MINI2

flatland69 · Aug 14th, 2007, 06:07 PM

Hi all

I was just wondering, is a Cooper S panel filter the same as a Cooper filter? I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (non-S) and want to fit a new panel air filter. I've seen BMC, K&N and ALTA versions, which would be the best as far as performance goes? Not noise-wise...

Many thanks

beken · Aug 17th, 2007, 08:50 PM

For 2003, the answer is no. Their shape is slightly different. However, the aftermarket folks have filters for both the Cooper and Cooper S.

As far as performance goes, they all meet warranty requirements but rumors have it the stock paper filters do the best job of filtering but have to be replaced. The K&N or Alta and other foam or cotton filters can be washed and reused. They also generate better airflow - which is why people buy them.

As I understand it, the Alta is the noisiest so if you like engine sounds, get the Alta. I have a K&N and noticed right away that the engine seemed to run smoother at mid and higher revs.
Engine sounds was just slightly louder.

flatland69 · Aug 18th, 2007, 08:38 PM

Well, today I opened up my airbox (had to repair my gear linkage), and from what I found it was the first time ever. The BMW folks seriously had never looked in here when it was still on its motorplan (before I owned it) and the stock filter was CAKED in grit, and the box had insects all over the place! So cleaned it out, and bought a BMG air filter (only one I could find in SA) and WOW it made a huge difference. Probably because of the less restrictive filter AND the vacancy of insects etc in the airbox! it is much more responsive, and really pulls (especially when I hit about 4500rpm!). Noise didn't change much at all, only when you're really burning it you notice a slight sucking sound... I'm as happy as a pig in you know what

Mistercurly · Sep 23rd, 2007, 09:49 PM

Is the R56 Cooper and S panel filter the size? I am asking because i can only find K&N filters for my Cooper non S. I have seen an Alta filter for the S, can it be used on my Cooper?

Aug 14th, 2007, 06:07 PM	#1
flatland69 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 11:59 PM Posts: 46 Offline	Panel Air Filter Hi all I was just wondering, is a Cooper S panel filter the same as a Cooper filter? I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (non-S) and want to fit a new panel air filter. I've seen BMC, K&N and ALTA versions, which would be the best as far as performance goes? Not noise-wise... Many thanks

Aug 17th, 2007, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
beken 05 MCS BEP Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Delta, BC, Canada Local Time: 01:59 PM Posts: 1,229 Offline	For 2003, the answer is no. Their shape is slightly different. However, the aftermarket folks have filters for both the Cooper and Cooper S. As far as performance goes, they all meet warranty requirements but rumors have it the stock paper filters do the best job of filtering but have to be replaced. The K&N or Alta and other foam or cotton filters can be washed and reused. They also generate better airflow - which is why people buy them. As I understand it, the Alta is the noisiest so if you like engine sounds, get the Alta. I have a K&N and noticed right away that the engine seemed to run smoother at mid and higher revs. Engine sounds was just slightly louder. 05MCS BEP - Alta 22mm rear anti-swaybar, Madness CAI, Alta 15%, NGK BRK7EIX

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Aug 18th, 2007, 08:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
flatland69 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 11:59 PM Posts: 46 Offline	Well, today I opened up my airbox (had to repair my gear linkage), and from what I found it was the first time ever. The BMW folks seriously had never looked in here when it was still on its motorplan (before I owned it) and the stock filter was CAKED in grit, and the box had insects all over the place! So cleaned it out, and bought a BMG air filter (only one I could find in SA) and WOW it made a huge difference. Probably because of the less restrictive filter AND the vacancy of insects etc in the airbox! it is much more responsive, and really pulls (especially when I hit about 4500rpm!). Noise didn't change much at all, only when you're really burning it you notice a slight sucking sound... I'm as happy as a pig in you know what

Sep 23rd, 2007, 09:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mistercurly MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Derby Local Time: 10:59 PM Posts: 62 Offline	Is the R56 Cooper and S panel filter the size? I am asking because i can only find K&N filters for my Cooper non S. I have seen an Alta filter for the S, can it be used on my Cooper?

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