K&N CAI Review

JL330Ci · 04-27-2010, 02:22 PM

Hey guys,
Another review, this time for the K&N CAI for 05 330Ci.
Initial post on my car can be found here:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=760002

I purchased this item from another member on the forum and it was shipped quite promptly. Every was new and I immediately installed it. Instructions are very clear and installation took maybe 30 minutes. The one thing to note is that you can TELL that the filter is oiled, both by smell and by feel. After installation, the first thing I noticed was the sound, the sound of the engine drawing in air was very noticeable, even from the cabin, and, personally, I love the sound. Although this may be placebo, I did notice a slight increase in throttle response and sensitivity. However, not much seemed to be gained HP wise and the only real improvement was on sound and the look with the hood up lol.
About a year later, I purchased an Amsoil Oil-Free filter. The only one that they had which would replace the K&N filter was slightly larger. It seemed to be better designed as well seeing as the head of the filter could also draw in air whereas the K&N cone filter could only draw in air around the cone seeing as how the front facing portion was not open. The Amsoil filter is blue rather than the red K&N filter and both filters seemed to be the same in performance.
Recently, I decided to clean my MAF because I was getting poor gas consumption and had slight RPM drops at idle at random times. When I pulled the MAF, it didn't seem too dirty, however, there was a small sign of oil on some portions of the MAF, however, it didn't seem like there was enough to cause a problem. Upon cleaning, I haven't noticed a huge difference but I have yet to have an RPM drop, so maybe my problem has been fixed. I cannot test the gas consumption until I get a new tank. I am thinking I could POSSIBLY have a VANOS seal problem, if anyone has any input, it would be greatly appreciated.

sprintman · 04-28-2010, 04:07 AM

Keeo the CAI but change the Krap & Nasty to a quality filter. If you've ever read a UOA from a Krap & Nasty equipped engine you would understand why.

maxi · 04-28-2010, 05:01 AM

I also like the look, the sound of these filters, but I prefer to keep my enging clean dust over the look and sound.

N89 · 04-28-2010, 05:12 AM

Get rid of the Krap & Nasty, get an aFe or Dinan.

04-27-2010, 02:22 PM	#1
JL330Ci Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: N.S., Canada Posts: 66 My Ride: MK2 Audi TTS View My Garage	K&N CAI Review Hey guys, Another review, this time for the K&N CAI for 05 330Ci. Initial post on my car can be found here: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=760002 I purchased this item from another member on the forum and it was shipped quite promptly. Every was new and I immediately installed it. Instructions are very clear and installation took maybe 30 minutes. The one thing to note is that you can TELL that the filter is oiled, both by smell and by feel. After installation, the first thing I noticed was the sound, the sound of the engine drawing in air was very noticeable, even from the cabin, and, personally, I love the sound. Although this may be placebo, I did notice a slight increase in throttle response and sensitivity. However, not much seemed to be gained HP wise and the only real improvement was on sound and the look with the hood up lol. About a year later, I purchased an Amsoil Oil-Free filter. The only one that they had which would replace the K&N filter was slightly larger. It seemed to be better designed as well seeing as the head of the filter could also draw in air whereas the K&N cone filter could only draw in air around the cone seeing as how the front facing portion was not open. The Amsoil filter is blue rather than the red K&N filter and both filters seemed to be the same in performance. Recently, I decided to clean my MAF because I was getting poor gas consumption and had slight RPM drops at idle at random times. When I pulled the MAF, it didn't seem too dirty, however, there was a small sign of oil on some portions of the MAF, however, it didn't seem like there was enough to cause a problem. Upon cleaning, I haven't noticed a huge difference but I have yet to have an RPM drop, so maybe my problem has been fixed. I cannot test the gas consumption until I get a new tank. I am thinking I could POSSIBLY have a VANOS seal problem, if anyone has any input, it would be greatly appreciated. Last edited by JL330Ci; 04-27-2010 at 02:31 PM.

04-28-2010, 05:01 AM	#3
maxi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Qatif -Awamiah Posts: 355 My Ride: BMW E46 328I, 1999 View My Garage	I also like the look, the sound of these filters, but I prefer to keep my enging clean dust over the look and sound. __________________

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04-28-2010, 04:07 AM	#2
sprintman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia Posts: 3,408 My Ride: Ex 325CI owner View My Garage	Keeo the CAI but change the Krap & Nasty to a quality filter. If you've ever read a UOA from a Krap & Nasty equipped engine you would understand why.

04-28-2010, 05:12 AM	#4
N89 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: United States Posts: 4,343 My Ride: 330Ci View My Garage	Get rid of the Krap & Nasty, get an aFe or Dinan.