What a difference an air filter can make !!

B

benv6

Member
 Berkshire
When I bought y 35i I was averaging about 28mpg but it was in a need of a service. I gave it a full service, kit bought from eurocarparts including premium oil, BOSCH spark plugs etc and a discounted CROSSLAND air filter (£6), to my surprise the MPG dropped to about 23/24mpg.

I gave it few weeks and my MPG improved to 27MPG mixed driving and being very careful on the throttle with a very small amount of spirited driving. I still thought that something wasn't right as I know most guys are achieving around the 30mpg mark.

Last weekend I have decided to get an OEM filter from BMW (£35) and woooow!!!!!! I never thought it would make such a huge difference. now a week on and a great amount of spirited driving with some motorways and I am on 29.5mpg. :driving:
 
That's surprising Ben, both being paper filters you wouldn't think there would be much between them :?
Rob
 
Smartbear said:
That's surprising Ben, both being paper filters you wouldn't think there would be much between them :?
Rob
Click to expand...

To be honest the CROSSLAND air filter didn't sit properly and I struggled to close the lid, obviously the BMW one was a perfect fit.
 
Good to know - thanks for sharing.

Hope you dont mind me adding to this point - Any info or recommendations on aftermarket air filters?

I havent had my 35iS long - but the option for a Pipercross or K&N panel filter is normally a good move.

Any info/stories - good or bad?

Thanks.
 
I usually stay clear of the dodgy brand filters (never heard of crossland....). The more premium brands arent that much more expensive if you get them at stores like mister-auto etc.
My favorite brand is "Mann filter" from the easily available brands that generally have all filters. I sometimes get bosch or filtron if I cant get Mann.
 
I remember Crossland from years ago ... so Googled ... and found this on Bimmerforums ...

'Many years ago Crosland were a real major player in the filter world. I sold them for over ten years. Crosland were then sold to Sogefi who own Fram, Purflux and a few others. Euro car parts bought the name only, no development, no technical back up, nothing. Just the name. Now they buy the cheapest filters from around the world you've never heard of box them and sell on the perceived quality of the name. Would you put the cheapest on your car ???'

It is only the internet of course ... but interesting nonetheless.
 
Presumably that 'crossland' filter will have had thicker paper than normal if it restricted air flow to that extent but you'd never know unless you had an OEM one to compare it with.
 
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