K&N Filter bad results against Audi OEM Filter!

[harddrive]

The other week I was reading a post about how the K&N panel filter can stuff up the Mass airflow sensor. I apparently does this by coating it will a haze of oil from the panel itself.

I was also reading that in some cases performance of airflow was worse over that of the OEM filter fitted by the dealer.

I had fitted a K&N panel filter on my A3 3.2L about 4 months ago and was starting to notice a drop in acceleration in high gears as well as a heavy decrease in the coolant level.

Luckily I had just got access to a VAG-COM cable so I decided to run a number of tests between the OEM panel and the K&N.

First I ran a test with the K&N and the engine cold. Then the same test data again after a run of 20 minutes. I then swapped over the panel back to the OEM unit and ran the same tests with that fitted. Surprisingly I found that the K&N was passing less air to the engine than OEM filer according to the data readout. I also found that when I drove the car with the OEM filter the performance was noticeably better

On another plus note my fuel economy has also increased from 25.9 MPG to 29.7 MPG

So the moral of the story is stick to OEM as you save money and MAF sensors!!!

I have taken some of the data and created the attached graph so you can see the differences between the two: [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jump.gif[/img]

[BenjaminTDI]

Just confirms my beliefs that K&N filters are next to useless on modern cars.

I would always recommend sticking with the paper filter that comes fitted standard.

[DHA]

The oil in the K&N is what gets on the MAF. Happened on the original A3s too.

[Paul]

Another thumbs up for the Audi paper filter.

Just because its an Audi part doesnt need to say its inferior.

i replace mine every 10K miles.

They actually flow well as demonstrated above. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

i

[S3ENVY]

I just replaced the paper filter on my S3 with a Pipercross replacement panel filter and the difference in flow rates is substantial.
The engine feels more willing to pull, is quicker throughout the rev range and there is a noticeable increase in torque.
Whether the existing panel needed changing anyway or the Piper is just better, I don't know? But there is a noticeable difference, you can hear the air flowing more freely!
The Pipercross foam used is designed especially for the VAG series and doesn't feature any additives to contaminate the MAF sensor.
I've got a few K&N's lying around, replacement filters and 57i's and like Paul said (Happy Birthday by the way!)....I wouldn't put them anywhere near a modern engine, they're designed for old school draggers with no electronics, besides the point......that red oil is a bugger to wash off! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ECLIPSe.gif[/img]

[shao_khan]

I replaced my TT filter with a K&N and on a roling road saw a 17bhp loss compared to standard Audi part - not bothered considering the change since.

[harddrive]

It is a real shame that the filter is so rubbish.

I wouldn't wish it upon anyone else so I think I will bin the K&N filter rather than selling it on ebay.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Flush.gif[/img]

[BenjaminTDI]

[ QUOTE ]
It is a real shame that the filter is so rubbish.

I wouldn't wish it upon anyone else so I think I will bin the K&N filter rather than selling it on ebay.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Flush.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I bet your car feels like it's got an extra 20bhp now the OEM filter is back on too? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

[harj]

[ QUOTE ]
I just replaced the paper filter on my S3 with a Pipercross replacement panel filter and the difference in flow rates is substantial.
The engine feels more willing to pull, is quicker throughout the rev range and there is a noticeable increase in torque.
Whether the existing panel needed changing anyway or the Piper is just better, I don't know? But there is a noticeable difference, you can hear the air flowing more freely!
The Pipercross foam used is designed especially for the VAG series and doesn't feature any additives to contaminate the MAF sensor.
I've got a few K&N's lying around, replacement filters and 57i's and like Paul said (Happy Birthday by the way!)....I wouldn't put them anywhere near a modern engine, they're designed for old school draggers with no electronics, besides the point......that red oil is a bugger to wash off! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ECLIPSe.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't changed mine yet [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smashfreakB.gif[/img]. Is it easy to do? Can someone show me the way please?

[Paul]

Easy.

Unplug MAF.
Undo Jubilee on the Turbo intake pipe on the MAF
Remove two philips screws on the bulk head side of airbox lid

and its free to come off.