Which High Performance Air Filter is the Best?

///MSpt550xi · 10-08-2009, 09:14 AM

I have been going through a lot of threads and reading opinions on different air filters.

I know that there is Macht-Schnell, BMC, PYSpeed, aFe, and probably a few others that I cannot think off of the top of my head.

So, which one is the best? I know that they basically all do the same thing, so when there is a ~$40 difference between one and another, why should I buy the more expensive one?

I guess what I am asking is what are the differences between them all?

Thanks!

Robo Squirrel · 10-08-2009, 09:48 AM

get the cheaper one, they are all the same, virtually no diff. aFe u are just paying for the name

J08M3 · 10-08-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robo Squirrel

get the cheaper one, they are all the same, virtually no diff. aFe u are just paying for the name

+1

go for ape performance it's a Macht-Snchell for $25 less with a different name on it

King Tut · 10-08-2009, 09:56 AM

They aren't all the same, and last time I checked aFe sells two types. Some are oiled and some are dry. There hasn't been a test showing the differences in performance between all of them, so go with which one you like best. All I can say is I went with the MS and it made 7hp for me when I installed it on the dyno.

SV Concepts III · 10-08-2009, 11:56 AM

Right, the aFe oiled will offer better flow and performance but requires reoiling for maintenance and cleaning like most replacement filters. The dry version offers better filtration and is easier to clean as there is no oil but is slightly more restrictive. Really, you are splitting hairs over what is essentially a modest upgrade. So long as you stick with a reputable brand and weigh the benefits of each type, you will be just fine.

tom @ eas · 10-08-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///MThree

I have been going through a lot of threads and reading opinions on different air filters.

I know that there is Macht-Schnell, BMC, PYSpeed, aFe, and probably a few others that I cannot think off of the top of my head.

So, which one is the best? I know that they basically all do the same thing, so when there is a ~$40 difference between one and another, why should I buy the more expensive one?

I guess what I am asking is what are the differences between them all?

Thanks!

The Macht Schnell filters have a proven reputation here on the forum. BMC is also a very reputable brand.

The aFe units use a very soft polyurethane on the cap, in which the centering pin presses enough to distort the seal - making the "fluttering" noise that has been brought up numerous times on the forums.

MS filters also have more layers and a higher pleat count than aFe and the stock unit. Simply put - it's the best bang for the buck horsepower you can buy.

Nawaaz · 10-08-2009, 10:43 PM

I was most happy with going with the BMC.

$130 shipped may not get too many shoppers convinced, yet I have no regrets on getting mine. Quality is very, very good.

Poppin Fresh · 10-08-2009, 10:53 PM

Call Taylor over at Ape Performance and he can get you a good deal for high quality air filter. I have it on mine and I don't regret it.

xxe92xx · 10-08-2009, 11:00 PM

MS

Mike V8 · 10-08-2009, 11:07 PM

Macht Schnell.

Lemans_Blue_M · 10-09-2009, 05:34 AM

Macht Schnell or BMC.

Robo Squirrel · 10-09-2009, 07:37 AM

macht schnell and APE are the same thing...made in the same factory

Daas87 · 10-09-2009, 08:00 AM

BMC

J08M3 · 10-09-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robo Squirrel

macht schnell and APE are the same thing...made in the same factory

Yep and one is $25 cheaper.... wish I knew before I bought my MS

Robo Squirrel · 10-09-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

Yep and one is $25 cheaper.... wish I knew before I bought my MS

yupppp

10-08-2009, 09:14 AM	#1
///MSpt550xi Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 208 Posts Drives: F10 550xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philly Area iTrader: (1)	Which High Performance Air Filter is the Best? I have been going through a lot of threads and reading opinions on different air filters. I know that there is Macht-Schnell, BMC, PYSpeed, aFe, and probably a few others that I cannot think off of the top of my head. So, which one is the best? I know that they basically all do the same thing, so when there is a ~$40 difference between one and another, why should I buy the more expensive one? I guess what I am asking is what are the differences between them all? Thanks! __________________ 2012 F10 550xi M Sport, Dark Graphite Metallic II, Black Nappa, Aluminum Hexagon Trim, Cold Weather Package, Ceramic Controls, Premium Sound Package, Luxury Seating Package, 30% Tint, Painted Reflectors
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10-08-2009, 09:48 AM	#2
Robo Squirrel Major 70 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MI iTrader: (1)	get the cheaper one, they are all the same, virtually no diff. aFe u are just paying for the name __________________
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10-08-2009, 09:56 AM	#4
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	They aren't all the same, and last time I checked aFe sells two types. Some are oiled and some are dry. There hasn't been a test showing the differences in performance between all of them, so go with which one you like best. All I can say is I went with the MS and it made 7hp for me when I installed it on the dyno. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
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10-08-2009, 11:56 AM	#5
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	Right, the aFe oiled will offer better flow and performance but requires reoiling for maintenance and cleaning like most replacement filters. The dry version offers better filtration and is easier to clean as there is no oil but is slightly more restrictive. Really, you are splitting hairs over what is essentially a modest upgrade. So long as you stick with a reputable brand and weigh the benefits of each type, you will be just fine.
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10-08-2009, 10:43 PM	#7
Nawaaz Brigadier General 221 Rep 4,643 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	I was most happy with going with the BMC. $130 shipped may not get too many shoppers convinced, yet I have no regrets on getting mine. Quality is very, very good.
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10-08-2009, 10:53 PM	#8
Poppin Fresh Colonel 86 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: With a sunroof and front plate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (0)	Call Taylor over at Ape Performance and he can get you a good deal for high quality air filter. I have it on mine and I don't regret it. __________________
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10-08-2009, 11:00 PM	#9
xxe92xx Banned 37 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 08 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (2)	MS
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10-08-2009, 11:07 PM	#10
Mike V8 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	Macht Schnell. __________________ "...it's not about the money and not about the brand of the car, it's about handling,performance and passion......And that, no other car has all together like an M3........when you talk about the most complete car the M is invincible." --Tony Kanaan.
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10-09-2009, 05:34 AM	#11
Lemans_Blue_M Automotive Industry Insider 462 Rep 1,948 Posts Drives: Lemans Blue M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Macht Schnell or BMC. __________________ The best is yet to come...
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10-09-2009, 07:37 AM	#12
Robo Squirrel Major 70 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MI iTrader: (1)	macht schnell and APE are the same thing...made in the same factory __________________
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10-09-2009, 08:00 AM	#13
Daas87 Private First Class 15 Rep 143 Posts Drives: E92 M3-DCT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1)	BMC __________________ - 3D Design - HRE - Arqray - CA Auto - Eisenmann - Fabspeed - AA- BMC - RPI - Powerchip -
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