Panel Filters (Yet Again!)

[S33BBY]

I've read through many many posts about replacement air filters and have found it difficult to come to a conclusion as to which is better out of the K&N and the Pipercross. Just to clarify, I'm talking about panel filters, not induction kits. Hopefully this post can eventually act as the definitive answer to which panel filter is the best

At first, I thought I'd understood that the Pipercross is better at filtering, whereas the K&N would last longer, but then that theory was crushed when I read that foam-based filters get clogged more easily. However, the fact that the cotton-based K&N filter wil last longer still remained.

So, am I right in thinking that the K&N is generally the better replacement filter? To make things even more complicated though, I've been reading good things about Green Cotton air filters, and can get one here in the UK for my MINI One at around £40, which seems reasonable to me. Any thoughts on these filters?

So, what should I do? Many thanks in advance.

[obehave]

Foam based filters do not get clogged more easily.
From what I remember a lot of off road filters actually use a foam pre filter with the primary filter (of whatever design) underneath.
The resy of your info seems OK.
There's really no "bad" decision here. I've used K&N filters off and on for almost 30 years. Never had a problem and never had to replace one. That said I also ran an Accel foam filter for years on my wifes Mitsu pickup and really liked it. Worked great until she wrecked the truck dodging a frigggin' cat Bad choice.
I'm sure this hasn't helped your decision at all

[condition]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sebby*

I've read through many many posts about replacement air filters and have found it difficult to come to a conclusion as to which is better out of the K&N and the Pipercross. Just to clarify, I'm talking about panel filters, not induction kits. Hopefully this post can eventually act as the definitive answer to which panel filter is the best

At first, I thought I'd understood that the Pipercross is better at filtering, whereas the K&N would last longer, but then that theory was crushed when I read that foam-based filters get clogged more easily. However, the fact that the cotton-based K&N filter wil last longer still remained.

So, am I right in thinking that the K&N is generally the better replacement filter? To make things even more complicated though, I've been reading good things about Green Cotton air filters, and can get one here in the UK for my MINI One at around £40, which seems reasonable to me. Any thoughts on these filters?

So, what should I do? Many thanks in advance.

Hi,

I use the K&N drop in panel filter on my Mini One. It seems it has more power now and a little more sound. I'm very happy with the choice. I have no experience with the orther brands.

Ralf

[S33BBY]

Thanks to the both of you for the replies. So it probably seems that the cotton filter is certainly a more safe if not a better choice than a foam filter.

All that really remains is a comparison between the K&N and the Green...

[DJC]

Hi, i fitted a K&N panel filter to my 2002 Cooper. Sounds good, not too loud and i think it feels better. One thing to check, if you get a K&N make sure the gasket referred to in the fitting instructions is in the box, mine was not. Hope this helps Damian.

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJC

Hi, i fitted a K&N panel filter to my 2002 Cooper. Sounds good, not too loud and i think it feels better. One thing to check, if you get a K&N make sure the gasket referred to in the fitting instructions is in the box, mine was not. Hope this helps Damian.

Thanks for that Damian.

The K&N does seem to be the most popular, if not preferred choice. I'd still like to hear some opinions on the Green cotton filter. It looks fairly similar to the K&N...

[wow]

I got a BMC pannel filter on my Cooper. I love it and can feel more torque. For more sound I did not close the airbox completly SOUNDS GREAT NOW. But i guess there is a power loss. Can anyone confirm that?

[David Woods]

[
I fitted a K & N about a month ago, it does make a difference and at low revs the engine is noticably more responsive. When you put your foot down you can certainly hear the difference but it is not too obtrusive- when you are either cruising on light throttle on on the over-run you would not know that you had a different filter fitted.
One final observation is that fuel economy seem to improve if you do not feel the urgency to use the extra power- a useful bonus!

[minitoo]

Don't know about a power loss with your air box open but aren't you sucking dirt now? I just swapped out my filter and if I remember right I thought my cooper sucks in the dirty air from under the filter and the top side with the lid is the clean side going into the engine. At least all the bugs were underneath my filter so if I left my box unsealed I think I would be sucking crud into my engine. Might want to check...fun noise would'nt be worth wearing out the engine.

[SCB]

Quote: Originally Posted by David Woods

I fitted a K & N about a month ago, it does make a difference and at low revs the engine is noticably more responsive. ...etc.

Do you know if they do a drop-in replacement filter for the new 2004 Cooper S...
If so who should I contact to get one?

[JTT]

Are there any drop in panel filters available that DO NOT increase the noise in the cabin, but do increase power/fuel economy?

[Hat]

what about when you take the car in for service - those that have them, do you just tell the service dept not to remove your filter & replace it?

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by SCB

Do you know if they do a drop-in replacement filter for the new 2004 Cooper S...
If so who should I contact to get one?

They sure do, take a look here: http://www.newminisport.com/SearchRe...yID=76&sub=POW.

[bards]

I heard a rumour that a panel filter on an s will increase the noise of the super charger whine! Does anyone know if this is true? If so I will get one as soon as I get my car.

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

what about when you take the car in for service - those that have them, do you just tell the service dept not to remove your filter & replace it?

That's correct