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BMW has required (suggested) intervals for replacing the air filter. Is it unwise to examine the current one, and if it looks undamaged, clean and reuse it?

I switched mine out for a K & N.. works great and I can clean an reuse without worry..

If it looks ok you could tap out the big chunks, but you can't clean it with air so it will still be partially clogged with dirt and should be replaced.

Remember, the air filter keeps dirt from getting into your engine. It is the first line of defense against damaging grit. Think of it as cheap insurance for engine longevity.

JCL wrote:BMW has required (suggested) intervals for replacing the air filter. Is it unwise to examine the current one, and if it looks undamaged, clean and reuse it?

I did that the time before last, but this time it was too packed with dirt and the like. I'm going to order the Mann filter next time, BMW charged me $28 for the thing.

I am also a K&N filter user, clean and reoil every other July 1st.

Thanks for answering what is a fairly mundane question. I intend to get smarter later.

John

About a year ago,I read a comparison test of the various types of air filter. I seem to remember that the first impression was that the K&N filter was the best, but when all the figures (filtration rate, particle size, flow rate etc) we re taken into account the conclusion was that the OE filter was actually the best for your engine if you wanted the cleanest air entering the engine.

Anybody know where the test can be located?

Rog

PS On another post the word "TIDBITS" was mentioned and I wondered if it was a typo. After Goggling it, I learned that in the US it's TIDBITS but in the old Mother country it's "TITBITS" - we live and learn!

the OE filter was actually the best for your engine if you wanted the cleanest air entering the engine.

I have the same recollection and the same problem remembering where it came from.

I'd like to see that study as it confirms what I suspect about K&N filters...they pass more air than paper filters, but don't filter it as well. For racing they are great since racers get more horsepower and rebuild often, but for engine longevity, I prefer paper.

Where can you get Mann filters and what's the part #?

Thanks in advance

I do recall reading various internet studies concerning this very thing with the K&N filters, my experience is in 3 bikes, and 7 automobiles over 15 years and well in excess of 500K miles that I have never had an engine problem, thats why I continue to use them in spite of the studies.

http://www.filterspro.com/detail.cfm?part=509089

Mann C 1552

$9.09 ea

Thanks twindave, that is useful!

I replace mine (use OE) roughly every 12,000 or 24,000 miles, ie every (other) major service, depends on how pressed for time I am...

Sunbeemer, you say, "...but you can't clean it with air." Why not?

boxerrider