K&N vs BMC air filters

jonf49 · 03-21-2023, 10:18 PM

Want to drop in some replacement air filters on the f82. Two that have come to my attention are the K&N and the BMC.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated!

TheMaster1971NL · 03-22-2023, 02:44 AM

BMC

RoundelM3 · 03-22-2023, 07:44 AM

I chose BMC, and also removed the charcoal elements from the stock airboxes. I've removed and cleaned/re-oiled them 1 time (based on mileage). So far, so good.

JAI///M3 · 03-22-2023, 10:19 AM

I chose K&N because it’s easier to spell. You should be good with either. Might as well do the charcoal filter delete. It’s a nice little upgrade

mike@x-ph.com · 03-22-2023, 11:56 AM

we offer both but i'd pick BMC

theweebabySeamus · 03-22-2023, 12:10 PM

BMC looks to be a better quality filter but some have reported less throttle responsiveness with BMC. I don't have either so I can't say from first-hand experience, just seen it pop up a few times so YMMV.

jonf49 · 03-22-2023, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theweebabySeamus

BMC looks to be a better quality filter but some have reported less throttle responsiveness with BMC. I don't have either so I can't say from first-hand experience, just seen it pop up a few times so YMMV.

Yes I saw this. I think I’m going to try K&N after seeing some dyno results… maybe I’ll give the BMC a shot next time around.

jonf49 · 03-22-2023, 01:06 PM

Can anyone even send links to where the correct model BMC filter pair can be purchased? Is it available on Amazon?

Thanks

brody8877 · 03-22-2023, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonf49

Can anyone even send links to where the correct model BMC filter pair can be purchased? Is it available on Amazon?

Thanks

I don't believe BMC sells on amazon, I would just buy from X-ph. They ship relatively quick.

I'm currently running the K&N filter with charcoal filter removal and AFE scoop. I'm not sure if my gas mileage got better from that or fresh trans and diff fluid, all I know my throttle response is a bit sharper.

RAT3DM · 03-22-2023, 01:47 PM

Can't speak to the K&N, but I love my BMC intakes. Well built, easy to clean/oil and once I removed the baffle you get some nice turbo noises. Highly recommend them! (also a plus of having the stock filter location is less heat soak (minimal) by the intake.

Wanted_M · 03-22-2023, 01:58 PM

K&N, no issues.

mapster37 · 03-22-2023, 02:53 PM

K&N drop ins with charcoal filters removed. Definitely have more intake sound/turbo spool

2sporty · 03-22-2023, 04:15 PM

Some K&N filters have had chunks of the rubbery stuff on the side of the filters flake off.

BMC filters have not had this issue and just seem to have overall better build quality from what I have seen.

dpgfunk · 03-23-2023, 12:03 AM

I have both K&N and BMC. The BMC’s are much better quality.

mike@x-ph.com · 03-23-2023, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpgfunk

I have both K&N and BMC. The BMC’s are much better quality.

Do you have side by side pictures?

jonf49 · 03-23-2023, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2sporty

Some K&N filters have had chunks of the rubbery stuff on the side of the filters flake off.

BMC filters have not had this issue and just seem to have overall better build quality from what I have seen.

What’s the point of build quality if people previously complained about loss of throttle response / power down low. I was about to go with the k&n for that reason. It seems the dyno shows them making the same ~5hp up top… but is there any dyno proof that the BMC outperforms the K&N and that the loss of power in the previous owners car was a fluke?

mike@x-ph.com · 03-24-2023, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonf49

What’s the point of build quality if people previously complained about loss of throttle response / power down low. I was about to go with the k&n for that reason. It seems the dyno shows them making the same ~5hp up top… but is there any dyno proof that the BMC outperforms the K&N and that the loss of power in the previous owners car was a fluke?

There was a post years ago with before and after dyno, BMC being the only mod.
It showed that it made power on its own. That post made the BMC option so popular on this platform.

That said, the power difference between the 2 is negligible. If you like the K&N better, get that one.

theweebabySeamus · 03-24-2023, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonf49

What’s the point of build quality if people previously complained about loss of throttle response / power down low. I was about to go with the k&n for that reason. It seems the dyno shows them making the same ~5hp up top… but is there any dyno proof that the BMC outperforms the K&N and that the loss of power in the previous owners car was a fluke?

IIRC there wasn't a quantifiable difference shown on the dyno, which is a big part of why there was so much back and forth on it being actual vs perceived.

djpeetur · 03-24-2023, 02:58 PM

Any of those will be fine. Drove 50k with aftermarket intake had rough idle, and too many tuner codes. Dropped in K&N, but cant go wrong with either. Now my car is running with no CEL or codes.

mike@x-ph.com · 03-25-2023, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpeetur

Any of those will be fine. Drove 50k with aftermarket intake had rough idle, and too many tuner codes. Dropped in K&N, but cant go wrong with either. Now my car is running with no CEL or codes.

jonf49 · 03-26-2023, 02:40 AM

Haven’t received the K&N yet, but heard they sometimes come very oily. Is this anything to be concerned about?

