Panel filters - worthwhile or not?

[gumby6371]

As the title suggests are they any good or just an expensive gimmick?

[dirtydirtydiesel]

You pay's your money & takes your choice,
Now before load's come along & start saying about the oil on aftermarket filters buggering up mass air flow meters.
Yes they might have done years ago, but K&N have spent £1000's looking into this prob & all the recent one's by reputable brands prove no problem.
I have had a K&N panel filter fitted to all my cars over the last 24years & I've experianced no prob's . I covered over 80k in my 330d with one fitted
p.s my 406 has one, think I only paid £23.00 del to my door.

[davew]

well aside from the fears of panel filters knackering air flow meters most standard air filters and air box's flow air very well so there is little to nothing to be gained performance wise ,i suppose there is the argument of longevity when using a oiled filter.

[Ares]

I got a K&N panel filter,no problem whatsoever,didnt oiled it 6 years still running good.

[steve_earwig]

Are you still having power issues?

Actually, I was wondering where you were - is your roof still on?

[jonny81191]

A good OE quality paper one will do the same job just as well, and it's arguably not much cheaper to have the K&N due to the cost of the cleaning kit.

[gumby6371]

I'm not really thinking of a panel filter for BHP increase it's more for smoothing out the power curve.
When I test drove it the power came in earlier and smoother with an induction kit fitted which was not part of the sale. With the standard air box on it comes in a touch later and more agressively, not a problem as such but I'm wondering if more air flow will make it a more sedate drive when pootling round town?
Having said that the filter isn't filthy but its not new so i might just fit a new one and see if it makes a difference.

[KozmoNaut]

Don't bother. Higher-flowing filters really only have an effect at higher revs and at high loads, and they only flow more air because they let more crap get through. An aftermarket panel filter will never give you the same result as a full induction kit, so it's not worth bothering with.

Go with an OEM quality paper filter, and if you find the power curve objectionable, get a proper remap that moves the power curve to where you want it.

[Ares]

my roof is still on haha

[steve_earwig]

That's good to hear, the neighbour here is up on his roof right now replacing tiles that came off in the storm