Pipercross Filter
- Thread starter Jamie2.5
- Start date
Attleborough, Norfolk
I looked into this for wifey's 2.5i and the general consensus seemed not to bother. The possible issues outweighed the very minor sound benefits.
I ended up sourcing all the parts needed to fit the sound generator, then popped out one of the foam pieces.
Wifey is very happy with the result.
I ended up sourcing all the parts needed to fit the sound generator, then popped out one of the foam pieces.
Wifey is very happy with the result.
You will also need to change the big inlet elbow to one that has the extra pipes coming off it.
You need Item 5.
There are quite a few helpful threads on the forum about changing this over, but to be honest it's not too difficult to do.
I seem to remember there was a bit of jiggling about with the elbow connection to the hose from the MAF, as they are slightly different, but laying it all out on a bench makes it obvious what needs doing.
So, basically, cost is the deciding factor.
You need Item 5.
There are quite a few helpful threads on the forum about changing this over, but to be honest it's not too difficult to do.
I seem to remember there was a bit of jiggling about with the elbow connection to the hose from the MAF, as they are slightly different, but laying it all out on a bench makes it obvious what needs doing.
So, basically, cost is the deciding factor.
enuff_zed said:Not sure whereabouts you are, but on the vague chance you're near Norfolk, I would be happy to help out if needed. I just need a mirror on a 2m stickJamie2.5 said:
Very kind
and would’ve took you up on that offer but I’m in West Yorkshire haha
enuff_zed said:
Is this the same thing here?
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=127947
enuff_zed said:
I’ll bow to your superior knowledge, I just remember seeing it and as you say expensive if it’s not the correct one
M54 and N52 sound generators are different - make sure you get the right one 
I wonder if you can still get them new from the dealer? I needed the rubber grommet that goes in the bulkhead and they still sold them. Might be worth asking !
I wonder if you can still get them new from the dealer? I needed the rubber grommet that goes in the bulkhead and they still sold them. Might be worth asking !
Have I missed the point here. I believe the question was about the Pipercross panel air filter which is sold as a performance filter as opposed to the stock paper one. I also have the 2.5 and did a lot of research into this.
All recommendations were to stay clear of the K&N filter as reoiling the filter after cleaning could lead to oil getting into the intake and playing havoc with the MAF. The pipercross filter uses different levels of foam bonded together and avoids this. I did purchase one last year and was impressed with the quality. Although it is subjective car did seem to pull away smoother and with more punch through the gears as it breathes easier and with less restriction than the paper filter.
Also it didnt make much difference to engine noise so I recommend it completely.
All recommendations were to stay clear of the K&N filter as reoiling the filter after cleaning could lead to oil getting into the intake and playing havoc with the MAF. The pipercross filter uses different levels of foam bonded together and avoids this. I did purchase one last year and was impressed with the quality. Although it is subjective car did seem to pull away smoother and with more punch through the gears as it breathes easier and with less restriction than the paper filter.
Also it didnt make much difference to engine noise so I recommend it completely.
Maybe you have? Maybe you haven't?Mike6 said:
I read the OPs post as wanting to make more induction noise. If so, then the sound generator is far more effective than a filter.
However, if the OP wants a 'performance' filter then maybe a pipercross one would do the trick.
My advice was based on many hours of trawling this site and others, where the general consensus seemed to be they were a waste of money, would perform no better, and in many cases worse, than a good quality paper filter and, if oiled ones, would run the risk of messing with the MAF.
I believe one recent post even reproduced graphs showing how the paper filters invariably came out on top. It seems modern car engines are far better designed and able to extract the best from the standard filters, without running any risk of contamination.
After all that I'd just ask the OP to clarify what exactly he is hoping to achieve?
I agree that if you want more induction noise then the pipercross panel filter is not the way to go. Some folks use an expensive induction kit with a conical filter which fits in the engine bay. They make a lovely noise when accelerating and make you think you are driving a supercharged car whereas in reality you are adversely affecting performance. Your engine sucks in all that hot air off the engine whereas what it wants to aid combustion is nice cold air which it aint getting. Avoid these at all costs.
I dont see any problem with the pipercross panel filter as it avoids the oil issue of K&N ones and does allow the engine to breathe easier. Remember that manufacturers use the restrictive paper ones for cost reasons and they do a good job given their cheapness. All i can say is that I was impressed with the one in my Z4, so much so that I have purchased one for my BMW daycar.
I dont see any problem with the pipercross panel filter as it avoids the oil issue of K&N ones and does allow the engine to breathe easier. Remember that manufacturers use the restrictive paper ones for cost reasons and they do a good job given their cheapness. All i can say is that I was impressed with the one in my Z4, so much so that I have purchased one for my BMW daycar.
Thank you for all the advice and recommendations on the available kit I’m such novice and it’s the first time I’ve bought a project car as my daily is a new X3 which is stock, il look into what engine code mine is.
Yes I did want to know about the piper cross filter but that because I didn’t have a clue that I could add the sound generator to my car.
Let’s all stay calm we’re all friendly Z owners after all haha
Yes I did want to know about the piper cross filter but that because I didn’t have a clue that I could add the sound generator to my car.
Let’s all stay calm we’re all friendly Z owners after all haha
Jamie2.5 said:
Oh I wasn't looking for an argument, just pointing out that I'd read the original question as being related more to sound feedback than performance improvements.Mike6 said:
It is interesting to see that the pipercross filter gives an improvement. Maybe OP you could start with that as it is a damn sight easier (and cheaper) to source than the full sound generator kit.
Having made comments about the pipercross filter in my Zed the one I ordered for my Series 1 BMW has just arrived and it does seem to have a very light waxy (not oily) feel about it . I am sure when I got one for my Zed last year it was a dry filter. Perhaps they have changed the product. So I do have to eat humble pie but I am still pleased with it given it is a lifetime purchase. I will report back in 30 years, although in prison terms that should be less than 5 years.