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Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

The only "cleanable" flat filter I have seen is a foam one. I think you would be able to tell the difference.

Sorry, DaFlake, I'll have to disagree. The K&N panel filters are washable also.

As for the replacement interval of the OEM filters, I would say the max is 3 years. They look absolutely filthy after the first year. But the BMW/MINI filters have lots of folds (for that matter, so does the Delco-GM filters). The folds hide the pores so even though the filter looks dirty, there are lots of pores for air to pass through. Personally, I would replace the filter once a year, but I have seen at least one MINI go 3 years before they replaced the filter without any major detriment to performance.