Hey,

I'm looking to get a replacement panel filter for my 2007 R56 Cooper S Auto.

Down the track I might think about getting a Cold Air Intake System, but until then a replacement panel filter will have to do.

I've been looking at the following two:

• Alta R56 Panel Filter
• R56 ITG MCS Air Filter

What are the pro's and con's of each (if any) ?

Which one do you suggest I get ?

Any other brands ?

Thanks.

 

I have a K & N I used for 3000 miles, PM me if interested.

 

Either one should be fine, the foam filters MUCH better then the reusable cotton style.
I bought an Alta based largely on price. I don't think air filters really make power, maybe Alta will eventually get that dyno chart up they've been promising, but I wouldn't expect much.
I figure in a year everyone will have some real cold air/ram air intakes fully developed & to market, like M7's ags-r, and we should see some better prices.

 

I've also been considering getting a foam filter. The link that OP provided for the ITG filter says that it nets .6 hp. Is this supposed to be 6 hp or is it really 0.6 hp? Also, do these foam filters require oiling like the K&N does?

 

.6hp sounds realistic, the air filter's a very minor restriction
The advantage is that foam filters don't plug up as quickly and stop/trap more

 

foam filters do require oiling. the oil is like your mucus in your nose, without it, your nose hairs alone would not be able to stop much dirty air.

also... ram air doesnt really do anything with a turbo car. im just using the DIY "CAI" until someone makes a REAL CAI at a reasonable price.

 

So from what your saying, either one will be fine.

What is required to oil the filter?

Does the filter come with the oil?

How often do I need to clean it?

 

I like ours of course :-)

But on the HP gains are going to be negligible on stock HP cars. Meaning there is some slight gain, but nothing huge. We would never mislead clients on that fact. But the filter does a better job when dirty than the OEM unit.

Plus it protects the motor better than the oem, is easy to clean and will last the lifetime of the car. When you figure all of that in and our flat rate shipping, makes it a nice upgrade / maintainance item.

The cleaning kit is only $13 and will clean it a little more than 15 times.

Filters are pre-oiled (you need to remove the excess before installation)

Let me know how I can help in anyway shape or form!

 

Thanks for that.

Still unsure which to go for...

ITG is more expensive from what I can see.

BUT... I've been reading that the ITG offers the following:

- MUCH more torque esp in 6th
- IMPROVED fuel economy by over 15%

Would the ALTA offer the same?

How ofter do the filters need cleaning?

 

they're essentially the same product. If you figure the ITG one gets it's claimed 0.6 hp over stock, even if it did free up a bit more power then the Alta (doubtful), how big of a difference could it be ?

 

You aren't going to feel a difference with a panel filter

 

I'm still yet to get anything (haven't had the time).

But, I just noticed this - http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=33-2936

So, my original question still stands...

Which one should I get?
Or does it really not matter as they will all do the same thing?