K&Ns
K & N Filters?
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2003 E55 K1
K & N Filters?
Some time back there was a discussion in this forum re a sensor problem from using K & N filters. Something about an oil residue from the filters getting on a sensor and causing a problem. Is this problem real and if so is there a way to avoid the problem. If you were to do a K1 mod would you not do the K & N filters?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
Some K&N filters come soaked in oil. Those are the ones that could present a problem. That however does not mean the filter is bad. It just means they to much filter oil on them. You can wash them and then re-oil. You shouldn't have an issue if its oiled correctly.
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From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
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From: Chicago suburbs
2004 E55 AMG
The oil can coat the wires/sensing elements of a MAF sensor, but lucky for us we don't have a MAF sensor to worry about. Now in some applications it can get really bad. I had a Mustang for a while, and I had to clean the MAF about once a month after I bought a well-oiled cloth filter.
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From: Long Island, NY
Whatever we're tuning!
K&N or BMC! You can't go wrong!
FYI on the MAF/oiling issue for anyone interested in knowing the truth and the extensive testing done at K&N Engineering to dispel this myth!
http://www.knfilters.com/video/product_testing.htm
FYI on the MAF/oiling issue for anyone interested in knowing the truth and the extensive testing done at K&N Engineering to dispel this myth!
http://www.knfilters.com/video/product_testing.htm
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From: LA
W213 E63
Me 
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shrimp boat
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From: LA
W213 E63
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From: Chicago suburbs
2004 E55 AMG
K&N or BMC! You can't go wrong!
FYI on the MAF/oiling issue for anyone interested in knowing the truth and the extensive testing done at K&N Engineering to dispel this myth!
http://www.knfilters.com/video/product_testing.htm
FYI on the MAF/oiling issue for anyone interested in knowing the truth and the extensive testing done at K&N Engineering to dispel this myth!
http://www.knfilters.com/video/product_testing.htm
I'll stand behind and use K&N filters in everything I own. However, I have had 2 vehicles that required MAF cleaning on a regular basis after I switched to oiled filters. One had the K&N FIPK kit on it(back in 1999) and the other had a MAC CAI with another brand of oiled filter. Both setups on 2 different vehicles fouled the MAF to the point the vehicle was undrivable, and a simple cleaning of the MAF made them run perfect, time after time.
K&N can do all the testing they want, but if there is silicone or dirt or something else contaminating the MAF, and the ONLY change to the induction system is the addition of a K&N(or other) product, then that leads me to believe the product is at fault. The fact that a number of people have experienced the exact same issue tells me that something is not right.
I remember hearing claims that people were over-oiling the filters, which was something that was unfortunately not addressed in the video. However, the FIPK I had was on the car for 80K and cleaned/oiled once using the K&N aerosol oil and cleaner per K&N's instructions at 50K or so.
This is of course my personal experience, and what I've taken away from it is that if a MAf-equipped car with an oiled filter is experiencing drivability problems, look to the MAF first, clean it, and then troubleshoot further if needed. On both cars I spent a lot of time chasing dead-ends(plugs, fuel pressure, ignition components) only to find that the MAF was contaminated.
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From: Glendale, AZ
07 E63. 07 STi limited #606/800
I currently have K&N drop in filters on the 63. No problems yet.
The main problem most people are having is that they RE OIL the K&N filter but they put too much oil or they don't let it sit for at least an hour or so before they drive it, so filter wet... plus sucking in air, oil goes over the sensors, and bam, CEL.
so go with them, i swear by them, and 2. don't ever over oil your filter and let it sit out for a bit before you put it back in. take out, oil, let sit for at least an hour or so, then drop in, then try not to squeeze that oil into your intake. GL!
The main problem most people are having is that they RE OIL the K&N filter but they put too much oil or they don't let it sit for at least an hour or so before they drive it, so filter wet... plus sucking in air, oil goes over the sensors, and bam, CEL.
so go with them, i swear by them, and 2. don't ever over oil your filter and let it sit out for a bit before you put it back in. take out, oil, let sit for at least an hour or so, then drop in, then try not to squeeze that oil into your intake. GL!
