I have an Ultrik CAI on my Cooper I put on about a year and a half ago. I really like this intake except it has one flaw. The filter cover doesn't like to seat right. But the real reason I'm writing is as you know this intake comes with a MINI Mania foam air filter. Does anybody know if this filter is decent or should I replace it with a K&N filter? I don't know too much about foam air filters. Thanks !!

 

I'm currently using my Ultrik (non-S) CAI with the K&N filter.
There's probably not a big difference, but I prefer a K&N element
to the foam one.
I replaced my Ultrik foam filter with the K&N filter (I had the K&N drop in
before I bought the Ultrik CAI) and it fits fine.
I'll swap the foam filter in temporarily every time I service the K&N
(clean, dry, re-oil).

The MiniMania site says that this CAI can be used with either
the foam or the K&N filter.

 

I would replace the foam filter. I've seen some foam filters deteriate after awhile (they get brittle). You may also want to look at an aFe filter. I heard good things about them. I have their CAI in my MCS. I have no complaints.

Keep motoring.....

 

I have an 05 s that has/had a UNI foam air filter. They deteriorate into dust. That happened to mine because after getting the car from a friend, I never checked the cold air intake filter, and it was completely crumbled. The cotton K&N ones are pre oiled, and more common. Go with those if you can, just check the correct inner diameter and girth. I had to put the same new UNI foam filter on because the intake box won’t let any other K&N filter fit.