.

As for the actual results of the install? Well I haven't dynoed the car but I honestly can't tell a difference. The car might be very slightly louder from induction noise, but nothing dramatic. As for power, too little if any gain to feel.

I didn't pay much for the filter, but I still think it is a waste of money on the S65 unless you get a killer deal.

[GtiGyver]

I want to add that this is the ONLY filter I tried other than the OE unit.
I don't know if the design of competing products is any different from AFE's design for the S65.

[f30m]

I have the Active Autowerke green performance filter for my 08 E90. The quality is very high, definitely more solid than the oem filter.

There is a very noticeable increase in induction sound, which I like. I can't feel any real difference in power (don't have a baseline dyno with the oem filter so I couldn't even compare the two on paper).

My oem filter needed replacement anyway and I figured for $100 I can swap in a better quality filter from AA that makes the car sound better, may net some performance gains (on paper), and can be cleaned and reused so that I won't have to purchase a replacement filter ever. To me, that last part alone is worth the $, just my two cents.

[R3dliner]

The induction sound alone was worth the upgrade to me. The fins do get a little bit warped but it's not bad. Paired with the M-performance exhaust, sound so good.

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by f30m

I have the Active Autowerke green performance filter for my 08 E90. The quality is very high, definitely more solid than the oem filter.

Interesting. I'm curious. My OE Mahle filter (with orange ends) was stiff as a rock on the rubber parts, clearly reinforced with plastic inside.
The AFE I installed clearly was not reinforced. The silicone ends have lots of give and warp under the pressure of the mounting spring.
Maybe my model is older.

[Dpc2u]

I went with the BMC filter. Solid fit, not flimsy feeling at all. A nice noticable increase in induction sound. Very happy with quality and fitment.

[f30m]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

Interesting. I'm curious. My OE Mahle filter (with orange ends) was stiff as a rock on the rubber parts, clearly reinforced with plastic inside.
The AFE I installed clearly was not reinforced. The silicone ends have lots of give and warp under the pressure of the mounting spring.
Maybe my model is older.

Honestly I almost wish the AA filter was less reinforced to make it more of a breeze to install haha. Definitely no warping there.

[dbrian]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

This will be short.
Not a complex upgrade, if it is even an upgrade.



Basically it is a drop-in replacement for the OE filter, except unlike the OE filter, it is not reinforced on either end making it not seem to provide a good seal.
The pressure of the plastic thumb on the opposite end of the filter from the opening is enough to warp the filter slightly. To add insult to injury, the opening of the filter is soft enough that it never feels like it mates solidly to the plastic mouth of the intake.

As for the actual results of the install? Well I haven't dynoed the car but I honestly can't tell a difference. The car might be very slightly louder from induction noise, but nothing dramatic. As for power, too little if any gain to feel.

I didn't pay much for the filter, but I still think it is a waste of money on the S65 unless you get a killer deal.

Wondering if you still have this installed? And if so, have you noticed any issues? I have the exact same filter from AFE installed on my 08 e93 M3 and I’m concerned that since it may not have a tight enough seal due to the unreinforced end that it might cause issues in the long run.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by dbrian

Wondering if you still have this installed? And if so, have you noticed any issues? I have the exact same filter from AFE installed on my 08 e93 M3 and I’m concerned that since it may not have a tight enough seal due to the unreinforced end that it might cause issues in the long run.

Come to think of it, isn't the filter of some reason slightly different between the early and later M3s? And if so, could it be that the AFE you have is for the alternative filterbox? Seems strange they couldn't get the dimensions right.

Edit: Apparently, but the other way around as you have an 08: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...filter+adapter

[dbrian]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Come to think of it, isn't the filter of some reason slightly different between the early and later M3s? And if so, could it be that the AFE you have is for the alternative filterbox? Seems strange they couldn't get the dimensions right.

Edit: Apparently, but the other way around as you have an 08: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...filter+adapter

Yes that’s correct. See attached images. I believe for the later models there is some extra plastic where the nipple is supposed to be.

My issue with the AFE filter is that the back part seems so soft that when it’s installed the nipple doesn’t seem to push hard enough for the intake mouth to seal. Visually though, it seems sealed. One of the pictures is me pushing in the back part with little effort. Another is where I pull up slightly on the filter and will expose the leak. The old mahle filter back is rock solid as OP says.

I might be thinking too much on it, but I t’s probably how the product is made. I might be returning it if the seal leak will be an issue. Thoughts?

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by dbrian

Yes that’s correct. See attached images. I believe for the later models there is some extra plastic where the nipple is supposed to be.

My issue with the AFE filter is that the back part seems so soft that when it’s installed the nipple doesn’t seem to push hard enough for the intake mouth to seal. Visually though, it seems sealed. One of the pictures is me pushing in the back part with little effort. Another is where I pull up slightly on the filter and will expose the leak. The old mahle filter back is rock solid as OP says.

I might be thinking too much on it, but I t’s probably how the product is made. I might be returning it if the seal leak will be an issue. Thoughts?

you are overthinking it. that gap there is nothing, you should be more concerned about servicing the filter more often so the oil can trap more dirt.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by dbrian

Yes that’s correct. See attached images. I believe for the later models there is some extra plastic where the nipple is supposed to be.

My issue with the AFE filter is that the back part seems so soft that when it’s installed the nipple doesn’t seem to push hard enough for the intake mouth to seal. Visually though, it seems sealed. One of the pictures is me pushing in the back part with little effort. Another is where I pull up slightly on the filter and will expose the leak. The old mahle filter back is rock solid as OP says.

I might be thinking too much on it, but I t’s probably how the product is made. I might be returning it if the seal leak will be an issue. Thoughts?

Got it. If thats the filter you want to use, what about simply reinforcing the back side with some tape etc to make it more snug?

[dbrian]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

you are overthinking it. that gap there is nothing, you should be more concerned about servicing the filter more often so the oil can trap more dirt.

You’re probably right. Going to keep it in. I guess I was just more concerned that the build quality didn’t seem to be the same lol

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Got it. If thats the filter you want to use, what about simply reinforcing the back side with some tape etc to make it more snug?

I’ll probably keep it as is lol it’s probably not a big deal anyway. Maybe I am overthinking things haha

[oolas3]

Switch to BMC or AA if it bothers you.