Thx

Jim45678 · 03-26-2023, 06:44 AM

I'm running BMC for a year and its like new. Additionally delete charcoal filter if your air box has one.

03-21-2023, 10:18 PM	#1
jonf49 Captain 133 Rep 831 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M4 Competition Join Date: May 2022 Location: 94063 iTrader: (0)	K&N vs BMC air filters Want to drop in some replacement air filters on the f82. Two that have come to my attention are the K&N and the BMC. Thoughts and opinions appreciated!
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03-22-2023, 02:44 AM	#2
TheMaster1971NL Second Lieutenant 108 Rep 295 Posts Drives: BMW M3 F80 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	BMC
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03-22-2023, 07:44 AM	#3
RoundelM3 Major General 1837 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	I chose BMC, and also removed the charcoal elements from the stock airboxes. I've removed and cleaned/re-oiled them 1 time (based on mileage). So far, so good. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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03-22-2023, 10:19 AM	#4
JAI///M3 Lieutenant 528 Rep 502 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: East Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 F80 [0.00]	I chose K&N because it’s easier to spell. You should be good with either. Might as well do the charcoal filter delete. It’s a nice little upgrade
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03-22-2023, 11:56 AM	#5
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24198 Rep 190,805 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	we offer both but i'd pick BMC __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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03-22-2023, 12:10 PM	#6
theweebabySeamus Captain 376 Rep 902 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	BMC looks to be a better quality filter but some have reported less throttle responsiveness with BMC. I don't have either so I can't say from first-hand experience, just seen it pop up a few times so YMMV.
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03-22-2023, 01:06 PM	#8
jonf49 Captain 133 Rep 831 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M4 Competition Join Date: May 2022 Location: 94063 iTrader: (0)	Can anyone even send links to where the correct model BMC filter pair can be purchased? Is it available on Amazon? Thanks
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03-22-2023, 01:47 PM	#10
RAT3DM Mod Junkie 52 Rep 59 Posts Drives: F82 M4, E36 M3 Join Date: May 2020 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	Can't speak to the K&N, but I love my BMC intakes. Well built, easy to clean/oil and once I removed the baffle you get some nice turbo noises. Highly recommend them! (also a plus of having the stock filter location is less heat soak (minimal) by the intake.
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03-22-2023, 01:58 PM	#11
Wanted_M Captain 759 Rep 950 Posts Drives: Frozen Blue M4CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Norcal iTrader: (2)	K&N, no issues. __________________ M4CS Frozen Blue ARM DP's/Resonated Mid-pipe \| SPL links \| Hotchkis bars \| JRZ RS2/camber plates \| K&N \| Koyorad HX \| Powerflex purple \| Rouge \| Spiegler \| Speed Eng. snorkel \| Vargas CBC/hub \| Wagner IC \| xHP \| Xpel stealth ppf
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03-22-2023, 02:53 PM	#12
mapster37 Captain 362 Rep 924 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Davie iTrader: (2)	K&N drop ins with charcoal filters removed. Definitely have more intake sound/turbo spool
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03-22-2023, 04:15 PM	#13
2sporty First Lieutenant 244 Rep 356 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Munich iTrader: (0)	Some K&N filters have had chunks of the rubbery stuff on the side of the filters flake off. BMC filters have not had this issue and just seem to have overall better build quality from what I have seen.
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03-23-2023, 12:03 AM	#14
dpgfunk Captain 333 Rep 651 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (4)	I have both K&N and BMC. The BMC’s are much better quality.
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03-24-2023, 02:58 PM	#19
djpeetur Captain 170 Rep 955 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Plano TX iTrader: (23)	Any of those will be fine. Drove 50k with aftermarket intake had rough idle, and too many tuner codes. Dropped in K&N, but cant go wrong with either. Now my car is running with no CEL or codes.
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03-26-2023, 02:40 AM	#21
jonf49 Captain 133 Rep 831 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M4 Competition Join Date: May 2022 Location: 94063 iTrader: (0)	Haven’t received the K&N yet, but heard they sometimes come very oily. Is this anything to be concerned about? Thx
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03-26-2023, 06:44 AM	#22
Jim45678 First Lieutenant 165 Rep 358 Posts Drives: M3 f80 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: capital iTrader: (0)	I'm running BMC for a year and its like new. Additionally delete charcoal filter if your air box has one.
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