Alternate Replacement filters for the BMW Performance Air Intake

[Go Horns!]

Anyone ever use anything other than the performance air filter?

The Performance filter measures 10.5 X 6.625 inches.

I know ECS has them for $67. http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/13720431649/ES35342/

Has anyone used an air filter for a 1997 Ford Probe? The flexible replacement from Fram measures 10.36 in. L x 6.45 in. W x 1.56 in. and is $13.76. [URL=http://www.carparts.com/details/Ford/Probe/Fram/Air_Filter/1997/GTS/4_Cyl_2-dot-0L/FFCA7426.htmll[/URL]

If you could bend it, you could get a washable filter in as well.

[kayger12]

Posted this up in another thread:


Ok, the plot thickens. Heard back from Tischer. Part number is 13720431649 and their price is $53.89.

No luck searching for that part number on other sites so far (well, I did find it on Pelican, but it was almost $70).

From the info I can find, the performance intake filter is 10 1/2 X 6 5/8 inches, while the stock filter is 9 3/8 X 6 7/8 inches.

I did a dimension search on the Mann website and the closest filter to that size is a C2759/1-- but of course I can't find that filter size for sale anywhere either.

Plan on figuring this out before I'm forced to pay $50 for an air filter.

There was discussion on this in another thread. There are a few people on here who have been looking for a replacement filter that matches up.

I've still got a while before I need to replace, so I haven't really been looking lately.

Curious to see other's opinions on the smaller filter.

I'll be going either exact fitment or spending the $50. Not worth it for me to risk sucking crap into the motor.

Droid X. Forum Runner. Use it.

[johnrando]

+1 Keith.

[billschusteriv]

It may be worth it to check fit out to see if it covers the opening on the performance intake frame?

[MrMaico]

I bought a spare when I ordered my intake so I'll take it to work with me tomorrow and find someplace that has that Probe filter in stock and compare the two.

Barry

[MrMaico]

Success! Napa Gold 6301. Other than being about 1/8" narrower it's a perfect match. I even pulled my intake apart and test fit it. It takes a little more finessing to get it seated perfectly but once it's screwed down it will work just fine. It comes with a wire mesh layer on it and I think if you wanted to snip off that mesh it would be just as easy to fit as the $55 BMW filter. This one was $9!:biggrin

I wish now I wouldn't have ordered a spare from BMW with my intake.

Barry

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-ZTVBdt8/0/M/IMG0956-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-kfcv7tB/0/M/IMG0957-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-VPMcVpD/0/M/IMG0954-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-rQjF9Jd/0/M/IMG0955-M.jpg

In this last pic, since this was just a test fit, I didn't have the 4 bottom screws all tightened completely, if I had the 2 top screws would have sat flush. Be careful when tightening these two down so that you don't break those two fragile looking ears off.

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-b2rh7hg/0/M/IMG0962-M.jpg

[trancenation]

Great test run! I'm glad to hear that there is a much cheaper alternative. Does the 1/8" difference affect the intake at all?

Success! Napa Gold 6301. Other than being about 1/8" narrower it's a perfect match. I even pulled my intake apart and test fit it. It takes a little more finessing to get it seated perfectly but once it's screwed down it will work just fine. It comes with a wire mesh layer on it and I think if you wanted to snip off that mesh it would be just as easy to fit as the $55 BMW filter. This one was $9!:biggrin

I wish now I wouldn't have ordered a spare from BMW with my intake.

Barry

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-ZTVBdt8/0/M/IMG0956-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-kfcv7tB/0/M/IMG0957-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-VPMcVpD/0/M/IMG0954-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-rQjF9Jd/0/M/IMG0955-M.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-b2rh7hg/0/M/IMG0962-M.jpg

[MrMaico]

No, there is still plenty of area for it to be correctly seated and seal properly.

[MrMaico]

And BTW, I checked out that Probe filter first and it wasn't near close enough of a match even though the measurements seem to be similar.

[Hermes]

KG, did you say somewhere there is a Mann equivalent?

[kayger12]

Yes, sir. Mann-MA 1039 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DRNNQW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001DRNNQW). About $8 on Amazon.

[danewilson77]

Excellent sleuth work and discussion fellas.

[webster]

thanks for this info. how often should you replace the filter, do you guys think?

