K&N Filter Recommended with BMS PowerBox

[Fireflyer239]

Several weeks ago I installed the K&N drop-in filter in my 128. I've heard others say it's a waste of money, won't make a difference etc. I have run K&N filters in my Ducati and Harley for years simply for reasons of quality and to be assured of top performance. In this case, while it may not improve the actual performance of the stock 128, I have noticed a high-rpm improvement when using it in conjunction with the BMS PowerBox. It seems pretty straightforward - more fuel or more air alone can't make much difference to an already optimized setup, but add both and chances for improvement are more certain. The engine is more eager over 4,000 rpm now. In addition to the roll-on accelleration gains I acheived when adding the PowerBox, I have knocked another .2 to .25 seconds off those times after adding the K&N. Granted, it is now colder than when I did the roll-ons upon initial installation of the P-Box (30F vs 50F then), so perhaps the denser air is contributing, but seat-of-the-pants improvement was apparent right away upon installation. In any case, the combination of the two has knocked almost a full second off the original stock times (2,000 to 6,000 rpm in 3rd gear, same piece of road w/ same starting point), and the car feels great. The addition of the P-Box gave readily apparent and measureable gains, but the car still felt strained in the upper rpm range, perhaps due to the limits of the (optimized-for-stock) stock paper filter? Now, the P-Box is saying to the K&N..."You complete me"! So, I am very highly recommending the K&N filter to all P-Box users, and it's about fifty or sixty bucks.

[derekL]

dang now i want both... wish BMS would do a dyno with the k&n filter!

[Fireflyer239]

Originally Posted by derekL

dang now i want both... wish BMS would do a dyno with the k&n filter!

I agree, and I'm sure it would show an improvement. I'm very interested to see some pics of the perf. front bumper and OZ's installed, so be sure to post some! Been thinking more and more about the perf. front bumper myself, or a 135 cast-off in like new condition. I will be adding the Maddad axle-back as soon as he has it developed and ready to go. Cheers!

[derekL]

AHHHHH not to thread jack, but i have a thread on why im getting all of that on the california forum, update as soon as i can. anyways, yaa.... bms + K&N filter FTW!!!!!!

[jabwind51]

Originally Posted by Fireflyer239

Several weeks ago I installed the K&N drop-in filter in my 128. I've heard others say it's a waste of money, won't make a difference etc. I have run K&N filters in my Ducati and Harley for years simply for reasons of quality and to be assured of top performance. In this case, while it may not improve the actual performance of the stock 128, I have noticed a high-rpm improvement when using it in conjunction with the BMS PowerBox. It seems pretty straightforward - more fuel or more air alone can't make much difference to an already optimized setup, but add both and chances for improvement are more certain. The engine is more eager over 4,000 rpm now. In addition to the roll-on accelleration gains I acheived when adding the PowerBox, I have knocked another .2 to .25 seconds off those times after adding the K&N. Granted, it is now colder than when I did the roll-ons upon initial installation of the P-Box (30F vs 50F then), so perhaps the denser air is contributing, but seat-of-the-pants improvement was apparent right away upon installation. In any case, the combination of the two has knocked almost a full second off the original stock times (2,000 to 6,000 rpm in 3rd gear, same piece of road w/ same starting point), and the car feels great. The addition of the P-Box gave readily apparent and measureable gains, but the car still felt strained in the upper rpm range, perhaps due to the limits of the (optimized-for-stock) stock paper filter? Now, the P-Box is saying to the K&N..."You complete me"! So, I am very highly recommending the K&N filter to all P-Box users, and it's about fifty or sixty bucks.

i agree. i was able to pick up that PBX (and install it myself, thanks for the offer before!) plus the BMW Performance intake (at discount), which comes with a K & N filter. Huge difference in butt dyno and deep sounds from 1500-3000 rpms. Higher RPMs the car screams.

To all: Get the performance intake which comes with K & N and seriously Get the PBX (i messed up a wire so it's throwing a code, gotta get back in there...but still love it)

[Yuzi]

I made a quick 0-100km video just now....not a very good launch but whatever wet ground...just show u guys wat the PBX and injen can do to your ride.

I used a stop watch and I got about
5.7s to 5.8 in 0-60mph
6.0s to 6.2 in 0-100kmh

and...yes i screwed 1st gear lol dun say something to embarrass me please =)

[Fireflyer239]

Thanx for posting the vid. I did several 5-60 mph "street starts" yesterday (a la Car and Driver), which typically average 2 to 5 tenths slower than a (well done) 0-60 launch. I got from 6.02 to 6.11, which pleased me, and should translate into solid high fives 0-60.

I'm happy with the K&N drop-in replacement filter for now. I've never been a fan of that hollow moaning sound from CAIs, but if I get a chance to ride in a 128 or 328 with the Injen, I may change my mind.

I asked my wife if perhaps a B&M ssk might find it's way under our Christmas tree, but she tells me to wait for Father's day. Bah, Humbug!!

[McReary]

Have a quick question that may already have been addressed somewhere else. How's the install look for the K&N filter? I remember reading about it a while back and feeling deterred from doing it cuz you'd have to cut into the original filter cage or something like that. A quick review of what installing the K&N filter takes is what I'm looking for.. Any permanent cuts or is it simply a unlock and drop-in kind of thing

[Fireflyer239]

Extremely simple. A few screws, remove the airbox, drop in filter, replace airbox. 10 minute job, 5 if you hurry.

[madrid90]

you are my hero! I was thinking of buying the BMS power box but i didnt know if to buy an injen short ram intake or a k&n drop-in filter. You have cleared my doubts, thanks

[Fireflyer239]

Well, I'm not saying it's a replacement for the Injen, just that the BMS does seem to benefit further from the K&N. It's cheap, so from there you could always go to the Injen too.

[ManGGouste]

I just bought that filter, I'll give my feedback very soon since I've had an Injen for a few month (without success unfortunately).

[italiantank26]

Cutting out the charcoal filter + K&N filter with PBX = good gains but Injen filter still dominates, I've ran both setups and Injen intake still superior

[tgxmike]

Originally Posted by Yuzi

and...yes i screwed 1st gear lol dun say something to embarrass me please =)

I actually read in a review that the 128i did the best 0-60 time when there is a lot of wheel spin in 1st gear. so maybe that actually helped you??

They also suggested that 4800rpm was the perfect starting rpm...... but that seems high to me.

[Evice]

although you don't wanna do it alot, 4.8k rpm is actually sounds like it is really sweet spot for this engine. Considering no wheel spin By the time the full engagement of clutch, you will loose about 1-2k rpm from the engine which you will sit in the max torque.

[supraking]

Anyone tried the ECS Pro Dry S filter rather than the K&N?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-128...lter/ES518898/