Best air filter?

Yes, but you said

So what if OEM is Mahle? This is the problem with this filter thread in general (but not neccesarily you). People are quick to say "just buy OEM", but OEM's don't make filters - Air, cabin air, or oil. So before you buy an OEM filter you sort of need to know who made it.
My BMW air filter is made by Mahle and aftermarket Mahle filter is some if the best workmanship I have seen when it comes to filters.
 
My BMW air filter is made by Mahle and aftermarket Mahle filter is some if the best workmanship I have seen when it comes to filters.



Also - I won't say this was "poor" but it certainly was odd.

 
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Also - I won't say this was "poor" but it certainly was odd.

Idk what is going on there, but I get Mahle as it is only filter available for Euro air box on N52 engines and they are of impeccable quality.
 
Idk what is going on there, but I get Mahle as it is only filter available for Euro air box on N52 engines and they are of impeccable quality.
Some people here said it was a likely a issue with the foam material chemistry - I forget their exact term. I had used many of these filters prior there Nissan OEM. The air was made in Mexico and the oil filter made in China.

What is the COO of the air filters you get. I agree this is very un-German like.

I have switched to Denso.
 
So I'm about to change my air filter on my 2019 Fiat 124 Spider, and was looking at a K&N performance filter. But i've seen lots of different opinions on what to use. Some say only use OEM filters, since mopar is saying that their filter is made specifically for this car, others are saying some aftermarket performance filters are better. What I've seen with some performance filters is that because more air can be let in through the filter, more crap can be sucked in and damage the engine. But also having an performance filter will not only increase oxygen and have better combustion, it'll increase a little bit of power. I was looking at K&N filters, but there's some mixed reviews apparently. What kind of filter is best for turbo engines, if that matters. I've seen BMC, K&N and another brand I don't remember. Is performance filters good for just street driving? Or mostly for racing. I don't race my car, but if it helps smooth out power and whatnot, I'll get it, but if OEM paper filters mean better filteration, then I'll get that. I've seen different answers so I want to know what yalls opinions are.
K & N, while they flow well, they filter like crap. The oiled cloth is a nice idea but functionality is awful.
 
I've used NAPA brand filters for years. They are made by WIX/PUROLATOR/MANN and I've never had a problem with either fit or function. I get 10% off sale price with my AAA Membership card. The counter people are guys (and maybe one woman) who have worked on cars for decades. If I have questions, they answer them.
 
I've used NAPA brand filters for years. They are made by WIX/PUROLATOR/MANN and I've never had a problem with either fit or function. I get 10% off sale price with my AAA Membership card. The counter people are guys (and maybe one woman) who have worked on cars for decades. If I have questions, they answer them.
Were made by WIX/Purolator/Mann.
 
There's a Southwest Research Institute test on aftermarket "high flow" air filters
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=061d...GFjaG1lbnRzL3N3cmlfdGVzdC1wZGYuMzM2NTYv&ntb=1

For European cars. if I want a cellulose-based filter, I always go for the "Cold Weather Filter". It has an extra later of woven material, that provides an extra layer of filtering, but really, it's intended to keep melting snow from saturating the cellulose filter media.

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1756525600412.webp
 
There's a Southwest Research Institute test on aftermarket "high flow" air filters
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=061def2ca2038c8675f1e140e5cb4c5e7cb322942058ed37819746b411ac717dJmltdHM9MTc1NjQyNTYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=3d088cd1-3ffc-65bc-01d6-9db03e07643b&psq=SWRI+K&N+filter+AEM&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ViYXJ1Zm9yZXN0ZXIub3JnL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL3N3cmlfdGVzdC1wZGYuMzM2NTYv&ntb=1

For European cars. if I want a cellulose-based filter, I always go for the "Cold Weather Filter". It has an extra later of woven material, that provides an extra layer of filtering, but really, it's intended to keep melting snow from saturating the cellulose filter media.

View attachment 297866

View attachment 297867
The Purolator One I bought recently had that extra layer of batting. Seemed well built.
 
In my world, an air filter is just an an filter. Name does not matter. Quality matters. If the rubber sealing gasket is dried up and cracking, I have a problem with that. I change them every 15k anyway, so longevity is not an issue here. Never had a cheapo throw a check engine light on me , and I don't drive in dusty construction sites. Back in the 70's, I'd run a V-8 without any filter. No problems.
 
I clearly recall pulling a K&N air filter out of its box at a Pep Boys store a couple decades ago, holding it up against the overhead fluorescent lights, and seeing dozens of beautiful "stars," as in pinpoints of light. Reminded me of countless evenings in the mountains spent admiring the spectacular night sky. All quite lovely.

Then I remembered I was inside a building and looking at media holes, not stars. That was the last time I ever took notice of a K&N filter.

Whether your ride is 1 year or 40 years old, whether it's a Pinto or a Porsche, stick to a name brand disposable cellulose or similar filter. They flow great and trap down to about 5 microns (per Premium Guard). Skip the voodoo snake oil contraptions.
 
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