What is the general consensus on K&N Flat Filters? Are they worth the extra money? How does the engine respond?
(2.4L T5 N/a Stock)

 

You won't notice anything.

 

Personally, I don't buy into the hype of more power from these types of filters. However, that said, my thoughts on them are that they are worth a bit more $ in the short run to save money in the long run as they are reusable. And with that said, I don't personally like/recommend the K&N style filters and would prefer to use a dry flow filter that doesn't require oiling after cleaning (to eliminate the remote possibility of contaminating the MAF sensor with oil from over oiling). If I could find one that fit my car, I'd be all over Green Filters brand high flow filters in a heartbeat, however they seem to have discontinued making them for the 850 (model 2148) and when found they are over $100 online for NOS. Also kind of partial to them since its a local company...Tried contacting them a few months back to see if they had any in stock or if it was another part number superseding this one, to no avail and no answer in return...

 

I tried both on my 850T. Didn't notice any difference - power, noise all the same. I'm now back to OEM Mann paper filters.

 

U still have to take out and clean the K&N filter and u need to use the right oil spray. Then you can't just put it back in the car after cleaning and spraying, u have to let it dry and that takes another 3 to 4 hours. If it is not dry after cleaning, your engine sucks that oil into the intake.


I had K&N filters on my other cars and unless you air filter box is modified(drilled)holes for the deep throaty noise) there is no difference in performance. It was getting to be a pain cleaning them every 4 months or so.


When I change out the filters I can see the reason why I am changing them. Noticeable dirt and dust. With K&N, since they are colored (Dark Red) they become dark in color days after you clean them. So you have to keep track and also a reminder on cleaning them.


IMO...Thumbs down from me

 

Paper filter would have more filter surface area than k&n filter, more surface area means more space for air to thru.