[kayger12]

I replace it once a year.

[danewilson77]

I replace it once a year.

KG....what's recommended on normal intake filter? 15k miles?

[Hermes]

i think 30k should be fine as a max. isnt the regular one changed at 60k?

[danewilson77]

i think 30k should be fine as a max. isnt the regular one changed at 60k?

No way.....really?

[Hermes]

i've usually been on the once a year plan. if i had to wait 60k I would have just changed it a few thousand miles ago.

Hell, for $8 change it twice a year

[danewilson77]

I used to change mine every oil change.

[Radarcontact]

Just throwing this out there, but does AFE make a (I think it's called) "DRY PRO S" (?) filter that would work? I have one for the OEM box, and I'd never use anything else now. Every once in a while, when I've got five minutes and the hood up, I'll pop it out, smack it on the garage floor, and put it back in. Every now and then I'll hit it with the air nozzle, but that's it. It really works well...catch and release! (I think they come in flat and cone versions)


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[MrMaico]

Mike Miller says to inspect/clean at 15,000 and replace at 30,000. Same with the cabin air filter.

[zhpnsnv]

I usually do air filter every other oil change, or about 15k mi. Gonna pick up some of the cheap perf. replacements linked above.

[kayger12]

Well, I just installed the Mann filter for the Performance Intake.

The pleats definitely look thinner and more open than the oem filter. I also had to play with it a little to get it centered so it sealed well as it's slightly smaller.

I initially figured I'd just keep a close eye on my silicates level on my next Blackstone report. Then I thought about sucking crud into my baby's motor and decided that those kind of thoughts would keep me up at night.

I decided that with how anal I am about everything else with this car, I'm just going to pony up and buy the oem filter.

For the once a year that I change it, I'll just spend the $55.

In the meantime, I'll drive with the Mann for a week until the oem one gets here.

[MrMaico]

Well, I just installed the Mann filter for the Performance Intake.

The pleats definitely look thinner and more open than the oem filter. I also had to play with it a little to get it centered so it sealed well as it's slightly smaller.

I initially figured I'd just keep a close eye on my silicates level on my next Blackstone report. Then I thought about sucking crud into my baby's motor and decided that those kind of thoughts would keep me up at night.

I decided that with how anal I am about everything else with this car, I'm just going to pony up and buy the oem filter.

For the once a year that I change it, I'll just spend the $55.

In the meantime, I'll drive with the Mann for a week until the oem one gets here.

After seeing Marc's pics of the Mann he put in his I'd suggest avoiding that brand. Either the OEM one or the Wix/Napa Gold 6301 that I tried are the best bets. Just because a number can be cross referenced doesn't always mean they will be an identical size.

[kayger12]

Agreed.

[kayger12]

Well, I ran the Mann until the new oem replacement showed up from Tischer.

I can sleep at night now.

[zhpnsnv]

I got some from napa and will replace the mann soon.

[kayger12]

Let me know how you like those.

[zhpnsnv]

Just from taking them out of the box and comparing to stock, I like them much more. I can't say if the fit will be perfect, but it will definitely be more snug.

[kayger12]

Sounds good.

If you're happy with it, I may go that way next year.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Hermes]

I wonder if we can convince AFE to make us a high flow replacement... just thinking out loud

[zhpnsnv]

I support that out loud thinking. Their products are more reasonably priced than stock BMW, right? I like the idea of those pro-dry filters. I did the whole K&N oiled filter before and am not interested in it anymore. I either want to clean and put back in or replace all together.

[kayger12]

I support that out loud thinking. Their products are more reasonably priced than stock BMW, right? I like the idea of those pro-dry filters. I did the whole K&N oiled filter before and am not interested in it anymore. I either want to clean and put back in or replace all together.

+1

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Hermes]

just talked to a guy at AFE... he thinks something might be possible. Tune in next time for updates

[Mtnman]

Updates will be watched for. Ill need a new filter soon.

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[RVAzhp]

any of you guys use the K&N filter?

[danewilson77]

any of you guys use the K&N filter?

You mean like a K&N oiled drop in?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[RVAzhp]

yup.
wait never mind: i was reading this whole thread wrong.

[danewilson77]

yup.
wait never mind: i was reading this whole thread wrong.

Lol... OK.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[MrMaico]

Comparison of the Mann vs Napa 6301.....

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2221-What-did-you-do-for-your-ZHP-BMW-today&p=157845#post157845

http://img.tapatalk.com/43558412-9f48-6f7e.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/43558412-9f5e-25f3.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/43558412-9f6e-ed9c.jpg

[danewilson77]

Thanks Maico! Looking good.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[zhpnsnv]

Napa is much better. Quieter than Mann but better fit.

[MrMaico]

Napa is much better. Quieter than Mann but better fit.

Thanks for the comparison pics Marc. Good example of just because a filter number can be cross referenced to another brand doesn't mean they will be identical in size or construction. Makes sense that the Napa would be quieter since there is more filter material there to muffle the intake noise. Can't have it all I guess.

And for anyone that might not know, Napa filters are just a rebranded Wix filter so they are a good quality filter. They even use basically the same numbering system, 6301 Napa is a 46301 Wix.

[Hermes]

FYI -

I have emailed detailed pics/measurements to the head of car products at aFe. I talked to him about 6 months ago when they had an open house for the LA CCA chapter and he said they would be interested in making us a ProDryS drop in.

Hopefully I get an email back soon

[trancenation]

Just a heads up guys.. BMW is discontinuing the E46 Performance Intake filter replacements ($60) so buy them if you can, while supplies last. On a brighter note, the NAPA Gold 6301 alternative works wonders ($15).

[kayger12]

^Good info. Thanks.

[Tnhl1989]

K&N 33-2068 (http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=33-2068) and Fram CA7598 (http://www.framcatalog.com/PartDetailWindow.aspx?b=F&pn=CA7598)cross reference with the Wix 46301 & Napa 6301 Air Filter (http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-air-filters/46301.html)

Could contact AFE Power (http://afepower.com/shop/custom/contact.php) to custom make it as well.

[Banderson8288]

K&n will not work the pleats are going the wrong direction so the filter will not bend

[Tnhl1989]

I ended up getting two napa filters. Does anyone have an idea where I can get more of the screws? I ended up misplacing two of them since my friends decided to move my stuff around.

[Banderson8288]

Hardware store

[Tnhl1989]

Thanks a lot. I actually found mine :)

[kakashi169]

Argh I can't seem to find the Napa 6301 that would ship to Canada. Can someone link me a their site so that I can check?

[JKO_ZHP]

Argh I can't seem to find the Napa 6301 that would ship to Canada. Can someone link me a their site so that I can check?

http://www.amazon.com/6253-NAPA-GOLD-AIR-FILTER/dp/B008JLGQMS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
The 6253 fits also, if you're willing to try it out.
Pic of the 6253 installed: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11227-E46-Master-List-of-Intakes/page3

I accidentally bought it off Amazon thinking that was the replacement filter since it fooled me, looked about the same.
It was actually a different filter but virtually the same size. Only difference I saw was the color of the rubber lining on the side.

[WOLFN8TR]

I needed this thread beings I know have a BMW Performance Intake, Thanks! :thumbup

[WOLFN8TR]

$10 BMW Performance Intake Filter Element Alternative
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=965435

If you're not looking to drop upwards of $60 plus for the OE filter element part number 13720431649 I came across another alternative that works with our Performance Intake.

In search of the Napa Gold 6301, every Napa Autoparts store I went to seemed to either have the filter sold out or miraculously they "cannot find it" when I got there. I then attempted to order the equivalent WIX46301 filter online however it wouldn't get delivered until two months from now. A little frustrated, I did a few cross referencing and discovered that the Napa Silver 36301 is viable alternative. When I asked the worker at Napa, his simple explanation was Gold is the best they have and Silver comes second. A little hesitant about putting a second tier replacement part on my car, I went ahead and purchased it. Overall, the construction is no different than the WIX46301 or the Napa Gold 6301 based on the photos I've seen online from others. Nothing to complain about fitment as it seats properly in the filter housing.

The following photos depict the OE filter next to the Napa as well as fitment of said filter.

Napa Silver 36301 - approx. $10-$12 with tax - Confirmed fitment with BMW Performance Intake.


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/ne9ame5u.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/8u3ujyzu.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/u5e8ygaj.jpg

[Avetiso]

Nice find. I'm sure the filter is more than adequate.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Nice find Gary.